Adventure 008, Hike 008 - Rhododendron Loop

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008, Hike 008 – Rhododendron Loop

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  May 29, 2012

Location: Kruse Rhododendron State Park

Hike Info:

 Trail: Rhododendron Loop

Distance: 1.4

Duration: 48 minutes

Elevation Rise: 329'

 Description:
Sometimes you find a place close to paradise. Today was one of those times. We are traveling with my 90 year old parents--my mother loves flowers, so a Rhododendron park is an ideal place for her. Last year while traveling the coast, we saw this state park-Kruse Rhododendron. We noted it and said we needed to come back and take a look at it. So we did. The trip was well worth it. Even though the majority of the Spring bloom has taken place already, there was enough flowers out to satisfy anyone.

While my parents went on a small loop, Sherri and I said we would go hiking for about 30-45 minutes. So up the trail we went. We were immediately struck by the wonder of the place. The Rhododendron, coming to the end of their blooms, and the many other ground flowers just starting their cycles of color. Then the deep rich forest life, along with the coolness of the shade gives the unhurried hiker a reason to pause and enjoy.

Our trail was cut short, as we are conscious of about leaving our parents along for a long time. After all, we are on a family trip, and being together is the family part. But it is a good thing to go at our own pace around the mile and a half loop. Someday, we will need to complete this trail and enjoy all which it holds for us. We find the a sign post for Phillips and Chinese Gulches and take off back towards the car. We cut off at one of the paths to the road and walked down to the car where our parents are waiting. We take a few family pictures and are off again.