Thursday, May 24, 2018

The Worlds Largest Sitka Spruce

Deep in the Olympic Rainforest, on the shores of silvery Lake Quinault, stands a massive, ancient tree. The World's Largest Sitka Spruce is one of a number of record setting trees in one of the most vibrant valleys on the planet. It is more than a thousand years old, 17.7 feet thick, and stands nearly 200 feet tall. It is truly awe inspiring to stand in its presence.


Thursday, May 10, 2018

Vivid Spring Flowers in the Forest



The spring flower show of the forest is typically a subtle affair - lots of new green foliage and a flower here and there. However, in one little forest of alder and mossy pines I found a display of nature that was more vivid than any spring previous. Bleeding heart, oxalis, Vetch, an endless carpet of Oxalis covering everything, the green clover leaves sending up their own little white blossoms streaked with delicate colors. The air was heady with the scents of new growth, fresh flowers - the smell of a billion living things springing from the cool earth to reach up for the dappled sun.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Keep Mt. Hood Wild! Prevent development at Cooper Spur/Government Camp. Stop the Land Swap.



Today I learned of a long planned land swap on the slopes of Mt. Hood, and I was horrified by just about every aspect of the situation. The land swap is a raw deal for the public, and development of either location would be a blight on a beautiful region treasured by millions of Americans. Please join me in voicing strong opposition to the land swap and to further development of Mt. Hood.