The last set of photos that I wanted to share on the blog are from our picnic at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Calaveras County is not only home to jumping frogs but also Sierra Redwood trees. The Sierra Redwoods are the largest trees in the world and to see a tree with a trunk that is 25+ feet in diameter is mighty impressive.
Another item of note in the flora department is the blooming of the Mountain Dogwoods in the central Sierras. We were lucky to find the dogwoods in bloom on our visit. The dogwoods were a favorite tree of a dear friend named Mary T. Mary T died about 10 years ago, but she was a unanimously loved friend of anyone who knew her. One year on a Big Trees picnic, Mary T enlisted my family in the illegal acquisition of a couple of state park dogwoods which she transplanted in her Murphys garden. Mary was one of those people who could convince you to do anything (including breaking the law) and you’d have a great time doing it. The dogwoods continue to bloom each year in Mary’s old garden so in the grand scheme of things I feel that infraction was just mildly naughty.
Wouldn’t you know it, but the photographer in our family was more interested in documenting the wildlife he spotted on our picnic than the trees. I just can’t talk about Big Trees and blooming dogwoods without mentioning Mary T.
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It looks like you guys had a really fun trip — Calaveras County looks so beautiful!
Sometimes the “wild life” outshines the dogwoods!
Oh, Anna. Thanks to you and to your mom for sending me this sweet remembrance of Mary. Do you know “We Remember” from the Rabbi’s Manual? I don’t usually quote things, but i think you’ll like this:
“In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them;
In the opening of the buds and the rebirth of spring, we remember them;
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them;
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them;
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them;
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remeber them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.”
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Vicky, for such a beautiful contribution to the blog. It is so fun to connect with people like you in this way. Did you hear that I ran into Andrew & Sadie at Murphys Park. I’m so glad that your granddaughter looks like you!