Redwood Adventure

Redwood adventure is my special blog for Journey4Us second year anniversary.

Yes! My Redwood Adventure anniversary blog came quite late this year, but then I guess it shouldn’t matter that much. We stick to the belief that blogging is my hobby and not my job. You know what I mean.

Anyway, welcome everyone to the Redwood Adventure blog where I will be sharing with you all how my family and I spent that Sunday morning in Northern California. Come and join us!

How our day started.

On a Sunday morning around 11 am, we left the house and the tribe was divided into two. Yup, it was the eight of us and we won’t fit in a car. Thank you ofcourse to Oma and Thea for driving us all safely.

In the car, I was with Theonee and Willy, the pretty princess dog; and Oma and Ben. I couldn’t believe that I was petting a dog on that long drive of ours. I must say, Willy is such a well behaved and adorable dog. I heard Thea trained her keenly to achieve that kind of behavior she has. Amazing! Made me really think that I can also be a real pet lover. Anyway, as we drove way up North, there was nothing much I could do but to be amazed with everything I was seeing. From the hills, mountains, trees, with the rays of the sun glistening to each of their trucks…it was just a perfect moment to be quiet and simply adore the surroundings. I guess I captured some of those views while we were driving. Here they are:

https://youtu.be/zc-Aoowa2yM

Redwood Adventure Video

The mini break we took during the Redwood Adventure

After like an hour of driving we stopped by a mart for some comfort room usage and of course chips and drinks break. I mean Pringles and coffee break. The kids and I definitely can’t hide our excitement about the adventure we were about to take.

Then finally, we arrived at a place where people could stop by and take a peek at those Redwood trees. I have never felt so short and small until I stood next to a Redwood.

Things I knew about Redwood Trees after some Google reading and lecturing from Micheale.

Redwood Trees are only found in Northern California
Usually can be mistaken with Pine Trees
Tallest trees in the planet
Wild animals thrive in there
Their roots intertwine
They sip on fog
They are climate-crisis fighting superstars

As we enter the area where the Redwood Trees are.

And the list could go longer as tons of information about it can be found in too many articles over the internet.

But, why am I sharing our Redwood Adventure as a special anniversary blog?

Why am I sharing our day to the Redwood?

I guess many can predict why. Many of you could definitely understand why this holiday felt like a must needed one. Thank you to those who expressed their sincere happiness about the journey we took. A few of you did, and that’s just what matters. Let’s go back to why I am sharing this special blog as Journey4Us anniversary special.

Each day of our US travels, there was never a moment I forgot about Michelle. Every angle and every view I witnessed, she was just there. It was just so surreal how her smiling face automatically just pops in all the time. During our little walk at the Redwood, that was also the time where I felt her so strongly. Walking under the shade of those giant Redwoods feels like the moment where we were together enjoying the holiday we took together. Every step I took, felt like I was walking for the two of us. No one really knew that I wrote her name in one of those trees saying “BB and Chelle”. I know it may sound a bit delusional, but I guess many people can relate and understand these kinds of behaviors. I guess everyone who experienced a great loss always holds on to something that can give them a little joy; just like writing their loved ones’ names on something that is alive. If you feel and act the same way, let me know. Let’s enjoy our little moments of celebrating the loss of loved ones together.

Where did we go after seeing some Redwood Trees?

Okay, let’s move on. After we had our walk in the Redwoods area, we stopped by a souvenir shop to get some little goodies. It was a shop full of Redwoods and Bear inspired souvenirs. We decided to enjoy the vibe of being tourists by purchasing items like, Bear coffee mug, 101 street sign, Redwoods sign boards, California silver spoon, coasters, and the last thing we debated to get it or not…a Brewsky California opener. Pretty casual I must say. We spent like $80 for all those items, and now seeing those items in our house in Cambodia.

Here comes meal time!

Right after our mini shopping spree, it is food time! Finally, as the kids would say. We stopped by a place called Humbolt Burgers. As they all say, “American burgers are only found in the US.” I guess what it means is literal. Burgers from that place really can never be found elsewhere. They tasted so juicy, smoky, and delicious. What a personal experience for us. I guess that was the legit American burger I have tasted ever. Our meal time became more memorable as American western country sounds were playing in our background. Yes. there was a stage and band performers playing something I would never hear from any other places. The live band was giving us all an experience that I can normally just see on movies and TV shows. I was enjoying every moment of it.

Our way back home

Finally, after our burger time we were off home. Same as how we started our day, I enjoyed every view I have to see again on our way back home. I fought back the sleepy head I was experiencing, but I guess I did have a little nap in the car. When I opened my eyes, I was shocked that we were five minutes away from the house. When we arrived home, we took a little rest and started the day at home. I was super satisfied with how the day went. We left early and still were able to enjoy the rest of the day with family at Oma’s place. That day gave me a realization that we were close to leaving. We were close to going back to Cambodia. Therefore, I enjoyed every single moment left by picking some berries in the backyard and just gazing at the beauty of the environment I was in.

So again, why is the Redwood Adventure so special to me?

I was able to see something I knew not everyone can see, so it was pretty special. I felt so grateful.
It was the day when the family took a little adventure together.
It gave me a moment to totally appreciate my life.
It was great to see how the children were freely enjoying their surroundings. Seeing them got so astonished with what nature has to offer was priceless.

How does my Redwood Adventure inspire others?

My experience is proof that life is indeed a roller coaster ride. Sometimes we are down, yet days will come that we experience real joy.
That we should always appreciate the time and chance we are spending with our family and loved ones.
Take one day at a time. Enjoy what is there to enjoy, and endure and acknowledge some loneliness life can bring us. That will make us whole.
If you have the chance to travel, take it and never doubt. Traveling indeed can give us a sense of clear direction about the steps we have to take in life.

There we go everyone, as Journey4Us is entering its third year, I would love to thank you all for the support you have been giving. For all the sweet and appreciative private messages you are sending me, a huge thank you for that. You are indeed making our journey more beautiful.