Ghost Redwoods Captain's Report ~ ExGld
Greetings Explorers!
The year has kicked off with a wet and rainy outing, which was perfect as we sought the Ghost Redwoods. If you missed it, be sure to read the Captain’s Report below. Having said that we do have another event, the Valentine’s Curio coming up this Sunday (February 9th) which promises more of a comfy crafting experience rather than the soggy forests of last weekend.
Valentines Day Crafting Curio - February 9th
Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to make and share some heartfelt sentiments. Join us for an afternoon of tea and crafting, and take the chance to put a little love back into Leeway at our first official Curio event. We’ll be busting out the glue sticks and scissors on Sunday, February 9, from 1pm to 4pm, at the Compass Rose House. Join Slack channel #0209-Valentines-Curio for more info.
Ghost Redwoods Captain’s Report
When I was first notified about the Ghost Redwoods in Henry Cowell park, it didn’t take more than the name for my total interest to be piqued. What self respecting captain could say no to the allure of those two words together?!? Heather, who was planning this outing, had never been to an Explorers Guild event but after some conversation we felt like the match would work none-the-less. We looked into our calendars and settled on Sunday.
Despite the weather being rainy, it was ideal for our adventure. The forest felt more alive than it normally does (which in hindsight as I type this report is perhaps not the feel you want when searching ghosts). Excitement within the troupe was high with rumors of slugs, newts, and ghosts on the docket for the day.
Heather took us along the main loop as we learned about redwoods as well as their ghostly counterparts. Marker 14 even provided us with a real live example of a Ghost Redwood. With our minds and senses newly armed, we made our way to the Cathedral Redwood Grove.
The light rain was constant, but it was rare to hear anything other than joy from the troupe of Explorers. Eyes were carefully affixed on the surrounding landscape, all in search of the Ghost Redwoods. The first one we spotted was almost by accident, as we circumnavigated a rather large puddle. Seeing one outside the loop though was incredible and acted as a shot hope for everyone, they are in fact out there!
With our eyes looking every which way, we were so lucky to find even more offerings from the forest. Banana slugs, mushrooms (of every size and color), a herd of deer, and some wandering newts. By the time we got to the Cathedral Gove though, we had only spotted that one ghost in the wild.
It was here, at the grove, that the ghosty nature of the land started to reveal itself. In the clouds, Explorers claimed hear the distant woooooo wooing of what we assumed must be spirits (or a distant train, both are exciting). On our way back, as we were closing the distance to the visitors center, we spotted four more ghost redwoods! It was an incredible way to finish. To top off the whole day Joel offered us some ginger rooibos tea, which warmed us to the core as we changed into drier clothes.
Big thanks to Heather who helped coordinate this outing so that Explorers new and old could learn to love and appreciate the Ghost Redwoods!
Semper Explorandum Explorers!