3/24 Clam Beach to Elk Valley Casino

3/24/10 Wednesday Clam Beach to Elk Valley Casino

Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1833

Last night our friends around the campfire mentioned Agate Beach where you could find agates on the shore. They planned to go and see what they could find. Then this morning while we were getting ready to leave a lady told us not to miss Agate Beach. So it looks like that will be on the list of stops for the day.

First we stopped at Trinidad State Beach. This was a nice beach. Like the rest, not many people. We did find a few really pretty rocks on the shore. Off to one end were several large rocks. Most of the rocks in this area have lots of color to them. People were sitting on them just watching the day go by. It was a nice place for a lunch or just to pass some time.

Driving back up the steep hill to the main road we passed the Memorial Lighthouse. This lighthouse overlooked a sheltered cove in which several boats were docked. The rugged coastline to the left was in contrast to the cove on the right.

Agate Beach is located inside of Patrick’s Point State Park. The walk down to the beach was steep and long. The only way to access the beach is via the park. The last part of the trail had washed out under the wooden walkway and was tedious getting the final way to the beach.

There weren’t as many agates as I had thought there would be. But still it was another nice beach. Large pieces of driftwood held a waiting invitation for a lunch break. The waves were large and the wind was fairly calm. And who wants to head back up that hill anyway?

On the long walk back to the top several surfers were headed to the beach. Surprisingly they were from their late forties to maybe sixty. The were old enough to know better than to be surfing especially in cold water. But it is their joy and you could see it in their faces as they hurried down the trail.

After finally reaching the top, we paused to watch them for a bit. Strangely they were all off to one side which had a rock just under the surface instead of out in the middle where the larger waves were. But then what do we know about surfing? Maybe for some reason it was better here even with the danger of the rock. One guy finally caught a wave and rode it in a little ways before wiping out.

A few miles farther up the road were the Redwood National Park and State Parks. At Elk Meadows elk were lying in one field watching their daily entertainment of tourists stop to snap photos. This group kept a close eye on us ever ready to dart if need be. These are not tame by any means. Signs warn of trying to approach them. Several elk viewing fields are marked along the road.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park was a really nice park but was too overpriced for this time of year, the lack of services and the cramped spaces for campers to park. After a walk through the redwoods, we decided to venture on to find somewhere else for the night’s stay.

It’s getting late, rain keeps threatening to engulf us. Nothing is presenting itself for a good overnight location. OK, just keep going and stay open for a serendipitous event to occur.

We see a sign for a campground and also a casino at an exit. How funny…after investigating, neither was open and probably hasn’t been in years. Keep going.

Trees of Mystery. The lady this morning said this was also a must see. It is 5:10pm and probably too late. Yes they are closed but we were able to go through the gift shop and museum of Indian artifacts. Outside was a huge statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox. Signs are posted for no overnight camping so we hit the road again.

Another sign - Elk Valley Casino. We are getting closer to the south of Crescent City so maybe this will work out for the night. We follow the way the sign pointed but there were no more signs. Ok, if we don’t find it soon maybe we better turn around and keep going north. Then a dead end. Off to the far right…that might be it. We pulled in and looked at each other. This place was fairly small and was built like a metal outbuilding. Nothing fancy. Good sign, another RV was parked in the parking lot. A security guard passed by behind us and Thomas went to talk to him.

When Thomas came back he looked like he had struck gold! He said, “Not only will we be parked here tonight, we will be eating all you can eat Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet for $10 each!” And there it was the beginning of a serendipitous event!

The guard showed us to a gravel lot off to the right which was posted as no parking. He told us to park here and he will tell the late shift that we will be staying there. Buffet starts at 6pm and we would need to get a players card for the Buffet. We were both so excited but weren’t sure what we would get. I mean, this is a little no nothing place with absolutely nothing around it anywhere. Surely no one would be here.

Upon entering, the place was packed. The security guard was at the desk when we got there and told the ladies who we were. We got our players cards and they put $5 free play on each card for us to gamble with. Going into the room where the Buffet was served was another surprise. We were going to have to wait for a table! Where did all these people come from?

The meal was delicious to say the least. Probably the best and most we had eaten in a while. When we were able to move, we went to a slot machine. Thank you very much for the wonderful buffet, the $10 total free play and the $30 we won. This is a must stop when in the area! If nothing else but for the Wednesday night buffet! Everyone at this casino is super nice and extremely friendly.

A good night sleep in an almost deserted lot with security watching out for us and the rain pattering on the metal roof. Can it get any better?