Map of Part 2 route

We'd never seen a 'deer warning' sign that included a baby deer

One of our favorite TV shows was the ‘Eureka’ series on the SyFy Network, so we just had to visit the town, even though the series was not filmed here. We first walked along the waterfront boardwalk, and then into the Historic Old Town, where we admired the Victorian architecture, and stopped for some local beer and wine tasting.

Lots of nice Victorian architecture in Old Town Eureka

Chris had read lots of campers’ reviews of the Elk Country RV Resort saying it was a great campground for watching the Roosevelt Elk in the area. We reserved it only a day or two in advance and got what we think is the best spot there, assuming that is, that what you want most there is to watch the elk. From the company website, 'The largest herd of Roosevelt elk in the world makes its home here and are seen in large numbers nearly every day in the meadows and fields at the Resort.'

This sign reminded us of the one in the M*A*S*H TV series

Little red schoolhouse on the prairie

We backed into our site #518 in the corner, where two perpendicular rows met, and got hooked up. Our back window looked out on the meadow where the elk often gather. There were just five bucks out there that first afternoon, no sign of the cows, but it was fun to watch them engage in an occasional clash of antlers. The camp host told us that it was rutting season, when the bulls duke it out with one another to vie for the attention of the females, and ultimately, breeding rights.

Cooper enjoying his favorite spot

Sunday, Sept 17, 2017 (California)

Elk Country RV Resort Campground

The next day the same bull elk were hanging around in the meadow again, but still no females. We decided to stay another day, in the hope that more elk would arrive. We took a walk around the nearby lake, and took advantage of the campground shower facilities.

Monday, Sept 18, 2017 (California)

Elk Country RV Resort to Redwood National & State Parks (Mill Creek Campground)

Our delay leaving was well-rewarded as we awoke to find the meadow behind our coach filled with dozens of elk, 6 or 8 bulls and probably 30 cows. After watching their behavior for awhile, it was obvious which bull had won the competition for the harem, and he was indeed a handsome fellow. The occasional ‘bugle calls’ of the bulls were an eerie and haunting sound.

Video showing elk competing for the right to mate

Sound file of elk bugling

This big guy won the competition for the harem.

Barley watching the elk from our bedroom window