Oy, I can feel my blood pressure ascending and my bladder squealing as I read this. And let us all declare a customer fatwa on Booking.com. As for anyone who wants to cut down old-growth redwoods, f**k you guys.
Julia, Crescent City has been as you saw it for the last fifty years. Coos Bay, if I remember correctly, is a large port shipping american redwood lumber to japan. Most of Highway 101, the freeway, is simply a line of redwoods along either side of the road obscuring the clear cut forests that have been replanted with six inch high hemlock or fir; referred to locally as "peckerwood pine."
The powers that be seem to think that no one will actually look past the redwoods they drive past, let alone explore what the lumber companies have done to the california coastal redwoods.
NOTHING I read from you makes any sense of you selling your house in a forest you love. Please, for your own sake, seriously reconsider and stay, living in that house.
I traveled all that area from 1971 until 1999, working for several government agencies and interviewing ranchers, farmers, and agricultural businesses to gather statistics for the agencies to use in decision making. not sure it did much good. contact me privately, if you wish.
Thelma, it's an economic issue. If I had more income I'd be able to stay. I've seen precisely what you describe, by the way, all the way up the coast well into Canada. The rape of those forests affected salmon populations, and of course orcas, and every other damned thing. The line of trees is now so thin that the flat lands just beyond it are obvious to all of us, which is part of the heartbreak. I'd love to stay where I am, but if this administration cuts my Social Security and/or my VA benefits, I end up in my car. I am packing to prepare for that now. It's entirely likely that the world will change so drastically by next spring that I can't sell. All I can do is deal with the hand I've been given. It might mean I move overseas, which I am also exploring, where it's a lot more livable for less. I have no idea- but I am downsizing now just in case. Honestly, who knows. Something may well change that I can't possibly anticipate.
Wow. Sorry your trip turned out that way. I was telling my mom last weekend on a drive to my brother's house near Hat Creek, CA, that every time I'm in a forest I try to force my soul to soak it all up like a sponge in case it's the last time I get to see it before it gets burned or cut down.
So much truth to that, Amber. I am so lucky to live in a forest right now. Who knows how long that will last, right? As I think about selling and moving, the big question is where do I see that kind of beauty in a place I can afford? Dunno. Just…dunno.
Loved this, hate that you had this experience. I recently didn’t get the booking.com code fast enough in Missoula and the first thing I did after finally getting the right door code was have to change and clean my clothes in the sink; oh the joys of an aging bladder and tech glitches.
Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately old growth forests here in Australia are suffering the same fate from greed and ignorance. Trees have taught me many things, and as a composer I have tried to express this in music. Perhaps it will resonate with you, as we contemplate a natural world on the brink. https://open.substack.com/pub/glynsmusic/p/i-stand-silent?r=3w1kec&utm_medium=ios
As a Native Californian now living in New Mexico for the 3rd time, I still miss the beautiful trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As I looked at your picture of those magnificent trees, I began to cry at the thought of them being cut down for profit. As I continue to age, I feel deeper connections with Nature, both plants and animals. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure.
I'm so sorry your vacation was such a washout. I'm not from the U.S., but 20 years ago I visited Muir Woods, and it was amazing. I'm a big tree fan, and it's distressing to think of losing these beautiful giants.
Awww man, what a drag. When it rains, it pours. The universe wanted this trip to fail for some reason you'll never understand, I guess. Glad you at least had Mika by your side ❤️
Julia, I'm so sorry it all went ass-backwards. I love the trees surrounding my house, too. I often think of going elsewhere to work, if only to escape the distractions of home, but sometimes there really is no place like home.
Julia, I live on my social security. I understand the economic issues you are facing. I was widowed ten years ago and it has taken me most of those years to learn to reduce my outgoing cash flow. my biggest errors, in similar situations, in the '70s was to sell; I had too many ideas (other people's) that said I had to have more and more cash flow instead of understanding that I had been taught by society and the culture (brain washed) that would buy things that did I did not need.
Keep a good handful of cash on hand! the current situation is designed to keep you frightened and acquiescent. wait and watch, this won't last forever; the time to turn some possessions into blocks of capital will improve once people are more secure in their minds.
think about how to actually use the things you have instead of spending capital that you should be safe guarding.
I, too, am looking overseas. I have some firm ideas backed up by stern research (not recommendations from people who want my retirement $$). and yes, it's difficult to sort out those two intentions of strangers and businesses on line. there are a LOT of hidden agendas and a lot more not so hidden agendas.
I've made it to eighty one. have reduced my outgoing cashflow to a number that would shock you. You can do it. start looking for a way to work your way back from panic. and, yes, I have to make that trip away from panic a couple of times a year. if you panic, take a nap, do nothing rash, and make yourself a snack.
Soon the only Redwoods left will be the ones that crossed the oceans as specimens hundreds of years ago. I just saw a magnificent one in the gardens of Cawdor Castle outside of Inverness, Scotland. There’s even a Scottish Redwood Trust. https://www.scottishredwoodtrust.com/
Oy, I can feel my blood pressure ascending and my bladder squealing as I read this. And let us all declare a customer fatwa on Booking.com. As for anyone who wants to cut down old-growth redwoods, f**k you guys.
Julia, Crescent City has been as you saw it for the last fifty years. Coos Bay, if I remember correctly, is a large port shipping american redwood lumber to japan. Most of Highway 101, the freeway, is simply a line of redwoods along either side of the road obscuring the clear cut forests that have been replanted with six inch high hemlock or fir; referred to locally as "peckerwood pine."
The powers that be seem to think that no one will actually look past the redwoods they drive past, let alone explore what the lumber companies have done to the california coastal redwoods.
NOTHING I read from you makes any sense of you selling your house in a forest you love. Please, for your own sake, seriously reconsider and stay, living in that house.
I traveled all that area from 1971 until 1999, working for several government agencies and interviewing ranchers, farmers, and agricultural businesses to gather statistics for the agencies to use in decision making. not sure it did much good. contact me privately, if you wish.
Thelma, it's an economic issue. If I had more income I'd be able to stay. I've seen precisely what you describe, by the way, all the way up the coast well into Canada. The rape of those forests affected salmon populations, and of course orcas, and every other damned thing. The line of trees is now so thin that the flat lands just beyond it are obvious to all of us, which is part of the heartbreak. I'd love to stay where I am, but if this administration cuts my Social Security and/or my VA benefits, I end up in my car. I am packing to prepare for that now. It's entirely likely that the world will change so drastically by next spring that I can't sell. All I can do is deal with the hand I've been given. It might mean I move overseas, which I am also exploring, where it's a lot more livable for less. I have no idea- but I am downsizing now just in case. Honestly, who knows. Something may well change that I can't possibly anticipate.
Wow. Sorry your trip turned out that way. I was telling my mom last weekend on a drive to my brother's house near Hat Creek, CA, that every time I'm in a forest I try to force my soul to soak it all up like a sponge in case it's the last time I get to see it before it gets burned or cut down.
So much truth to that, Amber. I am so lucky to live in a forest right now. Who knows how long that will last, right? As I think about selling and moving, the big question is where do I see that kind of beauty in a place I can afford? Dunno. Just…dunno.
Unsteady times we're living in, for sure.
OMG! What a nightmare!! Glad you got home where you could be comfortable and work. Hopefully you’ll get so see more trees soon.
I'm surrounded by them, which is a joy. For now at least!
Loved this, hate that you had this experience. I recently didn’t get the booking.com code fast enough in Missoula and the first thing I did after finally getting the right door code was have to change and clean my clothes in the sink; oh the joys of an aging bladder and tech glitches.
Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately old growth forests here in Australia are suffering the same fate from greed and ignorance. Trees have taught me many things, and as a composer I have tried to express this in music. Perhaps it will resonate with you, as we contemplate a natural world on the brink. https://open.substack.com/pub/glynsmusic/p/i-stand-silent?r=3w1kec&utm_medium=ios
As a Native Californian now living in New Mexico for the 3rd time, I still miss the beautiful trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As I looked at your picture of those magnificent trees, I began to cry at the thought of them being cut down for profit. As I continue to age, I feel deeper connections with Nature, both plants and animals. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure.
That’s my reaction too. I cry every time I see clear cut forests. It’s deeply personal.
Julia, you’re so inspiring. Nothing can keep you down for long. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Thanks, Carey, I needed that today!
Never been to Northern CA, sadly...Ergo, might never see those beautiful trees except in photos.
Sorry your "vacation" was close to a horror movie.
I'll be going back. It was a great lesson in dumb mistakes.
I'm so sorry your vacation was such a washout. I'm not from the U.S., but 20 years ago I visited Muir Woods, and it was amazing. I'm a big tree fan, and it's distressing to think of losing these beautiful giants.
Awww man, what a drag. When it rains, it pours. The universe wanted this trip to fail for some reason you'll never understand, I guess. Glad you at least had Mika by your side ❤️
Julia, I'm so sorry it all went ass-backwards. I love the trees surrounding my house, too. I often think of going elsewhere to work, if only to escape the distractions of home, but sometimes there really is no place like home.
You gotta have a sense of humor. THE one issue I have with selling this place is….the place. I love my trees.
Julia, I live on my social security. I understand the economic issues you are facing. I was widowed ten years ago and it has taken me most of those years to learn to reduce my outgoing cash flow. my biggest errors, in similar situations, in the '70s was to sell; I had too many ideas (other people's) that said I had to have more and more cash flow instead of understanding that I had been taught by society and the culture (brain washed) that would buy things that did I did not need.
Keep a good handful of cash on hand! the current situation is designed to keep you frightened and acquiescent. wait and watch, this won't last forever; the time to turn some possessions into blocks of capital will improve once people are more secure in their minds.
think about how to actually use the things you have instead of spending capital that you should be safe guarding.
I, too, am looking overseas. I have some firm ideas backed up by stern research (not recommendations from people who want my retirement $$). and yes, it's difficult to sort out those two intentions of strangers and businesses on line. there are a LOT of hidden agendas and a lot more not so hidden agendas.
I've made it to eighty one. have reduced my outgoing cashflow to a number that would shock you. You can do it. start looking for a way to work your way back from panic. and, yes, I have to make that trip away from panic a couple of times a year. if you panic, take a nap, do nothing rash, and make yourself a snack.
Soon the only Redwoods left will be the ones that crossed the oceans as specimens hundreds of years ago. I just saw a magnificent one in the gardens of Cawdor Castle outside of Inverness, Scotland. There’s even a Scottish Redwood Trust. https://www.scottishredwoodtrust.com/