From the Beaver State to the Golden State


March 11, 2011 was a milestone date for me. It was my 40thbirthday. It was also the same day of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck the Tohoku Japan coast. The tsunami that followed had a devastating effect among so many communities in the Pacific, and caused terrible destruction in Crescent City, California. Six-plus years later, locals were still discussing the impact of the roiling seas upon their marina, boats, and fishing industry. I am including links to several videos I found from that day online here:




Prior to leaving Oregon, while we were still in Newport, we visited a “dock” in the downtown area that came from Japan! It made it's way across the Pacific over one year after the earthquake and settled on a Newport beach.  Meanwhile in Crescent City, although they rebuilt much of the marina, the area still seemed “off” to many because of the aftereffects of the tsunami a few years prior. 


A whimsical bicycle rack in Crescent City

One of the things that I wanted to do most upon arriving in Northern California, was to see the giant Redwoods with Paul as he had grown up in California. I was definitely not disappointed when we finally arrived and went to check them out with our friends John and Debbie from the sailing vessel Bella Nave.  Both sailboats reached Crescent City on the evening of August 22nd. We rented a car together and drove to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park a couple of days after our arrival. The trees and landscape were amazing! We stayed in the area until the 26thbefore making the journey for San Francisco. Check out these pictures! Also, a BIG “Thank You” to John and Debbie for being our boat-buddies as we left Newport Oregon.  We sure were nervous starting back up on our journey and were grateful to have them to talk with and message once in a while.



Both Debbie's pose at the bottom of a giant redwood tree

John, Paul, and Sydney on one of several trails within the park

Majestic!

Incredible patterns and colors within the forest

I think this is the last time we wore these heavier jackets while cruising 

We will miss John and Debbie while they puddle jump across the Pacific to the French Marquesas  


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