September 2013
I came up over the ridge, stopped to admire the ever-inspiring Big
Trees, and then slowly entered yet another stunning ancient Sequoia filled
valley. On some levels, it very much reminded me of my first saunter through
Giant Forest last Summer. Just breathtaking. Other-worldly. Per usual, a calm
peace entered me as I slowly wandered about the home of these divine abuelitos, this time in Atwell Grove, near the southern boundary of Sequoia
National Park. Descending into the valley, I looked up and sort of gasped as I
stopped in front of an enormous tree. Literally half of it was burnt to a
crisp, from the bottom almost to the top. At least 200 feet of charred wood.
From this angle, thoroughly blackened and appearing long dead, one would think
that this old grandpa’s fine life had ended some time ago. Not so. The other
half was still covered with brilliant red bark, slowly healing around the
ancient scar; still full of strong, healthy limbs, ever growing; still
gracefully stretching upwards towards the heavens.
