July 20, 2016 – Thank You Forest Keepers

Laine’s second request for our Northcoast trip was a hike through Fern Canyon. The first time Denis and I hiked this canyon some 37 years ago we were chased by elk across the sand dunes. We were sad not to see any elk on the dunes this trip, but it saved me from showing how slow I’ve become. Fern Canyon was just as beautiful and amazing as the first time I saw it. It makes me truly thankful for our National Park Service and other stewards of our natural wonders that work hard to maintain these beauties for future generations. As we travel the country in Scoop and Molly we plan to hit every National Park we can.

We also walked through Lady Bird Johnson Grove. How small and humble you feel amid the giant trees. Laine won the Banana Slug Spotting contest by being the first to spy the slimy creature. Her reward? A banana slug magnet for the fridge. Then it was off to Arcata to see if our old haunts were still there. Many had changed names but the familiar scent of Humboldt Homegrown still wafted across the square.

Lucky day for Laine. Besides finding the first Banana Slug, she found a four-leaf clover.