California the Beautiful - Redwoods and Rhododendrons (landscaping, camping)

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Great shots from Mario! Thanks for posting. That first tree is definately maissive! I like that stump with the moss face too.

Yeah, timing is important to catch the Rhodies. I was fortunate to get there during peak bloom this year. But of course good shots can be had year round depending on weather. The fog/sun combo was a real added bonus for me this year.

Derek

Happened to catch another thread you did for Yosemite - those were nice too.

Was looking at the related threads listed below and followed the link to that posting from some weeks back.

One thing California has no short supply of is flowers.

Here's on Jedediah Smith redwood I've put in replies from time to time. This may be my favorite coast redwood tree so far. One thing that's interesting about this tree, although General Sherman giant sequioa has more volume as the largest known tree, this redwood is the same width across visually, at chest height as General Sherman's 25.1'. And the largest coast redwood - another one in Jed Smith - is actually wider at chest level with a complete 26.0' diameter. They are all remarkable to look at.

[Morwyn_7]

I love Northern California and especially along the coast. Made for a nice little treat finding this thread today.

Thanks for sharing.

I was over at Bodega Bay a few weeks ago and could not believe how many wild flowers were out on the section of the coast trail I was hiking.

[Ludachris]

Simply awesome, and much needed in the midst of all the usual discussions taking place in this forum. Thanks for sharing guys.

[Quatermass]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

I thought I would bring to you another 'glass half full' thread to balance out the typical whine fest going on here.

What beautiful pictures!

I'd like to thank you for posting that, Derek. You've done a great service to myself and to many millions of average Californians who don't have a chance in hell of ever being able to put together enough time or enough money to go see redwood trees.

You see, my Californian reality -- and the reality of most Californians -- is that we're so busy breaking our necks trying to stay alive in slummy, ugly concrete cities that the natural beauty of the state is rather moot. You can call negative opinions about the state a "whine fest" all you like; I call them reflective of the reality of countless millions of Californians. And the point of these forums is for people to get informed, honest, and realistic information on life in CA, especially if they're planning on relocating. Want to sing the praises of the state? Great, but don't keep bitching and moaning about the bitchers and moaners as though they have no legitimate beef, 'cause I'll call you on that even in a "glass-half-full" thread.

But really, thanks for the pics. Really made the day of this kid from Anaheim. I think I'll wander over to the Vermont forum to find pictures of autumn leaves, since I've got about as much chance of seeing those in person anytime soon as I do the California redwoods. (It's kinda tough to justify a thousand-mile round-trip when you live in a state that's artificially inflated its gas prices to the highest in the nation.)

California is still circling the economic toilet, and people are still fleeing the state in droves. But hey, at least we're the most scenic basket case anyone's ever seen!

[Ludachris]

Originally Posted by Quatermass

What beautiful pictures!

I'd like to thank you for posting that, Derek. You've done a great service to myself and to many millions of average Californians who don't have a chance in hell of ever being able to put together enough time or enough money to go see redwood trees.

You see, my Californian reality -- and the reality of most Californians -- is that we're so busy breaking our necks trying to stay alive in slummy, ugly concrete cities that the natural beauty of the state is rather moot. You can call negative opinions about the state a "whine fest" all you like; I call them reflective of the reality of countless millions of Californians. And the point of these forums is for people to get informed, honest, and realistic information on life in CA, especially if they're planning on relocating. Want to sing the praises of the state? Great, but don't keep bitching and moaning about the bitchers and moaners as though they have no legitimate beef, 'cause I'll call you on that even in a "glass-half-full" thread.

But really, thanks for the pics. Really made the day of this kid from Anaheim. I think I'll wander over to the Vermont forum to find pictures of autumn leaves, since I've got about as much chance of seeing those in person anytime soon as I do the California redwoods. (It's kinda tough to justify a thousand-mile round-trip when you live in a state that's artificially inflated its gas prices to the highest in the nation.)

California is still circling the economic toilet, and people are still fleeing the state in droves. But hey, at least we're the most scenic basket case anyone's ever seen!

I don't think Derek is necessarily bitching about the bitchers and moaners as much as he's trying to get the message across that despite all of the negative perspectives being voiced here, there are plenty of people who are coping with the state's issues and still finding ways to enjoy life in CA as much as they can. That message has been largely drowned out in this forum. He's not downplaying the state's troubles or making light of anyones' complaints. He's just saying that the same points have largely been made hundreds/thousands of times over.

Thankfully, he's given us a diversion by sharing his perspective through photos. It's a little refreshing since this forum tends to be mainly a dumping ground for complaints about the state government and the economy more than anything else. Again, not to say there isn't anything to complain about, but it's nice to have threads like this to help remind everyone that there are some positive sides to CA that can still be celebrated.

From what I've seen, it seems the majority of people in here who have the most negative opinion of the state appear to live in SoCal. Not that there aren't plenty of people in NorCal who are hurting - hell, I think everyone has a legit gripe. But many who are fed up to the point of leaving seem to be heavily centered around the LA area. I'm not sure that means anything, but it's an interesting observation. I think they just live too far from the redwoods Quartermass, if you've never been up in that area, it's well worth the thousand mile trip next time you can swing a vacation. It is a bit more difficult for you SoCal folks though.

Scenery doesn't pay the bills, but it definitely helps calm the nerves and replenish the soul. Thanks again for the photos Derek and Mario, and please do post more. I loved your photos from the beach, Derek.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Quatermass

What beautiful pictures!

I'd like to thank you for posting that, Derek. You've done a great service to myself and to many millions of average Californians who don't have a chance in hell of ever being able to put together enough time or enough money to go see redwood trees.

You see, my Californian reality -- and the reality of most Californians -- is that we're so busy breaking our necks trying to stay alive in slummy, ugly concrete cities that the natural beauty of the state is rather moot. You can call negative opinions about the state a "whine fest" all you like; I call them reflective of the reality of countless millions of Californians. And the point of these forums is for people to get informed, honest, and realistic information on life in CA, especially if they're planning on relocating. Want to sing the praises of the state? Great, but don't keep bitching and moaning about the bitchers and moaners as though they have no legitimate beef, 'cause I'll call you on that even in a "glass-half-full" thread.

But really, thanks for the pics. Really made the day of this kid from Anaheim. I think I'll wander over to the Vermont forum to find pictures of autumn leaves, since I've got about as much chance of seeing those in person anytime soon as I do the California redwoods. (It's kinda tough to justify a thousand-mile round-trip when you live in a state that's artificially inflated its gas prices to the highest in the nation.)

California is still circling the economic toilet, and people are still fleeing the state in droves. But hey, at least we're the most scenic basket case anyone's ever seen!

Well,

First off I am glad you like the pictures. But its too bad you don't have the time to enjoy the state's better side, really.

Believe it or not I can sympathize with the SoCal concrete jungle dwellers. I mean I grew up and lived in LA most of my life. So while I do get *very* tired of seeing the same old threads rehashed over and over again (like the one's you referenced above), I know where this is all coming from. I actually moved out of CA and the concrete jungle to CO for some of the *same* reasons. Although I didn't hang out here whining about for months and months on end before leaving.

However there is much more to life in CA when one heads north of LA or away from the larger cities like the bay area. And that is what I want to emphasize and show ppl. So yes, this is not only for outsiders looking to move to CA but for residents who never see past the building and freeways of their daily lives. And for those who only see gloom I can understand why. Maybe for these guys/gals the best thing to do 'is' to leave CA, especially if their only opportunities for living in the state is the mess of LA south to the border or in another concrete jungle like the bay. Although if one lives in the bay it is not as far to drive to see beautiful nature.

Now thats not to say everyone living in the large CA metros is miserable. I have friends who still live there and balance life in the jungle with finding time to get away.

But for many like yourself who cannot take time off to enjoy the state's nicer parts then the only benefit they may realize is the moderate climate. If one loves nature and tires of all the concrete then that becomes very old over time.

All I am really saying in these threads is don't tell me that the whole state sucks and is 'going down the toilet' simply because it is not working for you. It is still a great place to live for many others in spite of the current problems the state and nation face. For others it might be better to head to the Mid West or the South.

Derek

[mdvaden]

We moved to rural Applegate Valley in southern Oregon for a few years, but now that we are back in Beaverton, realize that attitude is important for city or rural living. We do fine in the city now - I get out to enjoy parks and forests regularly.

If gas does not go up much, a trip to the redwoods for me, is about $180 for gas, and that with a truck and and cargo trailer for my camp stuff. I can reserve sites for 2 nights - that's $50. Have to eat food anyway.

So that's a $250 vacation from near Portland. For a $1250 dollars, I can go to the redwoods 5 times in a year. I splurge a tad bit more for food, like at the Chart Room in Crecent City. Or maybe stay at the Curly Redwood Lodge in the same town for $60 a night - older but clean motel.

I know that a lot of people can't spare $250 or $500, but there are a LOT of people who coulld spare it and would enjoy the investment in adventure. Now ... if several friends pitch in, that cost can be cut in half, third or quarter.

Below, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park a few weeks ago ..

[Newdaawn]

Thank you for the pictures of the incredible redwoods. We are in a quandry trying to decide to use what travel money we have to visit CA - which we have never been to (Maine here) or take the plunge and go over to London.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by Newdaawn

Thank you for the pictures of the incredible redwoods. We are in a quandry trying to decide to use what travel money we have to visit CA - which we have never been to (Maine here) or take the plunge and go over to London.

What do you like more - historical and old buildings?

Or natural and outdoors?

Suppose weather might be a consideration for a city or a forest.

Here is my set-up. Sold my 18' Komfort RV travel trailer, and converted the cargo trailer which is very lightweight. The bed space is almost a King Size. Have a TV and DVD player for electric sites. Even a cable hookup. That's why I'm staying at Harris Beach near Brookings a few minutes north. Have an electric heater and propane heater. Oak cabinets. And enough sleeping bags plus a big tent stored to equip a group of 6 people.

[MtnSurfer]

Jeesh mdvaden,

That is an awesome setup for traveling you have there! I have been brainstorming lately about what the best traveling rig might be. It sounds like you have some good experience with that. I might have to pick your brain sometime. Thanks again for posting and great shots BTW. Your truck looks dwarfed next to the Giants.