Day 14: Cave Junction to Redwood National Park

Sunday, May 9th (Happy Mother's Day)

• This day almost caused our trip to end in disaster...or at least be suspended...

• But first, we enjoyed church in Cave Junction - it felt like a world away from the Mukilteo, Washington ward from last week. The people were very friendly, but the ward felt a little bit like the mission field again.

• The ward members recommended that we drive through Hiouchi area of the Redwoods in Northern California - part of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It was another adventure on a dirt road, but we enjoyed the slow drive and the visit to Stout Grove - something of a hidden gem that whetted our appetites for more Redwood viewing.

• We camped at Nickel Creek on the coast, and enjoyed a beach walk/scramble viewing sea anemones, crabs, birds, and other marine life.

• While eating our Himalayan Lentils and Rice for dinner, Jennifer cracked her crown on her front tooth. This was cause for much concern and some laughter (or the other way around). We didn't know if we would be able to continue our adventure or if we would have to hole up somewhere and wait for dental repairs.

• That night, we were dumped on with torrents of rain. It was definitely not an occasion for laughter.