Abiding

 There's no other word for them...

 although others have used

majestic,

mysterious,

towering,

giant.

It's difficult for me to articulate

exactly 

how a living

but essentially inanimate

creation

can exert such a profound presence

but visits to both Muir Woods 

and Anderson Redwood Preserve

were proof positive for me 

that they can.

The trees and forest that surrounds them

 inspire a reverence that lends itself to 

hushed tones

long deep breaths

and 

soft slow footsteps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reality that they've existed for over a thousand years

as silent witnesses to so much history

is a fact beyond my ability to comprehend.

I didn't see a single one that didn't bear scars of previous fires.

You don't live that long without getting scorched

 yet they endure.

 

 There's another word that applies:

survivors.

They were extraordinary.

San Francisco

If you've been there before,

no words are needed.

 If you've never been,

words are inadequate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What about San Francisco?"
"What about it?"
"Did you like it?"
She shrugged. "It was O.K."
"Just O.K.?"
She laughed. "Good God!"
"What?"
"You're all alike here."
"How so?" he asked.
"You demand adoration for the place. 

You're not happy until everybody swears undying love 

for every nook and cranny 

of every precious damn --"
"Whoa, missy."
"Well, it's true. Can't you just worship it on your own? 

Do I have to sign an affidavit?"
He chuckled. "We're that bad, are we?"
"You bet your ass you are.”
― Armistead Maupin

This exchange cracked me up.
People who live there all certainly seem to be enamored.

I was lucky enough to stay with a friend

who is one of San Francisco's biggest cheerleaders -

there's nothing about the city -

and its environs -

that doesn't excite and fascinate her...

and rightly so.

And I had no doubt she'd show me the places to go
since she literally wrote the book!

 

 I had a fabulous time.

 If you've never experienced it for yourself,
what are you waiting for?