I think this is a manzanita tree--the trunk was a very lovely smooth red wood.
And some of these trees are so gnarled they look as though they might speak. The one below could have come from a Pixar movie...
We spied this abandoned bridge as we were driving and I quickly parked so we could walk back to take a closer look.
Way down below the bridge was a small creek and in the creek was a very old sluice with water running over it. I have no doubt, there is still gold rolling down in those mountain streams and that sluice has been down there collecting gold flakes for who knows how many years. Neither of us was so inclined as to try and climb down and see if we might strike it rich--we would never get back up to the road again.
Anyway, highway 229 seemed to offer a vast array of opportunities for exploring. And furthermore, there are many more roads through those mountains that are even less traveled and certainly as interesting.
We reached the ocean and turned north along the coast from Eureka where we entered the Humboldt National Forest. And there we stopped for some time to explore this grove...
And some of these trees are so gnarled they look as though they might speak. The one below could have come from a Pixar movie...
We spied this abandoned bridge as we were driving and I quickly parked so we could walk back to take a closer look.
Way down below the bridge was a small creek and in the creek was a very old sluice with water running over it. I have no doubt, there is still gold rolling down in those mountain streams and that sluice has been down there collecting gold flakes for who knows how many years. Neither of us was so inclined as to try and climb down and see if we might strike it rich--we would never get back up to the road again.
Anyway, highway 229 seemed to offer a vast array of opportunities for exploring. And furthermore, there are many more roads through those mountains that are even less traveled and certainly as interesting.
We reached the ocean and turned north along the coast from Eureka where we entered the Humboldt National Forest. And there we stopped for some time to explore this grove...
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Dedicated in her honor by Richard Nixon in 1969
"In recognition of her devoted service to the cause of preserving and enhancing America's natural beauty for the enjoyment of all the people."
The fog had moved in and it gave the grove a very quiet, ethereal feel.
There were signs of previous logging but the grove still held much of the 'old growth'.
And evidence of a fire or perhaps a lightning strike.
"One of my most unforgettable memories of the past years is walking through the Redwoods--seeing the lovely shafts of light filtering through the trees so far above, feeling the majesty and silence of that forest, and watching a salmon rise in one of those swift streams. All our problems seemed to fall into perspective and I think every one of us walked out more serene and happier.'
Lady Bird Johnson
July 30, 1969
Six enormous trees came from one base.
"What is the purpose of the giant sequoia tree? The purpose of the giant sequoia tree is to provide shade for the tiny titmouse." Edward Abbey, naturalist and author (1927-1989)
Beautiful. I would have spent hours exploring the forest.
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