Village Clinic Ride Day 19: Perspective on the Diversity and Sheer Awesomeness of Life

Jedidiah Smith and Redwood State Park, CA

We didn’t make much progress down the coast today. Instead, we spent time wandering in the forest. We went to Jedidiah Smith state park, where we gawked at the sheer size of the trees. Redwoods can grow to well over 300 feet tall, and standing at the base of a tree that big helps give perspective to the diversity and sheer awesomeness of life.

Larry & Sarah Chatterley

We were surprised to read that redwood root systems only engage the soil a few feet down. Because water is easily available here, they don’t have to dig any deeper. This shallow root system gets exposed when the wind finally topples the giant tree, leaving an exposed root system that’s as tall as a house. It’s quite a sight.

After Jedidiah Smith state park, we went to Redwood State Park, where we did roughly the same thing: walked around gaping at giant trees. We also bought some incredibly good smoked salmon from a local off-the-highway market. Giant trees and smoked salmon. Who could ask for more?

Donate now to help us reach our goal of $75,000 to build a village medical clinic in Majok Goi, South Sudan: https://www.gemsdevelopment.org/2022-clinic-project