Back in April 2008, I was attending Humboldt State University, which is only about thirty miles south of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (PCRSP). At the time, I was also working on preparing a research paper and oral presentation regarding the park. So, I decided to take a visit and get some photos for my PowerPoint show. Early one morning, I set out for a long day trip. Before I entered PCRSP, I stopped at Elk Meadow in Redwood National Park and photographed some of the towering coast redwoods.

After I entered PCRSP, I stopped and checked out Gold Bluffs Beach.

Soon, I found a big Roosevelt elk along the road.

After parking near the Fern Canyon trailhead, I took a short walk to the beach and found more bull elk.

After my elk viewing extravaganza, I headed up Fern Canyon.

After Fern Canyon, I ventured into the primeval redwood forest.

After the redwoods, I hiked near the coast and visited Gold Bluffs Beach and nearby meadows again.

Eventually, I left the Gold Bluffs Beach area and drove up the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which cuts through the center of PCRSP.

On my way home, I stopped near the town of Trinidad and saw sea lions lying on rocks. Whales and their puffs of spouting water were also visible in the distance, but they were too far away for decent photos.

I got back to my apartment in the evening with a bounty of spectacular photos to use in my oral presentation. I gave the presentation about a month later and the photos and my smooth, authoritative vocal delivery helped me net a solid A grade in my Geographic Research & Writing class.