October 28, 2012
Visited Muir Woods yesterday, and took some photos with my iPhone; I was too lazy to bring my SLR, a decision I sort of regret. Although carrying the huge camera with me on the hike we ended up doing wouldn’t have made me happy, so it was probably for the best, and the photos I did take are all right, after a bit of editing.
These are Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), a species that has the distinction of being the potentially tallest living organism on earth.
I’ve been in love with redwood trees since I was very small; the house where I lived throughout most of my childhood had a massive redwood tree growing in the front yard, and I thought it that tree as a constant companion. I was heartbroken, after we moved out of that house, when the new owners cut it down. (I still haven’t forgiven them).
Sometimes I take redwoods for granted, living here in northern California where I get to see them regularly. But then I remember how truly magnificent they are, and I am grateful to have them nearby. Yesterday was one of those days. I also love the ferns and the fungi, and pretty much everything else about the redwood forest.
Species List
Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum), Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana), Tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus), Homalothecium Mosses (Homalothecium sp), Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum), Polypore (Trichaptum abietinum or Trametes versicolor)
Let me know what you think!