Finding the Lost Coast

We've braved the skyline of King Range,

Been awestruck by the view,

Above the morning clouds that shroud

The vast, Pacific blue.

*

Now, teetering here, on the edge

Of all the world we know,

The gray gives way to our first glimpse

Of surf and sand, below.

*

A full day of adventure waits,

If we should only dare

The headlong rush from high to low

Beyond the tight curve, there.

*

Foxglove blooms above this hill,

Dayflower down below.

Beside the streams that trickle down,

Prolific daisies grow.

*

Yes, we've been down this road before,

And down its side routes, too.

We've topped off in Petrolia

And dined in Honeydew.

*

We've seen the lighthouse on the point,

The rocks where ships were tossed

And visited the pioneers

Whose lives, in floods, were lost.

*

Along the cut banks of Bull Creek

We've woven to and fro,

Until we reached the stately groves

Where tall Sequoias grow.

*

We're here, once more, atop the rise

Watching waves break, below.

A final look, a final grin,

And down, again, we go!

***

The Lost Coast in Northern California is a rugged stretch of coastline that was left undeveloped when Highway 1 was under construction, due to the steep, difficult terrain. Lost Coast Road refers to a scenic loop that begins and ends on Highway 101 at Fernbidge.

There are alternate ways to complete the loop, one of which rejoins 101 after a drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This was always the favorite route for Pam and me. The trip takes 7 to nine hours, depending on how many stops you make. This road features striking variations in the coastal landscape, from mountains to sand dunes and prairie. It's both beautiful and historic.

We've made the trip several times, including a very memorable one with our good friend, Ruth. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Thanks for reading!

Created for the "The Road Drops Here" Challenge":