Entering California, we were met with an agricultural inspection station.  Since agriculture remains at the center of the state's economy, California has implemented border stations to ensure that no harmful pests enter the state that might harm its agricultural crops.  If our experience was any indicator, the process may lack some effectiveness.
     

Agent:  "Are you carrying any fruits or vegetables?"
Us:        "Yes.  A couple of apples and a couple of oranges."
Agent:  "OK.  Have a good day."

Yet later we read that oranges are prohibited from all states.  Maybe our inspector didn't get the memo.

As we approached the intersection with US-101 and the Pacific Coast, we began seeing gigantic redwood trees along the roadside.  Near Crescent City, we stopped in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park at a site where several giants had fallen during a recent storm.  Two things were immediately clear:  a) people were not allowed to harvest the wood from the fallen trees; and b) they're not called redwoods without reason.
     

A series of letterboxes led us to the Howland Hill Road scenic drive a few miles east of Crescent City.  Located in Jedediah's state park, the unpaved road was originally an old stage trail and winds in and around the massive trees, offering a close encounter with these amazing giants.

     

And there's nothing like a close encounter with a 350-ft. tall tree to give one proper perspective on one's place in the world.  After completing our odyssey through this Brobdingnagian forest, we were left with just enough time to make the 75 miles south to Arcata, our destination for the night, before sunset.  With more of Redwood National Park and the related state parks to see, we'll be returning north tomorrow.
     
As we drove south on US-101 and caught our first view of the Pacific Ocean on this trip, the sun began its slow descent beyond the horizon, reminding us just how short these winter days can be.