Leaving the Victorian village of Ferndale, we headed south on Route 101, which transformed from a two lane road to a highway, with more Redwoods to explore.
At the north entrance to the Avenue of the Giants, we entered Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Everywhere we turned were Redwoods, but every view different.
Stopping at one of the visitor centers, we picked up more souvenirs and looked counted rings on various trees that had been sawn to date historic events within the tree’s lifespan.
DRIVING THROUGH A TREE
However, my husband’s greatest goal was to arrive at Myers Flat to drive through a tree…a tradition that has beckoned tourists as far back as the Model T Era.
He had done this many years ago in another section of the Redwoods, but each one is quite different and far more narrow than I remembered from cartoons when I was little.
Since Redwoods can grow almost anywhere, though optimally in Northern California due to its unique climate, many of these towering trees grow on private property.
Located just outside Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Shrine Drive-Thru Tree Autopark signs appeared.
We drove up to pay our nominal admission fee and drove in.
Called a chimney tree because fire created a hollow interior, the owner widened it to allow vehicles to pass through.
Meanwhile, it continues to be a living tree!
After watching the vehicle ahead of us take its turn, we were next.
It seems more narrow than it really is.
Since we had a rental car, we were extra careful.
In preparation, we rolled down our windows to pull our sideview mirrors flat against the car.
Check my video on youtube.
After we drove through the tree together, I hopped out to take pictures of him driving through.
CATHEDRAL TREES
While he parked the car to rejoin me, I explored the attractions…which included these three Redwoods growing so closely together…
…that it appears that their bases grew into each other to form one tree.
FAIRYLAND VILLAGE
Everywhere I turned I imagined Raggedy Ann and Andy playing in this forest, and my granddaughter’s (aged 16 months and 5 years) would love to join them, here!
This two story house is totally available for kids to play in! There is even a carved out stairway inside for children to climb to the top floor and peek out of the top window.
The stairway is right next to me, while I sit on a carved bench.
When I showed her the pictures, my oldest granddaughter fussed that she wasn’t here too!
Since we were famished, our next stop was lunch in a garden amidst the Redwoods! Stay tuned!
