Under the Redwoods

Muir Woods is one of the world's great places.  The redwoods nestle into a steep damp valley, shielded from the worst of the weather off the Pacific.  The place is quietly majestic.  Even without the additions of the Visitor's Center and engineered paths, anyone with any connection to nature would know immediately that this is a special spot.

It is amazing that such a place can exist 16 miles from the San Francisco Civic Center.

Tony rejoices at not being the oldest.
This tree's brothers have him beat by 1000 years.

Dave is not intimidated
by those of slightly greater height.

Massive trunks tower above.

Not all are destined for the straight and narrow.

High above, and entirely different ecosystem is supported by the massive conifers.

The needles littering the forest floor have fallen from the length of a football field above.
You can decide if if was World or American football.

Do you see people?

Walking the paths provides a sense of peace.

Ferns also prosper in the foggy valley.

Do not visit if you have neck vertebrae problems,
or visit with good friends who will push your gurney.

Thick bark protects the trees from fire.
Sometimes the center of a tree will burn out,
but the living shell remains.

Shards of a once-towering tree.

Ferns line the creek.

Since it was nearly dark when we arrived, it was difficult to appreciate
the aquamarine color of Redwood Creek.
I'd like to be there when the Coho Salmon are spawning.  

It must be exciting to hear and see a redwood fall,
especially if it is in your direction.

As daylight waned, we lost our light on the forest floor.

The gang posed inside a tree.
Tony brandishes his cellphone aloft to give my camera
something to focus upon in the dark.

On the twisting road out, we stopped briefly to admire
Venus following the sun below the horizon.

Then we headed back to the city by the bay...

...as complete darkness fell.

But we will long remember our walk...

...along the paths....

...among the giants, ...

...admiring from below, ...

...even though we are mere shadows 

in the forest of the redwoods.