Jedediah Smith SP
After breakfast we hiked from the campsite to highway 199, so we could cross the Smith River in order to access the Hiouchi Trailhead. The trees in the campground were stunning, but following the river south just across from the campground brought us to many amazing specimens, both dead and alive. We came across a huge stump the trail went right through. It had to be 14’ in diameter and 18’ tall , but completely hollow inside with ”door” holes and fissures that let in the light. The oldest redwoods can be recognized by their gray bark; just like us older humans! The bark is impressive in its own right red or gray. We found it hard to capture the stupendous height of these trees on the camera, but I kept trying!
After our +/- 6 mile hike, it was lunchtime! Afterward, we got into the truck for a loop drive into the deep old growth forest. Traveling back to the 101, we went south through Crescent City turning east into the foothills to find the Howland Hill Road that passes the famous Stout Grove before crossing the South Fork of the Smith River where it meets the Hwy 199 leading back to the Ship. This was a narrow gravel road where I had to squeeze the truck between the trees in a few places. Meeting the occasional oncoming vehicle was a exercise in courtesy with each driver looking for a wide spot to edge into so the other could pass. Our side was often on the ravine side and Penny was spooked when I tried to get close to the edge to make room.
These huge Redwoods grow from this tiny cone!
This road was indescribable; I have used all my superlatives. Suffice it to say, we were overwhelmed by the experience. Penny said, “I feel like we are diesel powered thugs cruising through a sanctuary.” I felt guilty for my carbon footprint and prayed I was doing no harm. The thing is, my minuscule harm compounded with every other vehicle’s footprint has to have an effect.
The sanctuary metaphor is poignant. These large plants are so much more than just that! They have a presence as truly ancient beings. When standing quietly among them, one can almost detect a whispered “OM”. Did you know that there were 2 million acres of Redwoods? That was pre-Europeans. Luckily there were some thinking persons who acted in time to stop the wanton cutting of these ancients while there was still 40,000 acres left. Thanks be to God! In Michigan, lumberman cut down the White Pines leaving virtual no old growth. Shameful.
These Redwoods are 2000 years old. The Sequoia can be 3200 years. We are a short sighted lot. Are we not?