From the Recollections of Life and Events in Wawona series
By Jon Finney
Over generations, countless visitors have driven down a meandering Chilnualna Falls Road in Yosemite for the first time in search of an answer to that question. To those that made that journey, we all were that person at one point in our lives and the uniqueness of that initial memory, and those that ensued, is as unique as The Redwoods In Yosemite.
It is a constant appreciation of that dichotomy of commonality and difference that makes the Redwoods so special. Whether you can no longer count the number of visits that you’ve made to the Redwoods or you just discovered it, it should come as no surprise that places like the Redwoods are rare. In many ways, its timeless continuance is an improbable outcome for a small establishment nestled within one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Were it not for decades of enduring care from its early founders and every generation that followed, the fate of the Redwoods might read quite differently. Acknowledging all the individual contributions that helped deliver the Redwoods to where it is today would be a daunting task, to say the least. Then again, that debt of gratitude may already be paid in full. For anyone that has spent time at the Redwoods has already received something meaningful in return, memories. To the individual for which these memories belong, they are likely priceless.
Generously, several individuals have shared some of their thoughts on the Redwoods for all of us to enjoy. Perhaps that will compel you to share your memories as well. It’s not difficult, you just have to ask yourself, what does the Redwoods mean to you?
Mariposa Grove Photo: Nancy Robbins
