They are Really Big

The redwood trees along the California Pacific coast are really big.  In fact, they are the world's tallest trees.  They grow well along the Pacific coast because rain and fog from the Pacific ocean keeps the trees constantly damp, even during summer droughts.  They have been known to grow to more than 375 ft high and with a diameter of up to 26 ft.  Some are more than 2000 years old and show no signs of dying out.  Their bark can be as thick as 12 inches and they can resist insects, fire, and rot to a remarkable degree.  Ironically, their cone is about the size of a large olive.

We drove and hiked throughout the redwood forests today.  We saw many different groves of redwood trees.  Everyone seemed to be in awe when walking through the redwoods.  RoxAnne even made the comment that everybody was whispering when talking.  We also took a 10 mile ride on a windy, dirt road through a redwood forest.  At the end of the road was a trail that led to "Fern Canyon".  It is a narrow canyon where the walls are completely covered by ferns and mosses and are dripping with moisture.  It was such a unique place. Steven Spielberg chose it as a location for his Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.  During our travels we also saw a herd of elk.

The Redwoods

Fern Canyon

The Elk