No mere community park for Arcata, California – they can boast of an entire community Forest!
And a redwood forest too, right next to Humboldt State University.
Is it not possible to see the forest, like they say, because of all the trees? You decide.
It’s a fun place to explore…
…and you never know who you’ll meet around the next corner.
In spite of some rather strict rules – no smoking, no alcohol, no camping, park closes at sunset – the homeless with their sleeping bags have laid claim to seemingly every other tree.
Tzuri said she wanted to try it, camp overnight. It was wet and foggy but I reluctantly agreed. And man did we have fun, woke up completely rejuvenated!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Giblets & Flapdoodle 
So beautiful! I thoroughly enjoyed our only visit to a redwood forest. Magnificent beyond words. An overnight immersion in a place so alive with nature’s energy must have been incredible.
If I was homeless, I’d want to sleep there too.
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That bottom image is actually a motel room with a gigantic picture of redwoods on the wall. I couldn’t get the entire bed in the frame or it would have made more sense. Other than it being a bit damp, I bet it is an awesome experience being there at night. No sounds of civilization whatsoever. 🙂
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Hoorah John!!
I remember my first days and nights in the wilds of Big Sur, some of it in parks, all of it intoxicating. You cannot help but ask why it took so long for something so breathlessly important. Tzuri’s getting a fabulous start, you’re making more of what you’ve always sought.
The photograph of the trees from the roots to the tips, I suddenly notice that the trees in their communal formation, replicate their individual formation, and that circling of tree tops looks just like the rings in any one tree’s inside. It’s all incredibly beautiful; so glad it’s being incorporated in you both.
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Yes, an amazing experience. A tiny bit of fear mixed with a lot of exhilaration being out there all alone. Much of it is dark with massive forms closing in on you. I kept imagining what it must have been like in the jungles of Vietnam, hearing noises, seeing apparitions, fearing the worst. And yet, perhaps you are most alive in those kind of situations.
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Beautifully said.
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The redwoods have been my cathedral ever since my first visit. I don’t return nearly often enough, but it’s a spiritual experience when I do… love the wall decal from the motel.
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Cathedral, indeed! Nice metaphor. It might not be a too far drive for you, and there’s a Best Western nearby. 🙂
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The plan is to head south when some nasty business with the renters settles down, not to mention the latest incoming storm, but we’ll be pointed toward NM first chance we get. The Redwoods will have to wait awhile I’m afraid.
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There won’t be an ocean in NM 🙂 but I am sure you will get some great images anyway!
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Wonderful, John!!
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Hey, Bruce, can I send some of the homeless up your way so our forest can become safer and more family friendly?
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Hello
It is a great picture the one facing the sky with all those beautiful trees. Is it ok if I borrow it? I am starting a tumblr blog. I want to use it in the header. 🙂
Margarita
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Yes, you may. Thanks for asking.
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