red woods

Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville is a state park protecting a grove of 1000-year-old redwoods. 

It's a quiet place to walk, aside from the sound of the river and the occasional baby or dog. 

Even the stumps are great. 

You can really see the color of the wood. 

A few of the larger trees are named like the Colonel Armstrong and the icicle. 

We named a few of the others. 

Redwoods only grow on the Pacific coast from central California up to British Columbia plus an old grove they've located in Sichuan province. 

There's very little that can't be improved by a walk in the forest. 

Grateful these old trees have been protected and will still be here, long after we're gone. 

river dance

I headed up the coast to Jenner today. It's been much too long since I was here. 

This is where the Russian River empties into the Pacific. There were lots of deals sunning themselves and a few otters playing. 

Kayakers too. 

Susan had suggested getting out of town for Super Bowl weekend. 

The weather was sunny and perfect. Everyone was out picnicking and fishing and walking with their dogs. 

Huge waves too. 

We're staying at this charming historic hotel in Monte Rio: mountain river, an old timber town surrounded by redwoods. 

We sat out on the balcony drinking wine and catching up. The view's not bad either.