Into the Woods

Not only is the Redwood Forest, along California's northern coast, part of the National Park System, it is also where Endor scenes from Star Wars Episode VI were filmed. Instead of a lightsaber, though, I took an umbrella with me as I walked around the Lady Bird Johnson trail. Redwood trees don't have deep roots, but they stretch out wide and intermingle with those of surrounding redwoods. This way, they can maximize their water intake from the ground. However, I found it interesting that only half of their yearly drink comes from rain. The remainder is from fog-produced water droplets that drip from their needle leaves. Compared to other trees, the height of redwoods is impressive, but the most sublime experience of yesterday's drive was the rollercoaster-ride sensation of cruising along the winding road called the Avenue of the Giants, where colossal conifers can be mere feet from your car. I was particularly anticipating arriving at one town near the southern end of the Avenue called Myers Flat because it has a tree you can drive through. However, this tree is off the main road and the drive-through experience costs six dollars. I didn't care enough about squeezing through a sequoia to pay this fare.