There is no place more peaceful than a redwood forest. And I am still trying to figure out why. Was it these hundred (some thousand!) year old trees? The length of these giants? Was it their stability, their strength? They seem to create an ecosystem that felt protected and safe. Not only the trees themselves, but their needles covering the forest floor. The same way a fresh snow seems to blanket a grimy city and make it clean, make it simple, the pine needs to the same in a forest. They create a layer of sameness that smooths out the inconsistencies. There must be some science to the allure and calm of these forests. I truly left them walking on air.

Shown below: Arcata Community Forest and Humboldt Redwoods State Park