Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Let's Go Hiking!

Today we're going to go on a hike through the redwoods at Prairie Creek State Park in Northern California. Bring your camera and let's hit the trail!

The sunshine pouring across the ferns is framed by the majestic redwoods in this scene. Isn't is so peaceful here in the forest? The redwoods are such an amazing part of God's creation, and I'm blessed to be able to show them to you on this hike!

Anybody want to stop and read the informative signs? There are a lot of beautiful plants here on the North Coast. (And I know I don't look prepared for hiking, but I didn't want to leave my purse in the car, and it's only a short walk!)

I think now would be a good time to read the verse that Renee Ann mentioned out on the lake during last night's canoe ride as we look up at the towering, grand redwoods on the aptly named Revelation Trail:

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." ~Romans 1:20

I'm so strong--I can hold up that tree with my fingertips! Just kidding. ;) Any taller people want to try to reach the higher end?

Across the way you can view the clearing. If you look closely, you can see stick-like things standing out above the grass. Those are elk antlers! Best to keep our distance as they rest in the sun.

Before we head back to camp, anyone want to go to the gift shop?

(Pictures were taken by my mom at Prairie Creek State Park.)

16 comments:

Vince said...

Hi Amber:

The redwoods are so impressive, your pictures brought back all the sights, sounds, and smells from my visit to the park. I can even hear little critters scurrying about in the underbrush.

I suggest readers enlarge your pictures because it brings out so much more detail. The most magical thing to me was touching a giant redwood tree that was in the same spot, alive and well, when Jesus was performing His miracles. Those trees are their own time machines.

BTW: Did everyone stay dry on the night canoe trip?

Vince

Casey said...

Those redwoods are stunning and you are very right- people are without excuse! I have done very little hiking, but would love to do more, so I'm glad to be here today. :-)

I missed the devotional last night, so headed back to see if there are any s'mores left over and read the foot notes. ;)

Amber Holcomb said...

Vince,

The redwoods are definitely impressive! I think I often take for granted the blessing of living so close to them. :)

I agree that if you can enlarge the pictures my mom took, you can see more detail and immerse yourself more thoroughly in the hiking experience. :)

And yes, they are like a type of time machine, aren't they? There's one tree at the end of the Trees of Mystery trail (a park not too far south of Crescent City) where you can see the tree rings and there are little signs to show some of the major events that the tree lived through--like the signing of the Magna Carta. Truly magical. :)

~Amber

P.S. I haven't heard any reports of any of the campers tipping over last night, so I think we're good to go! ;) Thanks for asking!

Amber Holcomb said...

Casey,

Well, we're very glad you joined us! :) The redwoods are very stunning, indeed.

Thanks for coming along, and for asking to see the report of last night's events! ;)

~Amber

Katie Marie said...

Beautiful pictures, Amber! And great avice, Vince--it really does bring out more details. Breathtaking!!

~ Katy

Amber Holcomb said...

Katy,

Thank you--although the credit goes to my mom for taking the pictures and the Lord for creating the gorgeous redwood forests! :) Glad you could join us on the hike!

~Amber

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Great pics Amber! I love those beautiful redwoods and would love to see them in person someday. I don't travel a whole lot so it may be a while before I get to see them LOL! Thanks for leading the virtual hike. :-)

XOXO~ Renee

Ariel Wilson said...

I could TOTALLY reach the higher point! ;D

Amber Holcomb said...

Renee,

Aren't they beautiful? It would be so fun if you could come visit and see them for yourself! :) Maybe someday! ;)

Glad you could come on the hike!

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Ariel,

Hahaha, I bet you could! Thanks for rubbing it in! ;)

~Amber

Renee said...

I'd love to see the redwoods in person. When I visited California, I stayed mostly in the Monterey area. It was beautiful there, though . . .

Amber Holcomb said...

Renee Ann,

I love it up here in the redwoods! :) I'm rather partial to the true northern California, although I'm sure other parts of California have their charm, as well. ;)

~Amber

Amanda Stanley said...

Wow, this park is beautiful, Amber! I've actually never been hiking before so this is a first for me ;) Love the pics! LOL, and I could probably help you hold up the higher end of the tree! ;) And, that Scripture is so powerful and so true. Our God is an AMAZING Artist, Designer and Creator! From each blade of grass that hides the elk to the impressive redwoods that let in the rays of the sun, our God spoke it all into existence!! Nature only reveals Him more. *contented sigh* Thanks, my friend, this really blessed me :)

Blessings,
Amanda

Amber Holcomb said...

Amanda,

Isn't it, though? I had a great time visiting it last week with my mom!

Hahaha, you and Ariel can just go ahead and show off your tallness! ;)

And as for the rest of the comment: Amen! Beautifully said! I'm so glad you could join us on our hike, and I'm glad that seeing pictures of God's creation blessed you. :)

~Amber

Michelle said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos! I love a good hike! I've been hiking in Yosemite, along the Stanislaus River area, and Memorial Park (near Pescadero, CA; the Redwoods are beautiful there). I'm not familiar with Prairie Creek, but I'm going to look into it.

And I give a big AMEN to what Amanda said!

Amber Holcomb said...

Michelle,

You're welcome! My mom took some great pictures. :)

Sounds like you've been to some great places! I looked up Memorial Park to see where it was in California, and it looks like it's pretty close to the bay area, right? Prairie Creek and lots of other neat redwood parks can be found way up north, close to the Oregon border. :) Feel free to check out the link near the top of this post to find out more about Prairie Creek!

~Amber