New Eyes

I walk by our property almost every day.  As I have for nearly 20 years, although for most of that time it was not ours.

From the roadside, it is a dense tangle of tall redwood trees, a few alders, ferns, some bush. Even the steep hillside pitch of it isn't obvious, as it winds around a long bend. Neighboring homes have long been above, below and across the road, so it always seemed natural that it was undeveloped -- more like a little wild park. Deer and ravens frequented; perhaps squirrels, skunks, foxes and such burrowed therein.  A cougar?  Might visit.  Bears, definitely.

Once that land became ours, I took to visiting from time to time. The feeling is quite different from within: Stillness. Its redwood canopy filters light to dusky levels, and road noise is minimal.  More climbing/scrambling than walking is required. One time, a hoard of trash had been dragged into the hollow -- a bear's private place. It felt good to clean up his leftovers, to take care, albeit I rather hoped he'd be back.

Befriending the trees is a bit bittersweet. Some of them must be sacrificed, to allow space for our house. Selectively though, not cleared. Most of these 1.1 acres will remain untouched. After all, these trees have been here for a very long time. They are second growth, still small by redwood standards, yet hearty and healthy.  Others already call them home, no doubt.