I thought I would share some more pictures of the beauty of the park.  Karla has an awesome digital camera and took lots of pictures that I downloaded as well.  I LOVE digital!  We took hundreds of pictures that we wouldn't have if we had to pay for the film and develping costs.  If you don't yet have a digital camera, they are worth the investment to get the best you can afford. 

This first shot is of Steve and Mike inside the base of a medium-sized Sequoia tree.  The Sequoias have a very thick, spongey bark that protects them in fires.  It feels very strange to the touch.  As you can imagine, to live to be 2,000 years old, these trees have seen many, many fires sweep through the forest. 

The hole that they are standing in is caused by fire burning too long at the base of the tree.  The tree won't die as long as the thin cambrian layer that is between the bark and the core of the tree is intact and can still feed it.

The tree on the ground in front of them fell to the earth earlier in the past century.  A tiny, tiny natural spring undermined the roots and brought down a giant.  You realize just how tall they are when you walk the length of the tree as it lays on the ground!  The wood of these trees is quite brittle and not useful, which makes the logging of them that was done in the 1800's especially tragic.

There are some of these trees that are totally hollow at their base and are cave-like, yet still survive.  They are pretty amazing creations.  There is a tree in the Grant's Grove area that is on the ground and was hollowed out by loggers.  The men used fire to burn out the insides so that they could use it for shelter.  It hasn't changed in more than a hundred years… no rot, no bugs, no decay, amazing! 

I don't know what these red plants are, but they have and intense red color that stands out against the green of the forest.

They are so bright that you can see them from a hundred feet away.  These were growing alongside the road.  Do any of you know what they are?  If you do, I'd love you to leave a comment telling me.  (Cheryl B. "Angeland" found out that they are called "Snow Flowers."  I believe that they are a type of fungus)

I'd like to encourage those of you with young children (or grandchildren) to consider taking them camping.  Often women just "hate" camping, it's dirty, it's hard work, etc.  But this is one of those things that can mean so much to your children that I encourage you to go past your own discomfort and choose to enjoy it for your kid's sake. 

It's so funny that we can spend huge amounts of money on expensive vacations that our children hardly remember, and spend almost nothing on a camping vacation that they'll never forget!!!  There's just something really wonderful about exploring together, discovering interesting things in nature and running, jumping and playing in the great outdoors (mosquitos and all!)

Some people feel that they have to have expensive RV's or trailers (they're nice if you can afford them) but camping equipment is very inexpensive and can even be borrowed from friends that have it.  For the cost of a tank or two of gas, the food you would normally eat at home and the minimal daily camping rate at your local State or National Park you can create priceless memories that will last a lifetime.  

This final picture is of the dogwood that grow at the base of the Sequoias in Redwood Canyon.  They are so beautiful.  The picture of the tree doesn't capture the glow of the white blossoms against the shadows of the forest.  This was taken near dusk and the light was quite low.  Oh well… you'll just have to come see for yourself!

Whether you camp or not, take some time to explore the beauties of nature that are all around you!  Also, for those of my readers in the United States, take time this weekend to think about those who have paid the highest price to protect us and to keep the dream that is America alive for the next generation.  Though we are not perfect as a nation, we are a nation that cares about those weaker than ourselves and our soldiers have laid down their lives for many other nations in the world.  If you have a veteran in your life, take time to call him/her and thank them for their service.

Have a great Memorial Day!

Audrey Jeanne Roberts