Redwood Grove

[Diane]

For those who have never seen these wonders of nature, and for those who just love seeing them again... We took a quick trip to a nearby grove of Redwood trees near the Sonoma coast. These aren't particularly fine specimens, being only 310 feet or so tall.. the true giants are farther north. But lovely, peaceful and humbling... Sorry the photos aren't the best, the light was very poor and the photographer was even worse!


A full view, this tree is only about 250 feet tall, but the only one I could get a full crown shot.



My parents in front of one of the larger trees in this grove - just to give you some perspective on the size of the trunk.







Yes, this is me, wearing 87 layers of clothing to keep warm - we Californians have thin blood, and it was only 39 degrees.... The date I am pointing to on the tree rings is 1492!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That is amazing! I have never visited a Red Wood Forest but love seeing photos of the giant trees. Thanks for sharing them! It must be wonderful walking among them.

Cheers,
BD

[Mehera]

Years ago I remember visiting the redwoods out there; I remember it as being magical with filtered sunshine in the understory, and little ferns and a spicy fragrance in the air. I hope they didn't cut the cross section tree down just to display the rings!

[IdahoOrchid]

Hi Diane, I know EXACTLY where you went to visit. You were in my old stomping grounds at Armstrong Redwoods state park. Saw my first and only Calypso bulbosa orchid in that state park.

Mind if I post a few other pictures that I have taken there?

[Diane]

Go ahead... but be warned - I may get out my pics of the real redwoods - - from the Avenue of the Giants in Redwood Natl Park.

and then there are the sequoias....

[IdahoOrchid]

First some flowers

Calypso bulbosa - my only in person sighting of this. Took me a while to find it but the story is in this thread

http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...6026-wild.html

Trillium white and pink

Redwood Sorrel

[IdahoOrchid]

Now some tree stuff

ROOTS!!! Notice the lack of a tap root and how shallow they spread out. I think they developed this trait because they grow in such tight quarters normally. High winds can and do knock them down especially on the edges of groves and near clearings. Other than that not much can beat these guys: fire barely touches them (thick bark) and insects are pretty much shunned.

Next a couple of nice stream shots

Now don't hurt your neck on this one. I think this is the tallest tree in the park.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Steven, those shots are wonderful. I especially love the second stream shot around the bend. It looks like a fairy tale forest. Wonderful.

cheers,
BD

[Jmoney]

great pics! amazing how large they look, will have to see for myself some time!

[Mehera]

I really enjoyed seeing your pics Steven; truly amazing; especially the root shot!