Thank you for sharing this story. The eucalypts in Australia have the same response to fire, drought and heavy insect attack. I did not know redwoods also produced epicormic sprouts.
Danielle, you are most welcome. And thank you for a glimpse into an equally amazing set of survival talents within the world of eucalypts.
Not sure if you saw the two previous posts I wrote setting up this topic. If so, please forgive my intrusion into something you already have well in hand. If not... and if your interest in this epicormic phenomenon in redwoods has any juice left, here are links to them. I thank you sincerely for your kind note and for the generous gesture of offering it.
Making Their Way Back: Surprise and Renewal In Southern Oregon's Redwoods, Part 1
I know this trip meant a lot to both of you---what a time of awe & wonder! I loved seeing John on the bench with his head tilted to the sky, taking it all in. Ohhh, the uplifting sense of renewal!
Loved your pics of epicormic greening in all its variation---what a triumph! Even though stands of dark silver, burned-out trunks testify to the fiercest heat---all the sprouting, flourishing green you captured is like seeing courage and hope up close. All that regeneration speaks to me in many ways, through each one of these "sprouting encounters"--- so, please, don't stop!
Dear Toni, again I am touched by your close, careful reading. Yes, a big deal to both of us, though each of us, quite naturally, for slightly different reasons. I'm not sure if John will like the image of him on the bench, there is chaos all around him, but that for me was part of what made the scene. He was looking up... and past everything that would be easy for most to focus on and fret over, and looking instead at what was beautiful. There's a lesson there, and a gift. Thank you for continuing to be a part of these adventures. I am grateful.
Nothing is perfect-looking in that sense---except John's gaze. To me it was part of the magic, as well; him looking to the sky, to the tops of those magestics, pausing among the rubble of fallen limbs to look upward... I love that this portrait is so potent that way, so real-life.
Thank you, dear Chloe. I so loved your comment on this: “…we are talking about Cher and Fleetwood Mac levels of comeback here, friends.” I laughed out loud. How wonderful to ride a wave sent shoreward by someone so generous and eloquent.
So much love in your text and photos!
Have you read "The Overstory" - a love story about trees and their importance to the earth and to human life? Highly recommend.
Rachael, thank you. Yes, loved, loved Overstory, am haunted by it still. Thank you for leaving such a kind note.
Thank you for sharing this story. The eucalypts in Australia have the same response to fire, drought and heavy insect attack. I did not know redwoods also produced epicormic sprouts.
Danielle, you are most welcome. And thank you for a glimpse into an equally amazing set of survival talents within the world of eucalypts.
Not sure if you saw the two previous posts I wrote setting up this topic. If so, please forgive my intrusion into something you already have well in hand. If not... and if your interest in this epicormic phenomenon in redwoods has any juice left, here are links to them. I thank you sincerely for your kind note and for the generous gesture of offering it.
Making Their Way Back: Surprise and Renewal In Southern Oregon's Redwoods, Part 1
https://open.substack.com/pub/davideperry/p/making-their-way-back-surprise-and?r=2bfb89&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Making Their Way Back: Surprise and Renewal In Southern Oregon's Redwoods, Part 2
https://open.substack.com/pub/davideperry/p/making-their-way-back-surprise-and-070?r=2bfb89&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Remarkable. They are truly living temples.
I know this trip meant a lot to both of you---what a time of awe & wonder! I loved seeing John on the bench with his head tilted to the sky, taking it all in. Ohhh, the uplifting sense of renewal!
Loved your pics of epicormic greening in all its variation---what a triumph! Even though stands of dark silver, burned-out trunks testify to the fiercest heat---all the sprouting, flourishing green you captured is like seeing courage and hope up close. All that regeneration speaks to me in many ways, through each one of these "sprouting encounters"--- so, please, don't stop!
Dear Toni, again I am touched by your close, careful reading. Yes, a big deal to both of us, though each of us, quite naturally, for slightly different reasons. I'm not sure if John will like the image of him on the bench, there is chaos all around him, but that for me was part of what made the scene. He was looking up... and past everything that would be easy for most to focus on and fret over, and looking instead at what was beautiful. There's a lesson there, and a gift. Thank you for continuing to be a part of these adventures. I am grateful.
Nothing is perfect-looking in that sense---except John's gaze. To me it was part of the magic, as well; him looking to the sky, to the tops of those magestics, pausing among the rubble of fallen limbs to look upward... I love that this portrait is so potent that way, so real-life.
I have so loved these epicormic learnings, David. They are as moving as they are fascinating. As Blake would say, "life delights in life".
Thank you, dear Chloe. I so loved your comment on this: “…we are talking about Cher and Fleetwood Mac levels of comeback here, friends.” I laughed out loud. How wonderful to ride a wave sent shoreward by someone so generous and eloquent.
Hearing of your laughter makes me smile, David. And I truly feel that Cher herself would feel some kinship with those sproutlings!
It is a wonder indeed … my eyes moistened as I looked at the last photo. Phoenix of a different origin.
You are indeed a tender hearted one. Thank you for being part of this adventure, Jann.
This is beautiful, David. We are all learning to sprout...
I love your take on this. Thank you, Danyce!