Friday, August 27, 2010

Redwoods - Ben and Carrie Approved.



Time to spend a few moments with us in the Redwoods - 
Did you remember to bring the smores?



Climb the mountains and get their good tidings
Nature's peace will flow into you
As sunshine flows into trees
The winds will blow their own
Freshness into you and the storms
Their energy while cares will
Drop off like autumn leaves.
~John Muir

 This was too classic to pass up.  
Thank you random women ....
for keeping us in focus / knowing what button to push :)



Without the right perspective this tree could be located in anyone's backyard.
This giant, known as Big Tree, towers at 301 feet and has a 21 ft diameter.



To infinity

A
N
D
B
E
Y
O
N
D





Hard to believe it was a mere 41 years ago the original park was dedicated.  Did you know that only 4% of the country's old growth Redwoods remain today?  To fell a giant Redwood in the past of ~ 10-12 ft diameter took two to three days of work.  





Steller's Jay made a cameo







We were blown away.  
Half expected a Velociraptor to pop its sneaky head out from around an enormous tree trunk. 
                "Clever girl"


 







Jedediah Smith State Park.









The most impressive area of the redwoods by far .... campground / day use park complete with trails through old old old growth forest, visitor center, tallest tree on earth (379 ft- but honestly, after seeing SO many trees nearby that are over 200ft - it's hard to tell the difference), and beach along the ultra-clear Smith River.  The only river system in California that isn't dammed.  The water is deeper than it looks. 15 or more feet in places - perfect for diving in from boulders along the banks to view fish hiding out in the shadows.


We followed the coast highway back home, camped, and enjoyed quite a few stop overs at various attractions along the way.
Devils Punch Bowl was quite the sea cave...with a collapsed roof allowing an inside view.


The Newport Aquarium was an indoor/outdoor surprise.  While not as large as some aquariums we have visited, it's interpretive designs and species selection were the best we've ever seen.

Japanese Spider Crabs and Ben spent some time picking each other's brains.



Highly recommended.  Ben and Carrie approved.


32 comments:

HeartBabyHome said...

The first time I saw pictures of the redwoods, I thought it was faked. I haven't been but would like to go.
/stopping by from QT's FF

fini said...

WOW!! SERIOUSLY? That big?!! I've never seen anything so big like that in my life!! Wow! Amazing!!

Lulu said...

OMG I can't wait to show my son. He is always asking about Redwoods!

I LOVE this blog xoxoxo

houndstooth said...

Just wow! You got some great shots and it looks just beautiful there! I really hope we get to see that place at some point!

The KGs said...

Wow - I have a photo of me (Susan,not Dylan the Dog!)from years ago against a redwood labelled 'big tree' - very humbling.Lovely to see your pictures. They are truly beautiful. And yes, if you would like to meet Dylan in person look us up when/if you come to the UK. And don't dare miss out on lovely Brighton if you do a tour!

Backcountry Brodie said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I am very jealous of this trip.

Looking @ The Sky On Friday said...

Absolutely phenomenal! LOVE these shots. Can you imagine something growing so large?!?! Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us, and feel free to grab a Looking @ The Sky on Friday badge at the website! Happy Friday, Tisha

Kim, USA said...

Oh wow these place is fantastic. So wish someday I could visit this place. Love it and great shots!
Reddish cloud

Sarah Sullivan said...

WOWZA!!!! What a great set of shots..and well..wow!! I loved everyone...the crab one made me giggle!! Wonderful shootout!!!
Sarah

Martha said...

Well we can honestly say we have never seen trees as big as those!
Very impressive.
Thanks for coming to visit our blog - we meant to come visit before but you know how it is, we have to rely on human help and they are not so reliable!
love
Martha and Bailey xxx

Unknown said...

I've never been there but now I really want to go! Beautiful♥

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Some day, i will make a trip to USA again, and take a slow trip to all the blogging friend's place. I will want to go under that hole in the tree to see if a bear is there.

Sew Hungryhippie said...

This is breathtaking! I am planning a trip to see the Redwoods as soon as we are back in America. I cannot believe I haven't experienced this yet-such a shame only 4% remain. That's heart breaking.

natalie

Jama said...

This is the first time I've seen the photo of a huge redwood,simply so awesome!

Hilary said...

what amazing pictures. I cant believe the size of the trees. It is SO beautiful!

Unknown said...

amazing! love the bird shot also. very pretty and unique. I have never seen a redwood tree or a bird like that. great shoot out!!

BigD said...

I'm SO jealous!
I've wanted to go there since I was a little kid... still haven't made it!
But you've re-inspired me!
Thanks for sharing your photos!

In the eye of the beholder said...

Wow! I love the Red Woods. the video was a great touch

Pauline said...

Aren't those redwood glorious? Truly awe inspiring. Love the crab shot - funny and scarey at the same time!

NanU said...

Absolutely gorgeous! You guys have such fabulous jobs.

betty-NZ said...

Awesome shots!

Nico and The Bandit said...

Yikes--those spider crabs are big!

Haddock said...

Stumbled upon your post.
What a tree.
And what a lovely place. Good to spend a weekend, week after week after week.

kate sweeten said...

Ha! Was that a Jurassic Park reference? Awesome :)

Raising Addie said...

WOW

I mean WOW!

Those are the BIGGEST trees we have ever seen.

Buzz Lightyear ftw!

Chasing my tale...
Addie, Lucie and Hailey

jnhgjghnghnh said...

Hey, thanks for having a look at my blog. I really like your blog too and I’m looking forward to have closer look over the weekend. Take care T

Linda said...

Going to the Redwoods was one of our boys favorite vacations...we remember walking along what we thought was a wide path, only to discover it was a tree that had fallen years before and was surronded by ferns and heavy undergrowth...thanks for sharing your great photos...it brought back wonderful memories of great times with our boys!

Ruthie J. said...

Beautiful pictures! I can't believe those trees are that big!

Following you from a blog hop. Please follow back?

Thanks! Happy Monday!

Ruthie Joyce
www.mysocalledhomeschoollife.blogspot.com

Johnny Nutcase said...

gahhhh! We lived in Humboldt county the last couple years during the off season. I hate the weather but these pictures make me miss those big trees big time! :( Looks like you had fun, how could ya not??

Tea said...

Wow!! I have always wanted to see the redwoods myself, but I haven't made it that far west yet. That first picture is so amazing!! I can't imagine seeing a tree that big!

I found you throug picket fences. :)

rebecca said...

Gorgeous! I got to visit Lady Bird Grove last summer and was absolutely blown away. Your photos brought back some great memories.

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