The first redwood we saw came out of the dark as we ended our hell drive through wildfires and cliffs. It appeared through a fog and was so startling that Tim swerved a little bit. They really looked like the legs of giants. They are the world's silent timekeepers, living thousands of years and surviving fires, floods, and insect plagues. They survive everything, that is, except for humans. One story we read described the plan of early loggers to cut down a 3,200 year old tree. Once they were finished, they then left it lying in the woods. Their greed made them too short-sighted to realize that they'd never be able to move it.
I feel a special affection and reverence for ancient trees that I don't feel the same way when I look at other ancient things like rocks and fossils and gems. Trees like this aren't just ancient - they're still alive. THey stay alive so patiently and steadfastly through all kinds of adversity. They're strong and massive and continue to do something (grow) with such a singular purpose for so long. It amazes me. I really think we have a lot to learn from trees. If, that is, we can leave a few of them standing.
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