Redwood National And State Parks, California                       Oct. 8-10, 2016

Walking quietly among giants.

It took a concerted effort to save the last major redwood forests along California’s northern coast.  Now a system of three state parks and Redwood National Park provides people with the opportunity to see these ancient trees.  The four parks are administered together; I found several visitor centers – but no convenient ranger-led tour.  I did find maps and a very helpful ranger who circled the roads and hikes I should travel – so off I went.

The very best experience is a 15 mile gravel road with lots of pullouts.  Places to let another car pass – or to sit and look – or to park and get out and walk.  I saw almost every make and model car on the road so anything driven carefully is fine.

Just the drive is an incredible experience!

It’s dark, but the interplay of light and shadow is a visual delight.

And the trees are amazing!

Very highly recommended.

You’ll see the trees from the car.  But to experience them – get out!

Many of the trails are very easy – broad and well maintained.

I found myself walking very slowly, quietly, immersed in the spirit of giants.

It’s also a playful experience.  There are others in these woods with you.  Me.  With no camera!  Because a nice guy is using it to take my picture.  A new experience!

Particularly the young are having fun.  I couldn’t climb up on this fallen log, but enjoyed taking pictures of those who could.

These two playfully walked back and forth, from one end to the other and back again.

These guys just appeared out of nowhere on this log.

Looking up is special.  I found a nice cluster of trees and laid on my back for this shot.

Big is one description.

Almost everywhere you look, you’ll say to yourself, “BIG!”

And you’ll keep on saying it.

Over and over and over.

But don’t miss the middle sized visual delights.

Or the little delights.  Be sure to look down as well as up!

Be sure to study the light.

Be sure to love the greens.

Soak it all in, return to your car.  Drive three miles – and do it all over again!

I ended my tour at the southern-most visitor center.  This exhibit blew my mind.  The tree fell in 2005.  It was sliced and the rings counted.  The left-most label read, “1000 Vikings discover North America”  Other labels read, “1218 Genghus Khan conquers Persia”,  “1368 Ming dynasty begins” and “1620 Pilgrims land …”  The tree was over 1,000 years old!

I sat for awhile just thinking about the history …