The Majesty of the Redwoods

I'm not really a numbers person. Telling me that a tree is 16' in diameter and 250' in height might elicit a programmed, "Oh wow!" but there really won't be any recognition of what that actually means.

Seeing and experiencing them in person is an entirely different story. Walking through the Armstrong Woods National State Park by myself (with camera in hand, of course!) was a day that will always linger with me.



Besides the redwoods themselves, it was wonderful to be walking through a forest, experiencing a type of nature that you rarely can experience in Southern California. The way the moss covered some of the fallen trees made them appear to be alive, as if they were some previously undiscovered mysterious green creature.



At first glance, this collection of roots startled me, as I mistook it for a snake.



A cross-section of a redwood was on display, putting the age of the trees in perspective. They've witnessed a lot of history.



Guerneville may have been hot and muggy, but the canopy of trees provided cool shade.



There were lots of different hiking trails that blended in perfectly without seeming to be too invasive.



Looking up, it would be easy to get dizzy when viewing the tops of the trees.



Hiking up to the top, the trees began to thin out and the temperatures began to climb.



Still, the journey was worth every bead of sweat!



The view from the top was extraordinary, as this panoramic shot can attest to:



A splash of purple from a thistle:



A lot of interesting wildlife was spotted, including this vulture. Better keep moving!



Bambi come to life:



A jay enjoying the shade of the tree:



My three hour hike took me back to where I started. Last shot for today is a vertical panorama that shows the redwoods from the roots and up:



I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience this. City folk who have not walked through here have no idea what they're missing!

See more Armstrong Redwood photos on my Redwoods web page.

Trip to Guerneville

The trip that took me to Bodega Bay and Santa Rosa was centered around Guerneville. If you've never heard of it, you're not alone. Located in the Russian River Valley, Guerneville has been a favorite vacation spot for San Franciscans since the 19th century. This historic bridge from 1922 is a scenic way for pedestrians to enter the quaint downtown.



If you require a lot of activity, top notch restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, Guerneville is not the city for you. For those seeking a little rest and relaxation in a natural setting, then you might have found your personal Utopia.



The Creekside Inn is a great location, only blocks from the Main Street and less than three miles from the Redwoods.



To avoid previous flooding, the "cabins" are on concrete pillars.



A central courtyard comes complete with barbecue facilities, making this an ideal village for families and reunions.



I loved passing this tree-canopied creek next to the Inn. You rarely see this many trees together in Southern California.



There are a number of old-fashioned little churches in town:





If you miss the call of the big city, there's even some old-fashioned glowing neon:



I had a very relaxing time here, especially during my time in the Redwoods (stay tuned for tomorrow's post!), but can't really recommend any of the restaurants in town. I would probably choose a return visit to Cambria before I thought about a second trip here.

See more Guerneville photos on my Guerneville web page.