Dedicated to Karen, who may or may not enjoy her job as a state-park ranger

Hi!

I BACKPACKED THROUGH THE REDWOODS!

BEFORE THIS WEEK I HAD NEVER BEEN TO THE REDWOODS!

HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE REDWOODS?

DID YOU LOVE IT?

DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WERE WALKING THROUGH JURASSIC PARK?

DID YOUR NECK GET SORE FROM GAWKING SKYWARD FOR DAYS???

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BACK TO ME!

THAT'S ME IN A TREE!

THAT'S MY DAD HAVING JUST TAKEN A PICTURE OF A BIG TREE!

THIS IS ME GOING HEY, IT'S ANOTHER CAVE IN A TREE!

THIS IS THE WHOLE GANG IN A TREE!


Now I shouldn't pretend that the entire trip was pure exhilaration.  In reality, 30+ pounds on my back for endless hilly miles hurt my feet.  Sleeping in a tiny tent, in the rain, without a shower ...stunk.  The spiders, slugs, blisters and sweat...  Yeah, there was plenty to frown about.  But the headaches don't compare to the reward.  23 miles, 3 hiking days, terrific company, AND the ENDLESS WONDER of the REDWOODS?  THINGS YOU CAN ONLY SEE IF YOU WORK FOR IT??? 

THAT is exhilarating. 

...Why didn't I get a picture of the bear diarrhea?