A Walk through the Forest
I love the National Parks. They have been called “America’s best idea” and I fully agree. I grew up in a house that bordered a national forest. My father would take me on backpacking trips where the trailhead was our front door. I have to admit that although I did enjoy those times out in the forest, I didn't fully appreciate that proximity to nature until moving to a city. You never know what you have until it’s gone, right?
There are spectacular mountains to climb, valleys to descend, and vistas to see. So many are preserved in our National & State Parks. The Damnation Creek Trail is one of those.
I started walking through a grove of the coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens. I didn’t know them by that name. I only knew them as ancient giants that towered over me. They were here long before me, and will be here long after I’m gone. They are just about as constant and steadfast as any living thing on earth can be. And for a couple hours they shared their home with me.
The forest is in no rush. It’s in it for the long game, and is paced accordingly. These trees have been here since Europe looked more like Game of Thrones. Since before all that “discovering” of the new world. Changes happen over decades. To fully enjoy it I had to slow down. I had to escape my hurried speed, and really take in the wonder around me.
The descent along the trail went by quickly. There was so much to see, and each passing moment eclipsed the last. The forest told many stories along the way. It talked of fires that destroyed, and new trees that took the fallen’s place. It spoke of the people who had walked this trail before. It revealed how time had conspired to bring forth such a wondrous valley.
The further I got the smaller the trees became, revealing a myriad of ferns and ivies to paint the hills. Every so often I could hear the subtle crashing of waves. A gentle reminder that the coast awaited me.
Another small bridge and over a slight raise and I had to stop in my tracks. The Ocean.
Nothing complements the immensity of the California Redwoods like the unending vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
In that moment nothing else mattered. The overwhelming power of nature had washed away any concerns or cares I had. For a time I was just there. No need to be anywhere else. No desire to leave.
Although it was a long summer day, the sun wasn’t going to stay above the horizon forever. Reluctantly I started back up hill, leaving the solitude of that natural sanctuary behind. It was a brief respite, but one that wasn’t short on inspiration.