California Coast & Redwoods June 2016

“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. … It’s not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.”

— John Steinbeck

The Northern California coast is jagged, wild, scenic and slightly foreboding. Fog and a mild climate have fostered the the growth of world’s tallest trees, while waves and wind have forged a rugged coastline dotted with sea stacks. To explore the valleys of redwoods, wide rivers, craggy shores and mossy, overgrown forests is a magical experience.

California redwoods can survive for hundreds of years and grow more than 200 feet tall, with the tallest soaring over 350 feet. These trees have survival built in:

• Their bark is thick and rich in tannins, which helps resist fires and serves as a natural insect and fungi repellent.
• Their shallow roots allow them to easily absorb the fog that drips from their needles.
• Their roots intertwine with those of other redwoods giving them the collective strength to withstand wind and floods.

Being in the presence of these giants raises feelings of reverence and awe for nature.

The other iconic part of Northern California is the coastline itself. These unspoiled natural settings afford untold opportunities for hiking and camping, whale watching, visiting historic lighthouses, or just soaking up the beauty of nature.

In this photo essay, we only see a glimpse of the wondrous beauty of the Northern California coast.