Last Updated:

Photo du Jour: The Emerald “Umbrellas” of a California Redwood Forest

Posted by

·

, ,

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.”

Martin Luther

A magnificent Redwood tree on California’s Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail scrapes the sky with its paintbrush-like branches.

The Ah Pah Trail is a former logging road that has been reclaimed by the natural forest. It is part of the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Where in the World?

Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.

Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

Leave a reply to Artist Desiree East Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

27 responses to “Photo du Jour: The Emerald “Umbrellas” of a California Redwood Forest”

  1. rigmover Avatar
    rigmover

    Thats a great shot and one tall tree.

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      It’s funny – I found my neck getting a tad store by constantly craning to look at these towering beauties. Have your travels taken you to see them yet?

  2. Madhu Avatar

    Now that is magnificence! Awesome shot!

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Thanks so much, Madhu. Nature is indeed magnificent! More to come shortly… :)

  3. Artist Desiree East Avatar

    Oh, how I love standing in the middle of the Redwoods…Great shot! Simply gorgeous!

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Desiree, I can see why! Our two mini hikes were magical. Do you have a favorite trail to explore?

      1. Artist Desiree East Avatar

        Big Sur — anywhere on the northern coast of California, or Pacific Northwest, for that matter. But the trails along the Monterey/Santa Cruz coastline is breathtaking…you get the best of both worlds with the Pacific Ocean and the Redwood forests. Infact, we just got back from a mini Big Sur Vacation…….SO hard to leave!

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

        All those spots sound gorgeous, Desiree! We just got back from the Pacific Northwest (Redwood National Park, Portland, Seattle, Oregon Coast), and I’ve always been curious about Monterey and Big Sur too. What a special combination to have not only the ocean, but also the forests. I’ll have to visit your blog to see if you’ve posted on your mini vacation. :)

  4. elisaruland Avatar
    elisaruland

    Gorgeous shot, and I love your title “The Emerald Umbrellas.” Perfect!

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Thank you, Elisa! Once we get back from our camping adventures and rounds visiting friends and family in the Pacific Northwest, I’ll post more of the gorgeous Redwoods.

  5. Margaret Avatar

    That is a wonderful shade of green!

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Nature’s palette is the best, Margaret! I also appreciated how the bright green foliage in the foreground contrasted with the darker, almost mystical tones of the Redwoods.

  6. Sid Dunnebacke Avatar
    Sid Dunnebacke

    Wow, there’s much to like here, Tricia. ML’s quote is fabulous, the forest reclaiming the logging trail is fabulous, and your photo is… fabulous. One day I’d love to experience one of those trees up close.

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Thank you for your fabulous and kind feedback, Sid! I cannot take much credit other than sharing nature’s beauty and ML’s eloquent words. I hope you’ll soon have the opportunity to stand under the magnificent Redwoods too! Our two mini hikes were certainly magical and I had a hard time containing my ‘wows.’

  7. Rachael Avatar

    Stunning. I wonder what the plant is making those interlocking parasols near the top of frame?

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Rachael, I wondered the same thing. The texture and shape of those leaves almost looked like they belonged to a rhododendron. My knowledge of botany is rather limited unfortunately! :)

  8. belocchio Avatar

    Gorgeous trees. Gorgeous photograph Tricia. Virginia

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Greetings, Virginia & thank you! I regret that we won’t be making it to Victoria and Vancouver after all. So much to see (family and friends on this side of the border) and we think those spots deserve a trip of their own. Hope you’re well and that the kitchen renovation has been successful!

      1. belocchio Avatar

        It would have been nothing short of wonderful to meet you and your husband Tricia. In this world we just never know where one ends up. Perhaps we’ll be in your neck of the woods.
        The kitchen make-over is even more successful than we imagined. We are delighted. Virginia

  9. Փրկենք ծառերը / Save Trees | Առլեն Շահվերդյան. հեղինակային բլոգ-կայք Avatar

    […] Լուսանկարի աղբյուրը / The source of the photo: “The Emerald Umbrellas of a California Redwood Forest” […]

  10. Arlen Shahverdyan Avatar

    I have used this lovely photo in my post mentioning the source of it and showing the author – you! Also giving a link to your blog.
    Please, see: http://arlenshah.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/save-trees/

    Thank you for the Photo!

    Best regards,
    Arlen

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Many thanks, Arlen, for sharing the picture for a good cause and respecting the copyright as well.

      1. Arlen Shahverdyan Avatar

        I always respect author’s copyright!
        And I would like to thank you again for this amazing photo. I guess you have noticed the positive reaction of my readers. Thank you very much!

        Arlen

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

        My pleasure, Arlen. Enjoy the day, and until next time.

  11. Marisa Avatar

    Beautiful! Love your photography.

    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

      Belated thanks to you, Marisa and thank you so much for stopping by. I’ve gotten a bit behind in the blogosphere lately, but look forward to trying your soup recipes once things slow down for us. Until next time!