While I spend a lot of time looking forward to where I want to go, I also enjoy reflecting on the places Eric & I have been. Our trip to Trinidad Northern California in 2014 was one of those trips that we repeatedly go back to. The photos from that trip were some of our favorites, but it was also the slow pace & feeling that we were living like locals that really stuck with us.
We stayed in one location for this trip — a cozy loft cabin called Abalone Cove, which we found on VRBO.com. The owner lived right next door but we had total privacy the entire time, including the private beach! Fresh seafood & produce were plentiful at the local Murphy’s Market & farmer’s markets in Eureka & Arcata, so Eric really enjoyed cooking on that trip.
The cabin sat atop a cliff & immediately dropped down to the coast, so the walk down to the beach was a little steep — but it was such a magical walk, complete with snails & waterfalls.
The views from our lodging were equally excellent, especially from the hot tub. We loved how quirky the artwork was inside the cabin (worth staying there just to see the provocative tomato painting). Our only complaint was the incessant “barking” noises from the seals & sea lions — they might look cute but they are the chattiest animals!
When we weren’t lounging around watching the fog roll in on our private beach, we went hiking. Which was so easy as there are TONS of great trails all around Trinidad. This is California Redwood country…just take a look at what’s available:
One of our favorite trails was Fern Canyon, which was in Prairie Creek State Park. It’s a popular trail because Jurassic Park 2: Lost World was filmed there, but the trail is so beautiful it’s worth the crowds! We combined it with a portion of the James Irvine Trail & walked along the beach, which is where we literally ran into a bull elk.
While Fern Canyon was marvelous, our next day in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park was unbelievable! I had always been told old growth redwoods were majestic, but there’s simply no way to describe the feeling of standing so small among those giants. When I see natural wonder like that, it’s impossible not to believe in a loving Creator. I can’t remember the exact trails we hiked, but I THINK it was Stout Grove & Boy Scout Tree. Some of these photos might also be from Humboldt Redwoods State Park — which we equally loved! Whichever trails you pick, you can’t go wrong.
We spent time just driving the coastal roads & stopping to walk along beaches. Some of these photos were taken at Shelter Cove, which is a hidden gem visited only by the brave people willing to drive the insane windy road down to the coast. I remember vaguely there being some cuss words thrown around during that drive, but all was worth it in the end.
And last but not least, I’ll leave you with some fun photos…
