land of the giants

Some people are theists. I'm a treeist.

I should warn you, if you don't love trees, you should go do something fun, like finish your taxes.

But really, you should take a walk in the park. These are from Prairie Creek Redwoods, and the long, growing strip of Redwood National and State Parks.

Redwood forests are humid and filled with ferns. The air is cooler.

 Look up.

But also look down.

 Breathe deep. Enjoy the soft redwood chips on the trail under your feet.

This is the Lady Bird Johnson grove. Dedicated by Tricky Dick.

 Blue sky peeking through the fog, just over the hills at the beach.

Fallen trees support the growth of ferns and new redwoods. The cycle of life in the forest.

 This illuminated tree was magical.

The Corkscrew tree did not disappoint.

It's massive.

You can barely see the tops of coastal redwoods.

The bridge is uneven, but protects the marsh and your boots. Keep wandering, far from the sounds of civilization.

Although California has protected these groves of old growth redwoods, they represent a fraction of the millions of acres of trees that were once here and formed the basis of the timber industry.

You can see why redwood was valuable. Even 20 years ago, you saw a lot more redwood decks and furniture.

 Compared to giants, you may feel small. But never insignificant.

After all, they show their age in their bark.

The trees in the Lady Bird grove have been on this planet a long long time.

Future giant, staking out a claim.