june 2016 | the redwoods

Since we couldn't go ANYWHERE with Scout we drove around some roads recommended to us by a ranger, which was pretty nice. 

Our campsite was also REALLY beautiful, and very secluded. Almost too secluded, actually, because on the last morning as we were waking up Scout started to bark into the woods - and since she isn't really a barker Caleb got out of the tent to see what was up... and there was a BEAR coming into our campsite!!!! Caleb did all the right things (yelling, making yourself bigger) and I did all the wrong things (cowering in fear and saying "oh my god" over and over). Scout helped out by barking and the bear turned and meandered on off, thank god. 

So yeah, I get why no dogs are allowed on any trails. I can not imagine running into a bear on a trail, and having it attack Scout! 

 Plus, we got to drive to the place where they filmed part of Star Wars! The park with the Ewoks... that was exciting for me... less so for Caleb who has never seen the movies, but here it is!!:

june 2016 | crescent city, ca

One day we spent the day driving down highway 101 - we went to Crescent City for lunch and on the way back stopped by beach after beach. Scout loves them! 

Then, on the way back, we saw a billboard to drive thru a tree... it seemed like a "must do", so we paid the $5, and viola! We got to drive (and walk!) thru a giant redwood tree!

august 2016 | scout's birthday!

One year ago, we adopted Scout.

It's been such an amazing year with her! Certainly something to celebrate! And an excuse to have a party and bbq on the beach! 

 ^ I love this one, you can see everyone taking pictures of her! She loves all the attention, it's so cute. Okay, everything she does it cute.

I mean look at this face: 

Big thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate, and sent sweet notes all day! It means so much to me! ♡♡

june 2016 | the redwoods - trees of mystery

It felt like the entire way to California we kept seeing signs that looked something like this:

It looked totally kitchy (like the Disneyland of the Redwoods?) and not really our thing... but... well, when I booked our trip I knew that no dogs were allowed in the Redwoods. I figured we would be able to find some hike where dogs were allowed and we could hike in the day. But dogs REALLY aren't allowed ANYWHERE, so we were at a loss for what to do all day, and, well, dogs are allowed at the Trees of Mystery. They know their market, huh? :)

^standing in front of a giant slice of a Redwood.

and, riding the gondola! It was cloudy, but it was still really cool.

At the end there was an entire section of just wood carvings, of everything you can imagine. Bible scenes, squirrels, etc, etc, etc.

While it probably wasn't something I would have normally done (okay, it really wasn't) it actually ended up being a nice morning there and I was really surprised by how interesting and informative it was. It also was completely empty when were were there, an added bonus! Would defiantly reccomend if you have a free afternoon ...and a dog :) 

july 2016 | girls day at the beach

When our hiking took us up a logging road that ended in us almost being hit head on by a logging truck that I am 90% sure didn't even see my little car, and this sign:

we went for plan b, which was drive back down the terrifying road, see some cute loggers on the way, stop and enjoy the view...

 and then go get ice cream and cheese :)

 Then we went for a walk and ate dinner on the beach.

And ended with this amazing view over the water before heading home. ♡

june 2016 | snow tower lookout

To start off our road trip to the Redwoods I rented Snow Tower Lookout for three days, in southern Oregon - almost to California! It was great because the last tower we went to was three flights up and Scout HATED the stairs. We had to drag her up and down, and she peed all over Caleb each time. This one was nice and flat - ideal :)

And beautiful.

  Views that go on forever.

We never cooked on the stove in the lookout, instead we cooked over the fire, which was great.

 The sunsets and sunrises were unreal. The weather was so clear the entire time.

 We spent a lot of time reading, playing puzzles and card games.

 The last morning there were some clouds, but they were below us which was so cool!