Rediscovering the Redwoods: A Day of Wonder, Laughter, and a Little Exhaustion

My day in the Redwoods kicked off with a relaxed picnic by the car. I snapped a shot of the sun streaming through the trees and lighting up our car—a quiet, almost magical moment that set the tone for what was to come.

Not long after, my 4-year-old son exploded into action like a tiny explorer on a mission, shouting, “Hurry up!” as he dashed ahead. I, meanwhile, was busy trying to capture the delicate details—tiny wildflowers and quirky mushrooms peeking out from the forest floor. Even though I’ve wandered these trails before, his fresh excitement made everything feel brand new.

The hike itself was an adventure. The towering trees, each one a silent giant, reminded me just how vast and ancient nature truly is. Then came one of the day’s unexpected highlights: a tree with a naturally carved feature that looked unmistakably like a penis. My son’s contagious giggles filled the air, and it was a delightful reminder that nature has a quirky sense of humor, too.

He started out sprinting, full of energy, and ended up asking to be carried by the end of the trail. It’s funny how the excitement of a little one can turn into exhaustion so quickly—but it’s that journey, that full swing of energy and rest, that makes the day through a child’s eyes so fascinating.

Every moment of the day, from the soft glow of sunlight through the trees to the sheer joy in my son’s laughter, reminded me that sometimes you have to see the familiar with fresh eyes. The Redwoods, with all their timeless beauty and unexpected surprises, always find a way to renew your sense of wonder.