The great redwood forest july 18-08

Welcome to California, my 10 state on this trip.
Entering the Redwood forest.
Getting into big trees.
Fog in the tree tops.
Walking among giants.
One of many great ocean views through the trees.
Me next to ocean.
Bike next to tree.
Looking up two trees.
Looking up, you cannot even see the top!


It has been over 10 years since I visited the redwood forest, and figuring many of these trees are over 2000 years old and nearly 350' tall, they maybe have grown and inch or two since I was here last.

I remember the last time I was here the main thought in the back of my mind, was that someday I wanted to visit on either a motorcycle or bicycle. I was not disappointed. For those of you whom have never been to the Great Redwood forest, you need to put it on your to do list, if you have been here in the past, they are still awaiting your return!

It is amazing to think that many of these trees were here when Jesus walked the earth, through the fall of the Roman empire, the dark ages, the discovery of America, etc...Their immensity puts many things into perspective. It makes us and our day to day problems seem so minuscule.

I have always loved the forest, and walking among these giants gives you a feeling of how great, and grand life is. Not only are the trees so fantastic, but the flora on the forest floor is surreal. Even for the size of and density of these trees, they grow so straight, that the sunlight is able to reach to the forest floor and the plant life thrives. The smell in the forest is of a sweet purity which I have never experienced before. The cedar smell of the trees themselves is like opening a cedar chest that has been closed for years. The moist ferns purify the air and the "duff" on the forest floor is as soft as the thickest down quilt, just inviting you to lay down and revel in one of natures greatest creations!

The first ten miles into the forest the fog was still hanging in the tree tops, the slow winding curves were a motorcyclists nirvana! Perfect in every way! After a long winding climb, I then headed down hill, back to the ocean shore and was greeted with beautiful clear skies and blue water for as far as the eye could see.
Back into the forest the road did run, and this cycle was repeated over and over again.

While my breath was taken away by the scenery, it was quickly restored by the perfection of the oxygen infused air of the forest and ocean.

Much to my good fortune, today was just the tip of the ice berg, I have many more miles of forest to travel and plan to take sometime to walk among the giants, camp, live and relish in their glory.

Tim