Nature Rhythms had our first public hike today in the redwoods. Recent rains have made their mark, yielding stunning results. Redwood creek is over 4 feet, the highest I’ve ever seen it. Moss covered the bay trees 360 degrees. And the lovely tri-petal white blossoms of a few trillium have now opened.
On the Chown and French trails I found myself amidst the treetops of bays and redwoods, not just looking up to their heights like from the stream trail. Few hikers ventured out so the sounds of nature filled the space sometimes taken up by groups of friends laughing or talking. Rain dripping off redwood leaves to its shallow roots. A squirrel chittering down the hill. A wild turkey gobbling in the distance.
Everything is moist. Even the wavy-leafed soap plant, a summer bloomer, which Ohlone peoples use to make brushes, is bursting through the soil. Deer are making quick meals of their juicy green blades. At least 8 types of fungi appeared, including the deadly Amanita phalloides (the Death Cap), which park administration warns the public to avoid altogether.
Nonetheless, all this life seems like a good omen, telling us that Spring is right around the corner.
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