Big Basin--October, 2007

The lush, redwood, primeval forest gave way to this open area with a sandy trail. The contrast was stark.

A view to the south.

The view to the west from the top. Were it not for the fog, you could see the ocean.

Here is where we had lunch, with the mountain we had just climbed in the background to the east.

A very small critter hanging out in a beautiful place.

Just before breaking into the pic-a-nic basket Boo-Boo!
Photo by Lori Heyman

Burnt, deformed, and beautiful!

The remnants of a burnt-out redwood, giving rise to new growth.

A few signs of the fires of 1948 and 1960.

Contrast this lush, carpeted trail, with the sandstone at the summit.

These hadn't fused, but they were still big!

It certainly is dark in this forest!

Moss grows thick on this trunk.

Same trunk, but with flash. Which do you prefer?

One of the larger redwoods on the trail.

We saw pairs of trees that had fused together often on this hike.

In this case, several trees had fused together.

A banana slug frolics in the clover.

Tell me, do you like this version or the previous version better?

A fern grotto, which contributed to the ancient flair.

Some unidentified, but definitely cool, mushrooms.

Self-portrait while hiking, while Lori laughs from behind.

You may comment on how goofy I look in this photo. The baggy shorts and gunboat boots make my legs look skinny. They aren't *that* skinny!
Photo by Lori Heyman

Opal Creek, reflects

Apparently, this creek was named after the rich opal color inherit in its waters. When the sun hit the water, it shone as brilliantly as any opal from Coober Pedy!

It's hard to tell in the photo but this trunk had much relief with strong, bold, features.

This was a very large fairy ring. Imagine the size of the matriarch!

How redwoods go forth and multiply.