Vacation- day #2

 July 4th. This was the awesome wood carving just outside the pool area at the hotel where we stayed overnight.  It was a wonderful reminder of this great country that we live in.

 After a great night of sleep and a good breakfast, we headed off on the second day of our trip--destination: the Petrified Forest.

 It was impressive to see how these massive redwoods had been unearthed and were now visible in their preserved form.

 The thinker...

 ...the poser 

 An impressive sign in the midst of petrified wood

 Hard as rock...

 We love the woods!

 As we drove thru Sonoma county, we passed by many beautiful vineyards.

 In a small town, we got stuck in traffic as a celebration parade ended. (But it was OK, cause we got to enjoy some red, white and blue!!!) 

 Next, we drove along a stretch of the Avenue of the Giants--those impressively tall redwood trees. 

 We drove thru the Shrine tree...

 ...stopped for a photo op

 ...and finally found our retirement cottage!

 Next we headed for the beautiful Victorian town of Eureka. It was a clear, sunny California day!

 We admired this beautiful motel-restaurant on the pier

 and the canals looking out toward the ocean.

 There were large crowds of people enjoying the afternoon celebrations downtown. 

 This mural was painted on one of the old buildings downtown.

 A landmark Victorian home on the hill.

 Next, we headed up the 101 and stopped at the Trinidad lighthouse.

 This lovely lighthouse overlooks this serene, but deadly bay.

 Then we drove into the Redwood National & State Park, where we planned to camp for the night. 

All seven of us slept in this sweet little tent!

Sisters! 

 My cousin and her husband were the hosts...

 Andy was the grill chef...

 ...and we all enjoyed the food!

 We topped off the evening with s'mores

 more s'mores...

 and more...

 Delicious!

 Morning haze, July 5th- we were the first ones up...

 got the coffee and hot water going...

 Pastoral meeting

 Thanks Olsens, for a wonderful camping time together!

 It was so much fun to be together with our former asso. pastor and wife again!