Travel - Love of Tall Trees

With Love of Tall Trees

by

B.D. Adams

©2014

            When one travels, one experiences all sorts of views, see many sights. Daniel and I flew to California (the Sedan had to stay snug in our garage for this trip) and stayed in a hotel in the San Joaquin Valley outside of San Francisco. The town was Merced CA. Daniel had lived there for many years before he returned to the East Coast. The reason for this trip was to attend Daniel’s son’s wedding. It was an outside affair and was quite an event! However, this story is not about the

wedding. It is about a tribute to Mother Nature in her glory!

            The day after the wedding, Daniel and I had wanted to trek to a Redwood Forest to see the really big trees! And, we did!!

            Do not mistake, there are tall, decorative trees all through the Valley. The ones I saw right away were in a neighbor’s yard to Daniel’s son.

             I had traveled to LA a few times to visit with my son who had moved there several years ago. He has become a Fireman with the Forestry Department in Los Angeles County. He understands why I stay in my location because he has been assigned to the mountains East of LA for his duty.

Photo: Jacob Ashcroft 2014

           We had breakfast at a quaint Diner in Mariposa, CA, part of the Yosemite Forests! Daniel took a brochure about the forests and got a diner patron to answer some questions, so we would be able to find our way. Just a note for those who don’t know, Mariposa is the Spanish word for “butterfly.” Unfortunately, it was not the time for the flurries of butterflies ... we were there for the forests. At least, that’s why I was there. I have loved trees all my life. When I moved to New Hampshire, I was in love and in awe of my trees! Then I went to Yosemite!! 

 

            Before we really got into the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite, I gawked at all the beautiful scenery! Then we were able to get onto an open-air tram to go through the Grove. The Tall Trees!!! That’s all I can really say. If you have visited these trees long ago, go back sometime to relive this experience!! You will not be disappointed. If you’ve never been, then make it an entry into your “bucket list!” Just remember you’ll be gawking at all the trees with your mouth opened as you look up ... your tonsils (or the back of you tongue) could get sunburned.

            These trees can be as tall as many of the Skyscrapers in New York City! And, they are natural!

            Just enjoy the photos. I will make descriptions to them.

             The massive trees will fall!! The root systems are unbelievable, as well as artistic! The following photo of Daniel will give a size comparison of him to the standing trees!

                These are Sequoia Trees, evergreens. They will loose needles, but never all of them unless they are sick. This photo is called "The Three Sisters."

              There are fires that destroy or scar the beautiful trees. This photo shows some humor that can be attributed to a sad event. It's called "The Clothespin." Sure looks like one. Yes? Actually, the opening at the base of the tree's split is wide enough for a big pickup to drive through!

             Needless to say, this was an experience for the memory banks! Daniel and I should be able to talk more normal in another week when the sunburn fades.

             The flatlands in the Valley can be for cattle to graze. The field behind Daniel's son's house is of Alfalfa, framed by an Olive Tree. 

             It was worth seeing it all, but if we had our druthers, we'd rather be by Lake Winnipesaukee!

  A Note:  All photos are taken by me unless otherwise stated. Having been a pro photographer, I never put photos of people on my Blog unless I have a signed "Model's Release" or their faces are not seen. And, yes ... Daniel has a lifetime Model Release.