There are three genera of redwoods. Two are to be found in California: the first are the giant sequoia growing on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The second, the more famous coastal redwoods, the taller cousin.

A perfect excursion from the Shelter Coves’ Tides Inn, the Avenue of the Giants is California of 50 years ago. Once visiting, you'll love the north coast.

All one needs to find these giants is a map and brace of sweaters. It is well advised to bring both. Travel the stretch of historic US-101 through the redwood country of Humboldt County, frequently called the “Avenue of the Giants,” is lined by pristine groves of massive trees and provides boundless opportunities to identify your own insignificance in nature’s greater scheme. If you ever tire of the display of natural majesty, or simply want to keep with the modern “civilized” world, don’t lose hope. Every couple of miles, amongst the trees, you’ll find a souvenir stand selling redwood furniture and chainsaw sculptures. You can also find wonderful tourist locations such as the “Legend of Bigfoot” or “Hobbittown USA,” in Phillipsville, located approximately 30 miles north east of Shelter Cove. These tourist destinations have been in operation since the early days of car-borne tourism, and are as much a part of the redwood experience as the trees themselves. Most charge only a couple dollars’ admission, so there’s nothing to lose.

While you’re encouraged to stop at any and all of these tourist destinations, the coast here is a very different animal itself. This is windcheater and wetsuit territory, although the sun shines from a clear blue sky. October is just about the best month of the year to venture north, gloriously fog and tourist-free. From pretty Bodega Bay past the rugged Sonoma Coast state beaches to Fort Ross, the road dips and twists through a series of hairpin bends.

Whale watching is a popular pastime; even some of the local bars have a purpose-built observation tower. With the weather-bleached timber houses of pleasing proportions set amid drifts of autumn-hued coastal grasses, the scenery of the “Lost Coast” couldn’t be more appealing.  

A day trip from Shelter Cove can take you to Mendocino. This charming town of Cape Cod-style cottages is lapped with pretty gardens, perched on a bluff above a rugged, river-fed bay. It was here in Mendocino that the infamous Angela Lansbury investigated her way through countless episodes of Murder, She Wrote. Cruising into town, it is easy to understand why directors have been coming here since the 1950s, for it's hard to imagine a more perfect coastal village.

Dungeness crab cakes and California rockfish dipped in a local ale batter are often washed down with a bottle of chardonnay. While in town, be sure to explore the Headlands State Park, criss-crossed with narrow paths leading around the bluff and along the cusp of the cliff to the bay.  

When staying in Humboldt County, it is important to remember that because of the lack of financial resources, Humboldt County park facilities are considered to be more primitive than facilities managed by other agencies. Most areas including the campgrounds are equipped with sanitary facilities and running water. Many visitors enjoy the more rustic setting offered by the Humboldt County Park System. So sit back and enjoy the majestic scenery provided by the Avenue of Giants.