Raymond Barnett

Sep 07, 2012 2:35 PM EDT

I can vouch for Barnett's long love for Giant Sequoias. I vividly recall an extremely wet family hike into Yosemite's Mariposa grove. Ray was so excited to finally introduce his family to these incredible creatures. Equipped with snowshoes and beanies we found ourselves pelted not by snowflakes, but instead, by rain, . , The kids, 8 and 10 years old, complained loudly and bitterly, convinced they would die of hypothermia or hunger. All drenched,except for Ray in his Gortex jacket,we finally reached the Grizzly Giant. The complaining ceased. We were all in awe from the massive size and power of that giant tree. I can remember feeling protected from the elements, and safe from harm. We spent some time in the grove, taking photos, returning back to Grizzly Giant again. The hike back to Wawona seemed much shorter. It was full of songs, and chants. My daughter,Ashlyn, and I stating proudly "We're Barnett girls, and we can't be beat!". I think somehow, Grizzly Giant guided our family back to civilization, where the Barnett's celebrated our first "white, Yosemite, Christmas".

- Tammy Barnett

Oct 08, 2012 9:04 PM EDT

What a great place to spend a few days! If only more people spent their vacations like this: soaking in nature's beauty and reflecting on the vital importance of coexisting harmoniously with all the other creatures in this world, both large (your Sequoias) and small (Douglas Squirrels and the like). Your essay captured this necessity beautifully. On a side note, I too often find myself whistling operatic tunes as I trek through the forests near my home: Verdi is the most frequent to make an appearance! I thoroughly enjoyed this post and look forward to reading more about your adventures. Thank you for sharing!

- A. King

Jun 13, 2013 3:34 PM EDT

JOHN MASEFIELD - THE REDWOODS

THEY ARE NOT LIKE TREES, THEY ARE LIKE SPIRITS…
THE TREES RISE UP WITH DIGNITY, POWER AND MAJESTY,
AS THOUGH THEY HAD BEEN THERE FOREVER…
THEY WERE MORE LIKE GODS THAN ANYTHING I HAD EVER SEEN.
THEY SEEM TO BE THINKING.

ONE FELT THAT PRESENTLY THEY WOULD MARCH OUT TO WIPE OUT EVERYTHING MEAN OR BASE OR PETTY ON EARTH.

- Chip