[lorax]

I feel like I just came back from a hermitage. My wife and I just visted the Sonoma county / San Francisco area of California, and what an inspiring place to go. We went to a redwood forest, and it was like a gothic cathedral. There were also a myriad of art shops all over trhe place. It is really motivating to be surounded by that magnificent atmosphere of ocean, hills, trees, and beautiful sunshine. It's no wonder it costs a small fortune to live there I am really happy for all you out there that get to experience that all the time.

[woodtrapper]

Hey Lorax,I am from Calif. and I use to own a home 100 miles above San Fran. in Mendicino co.My dad still lives in the same town as I.Going to see avenue of the giants was breath taking and redwood bark the size of a human. Unfortunately my wife got cabin fever and we left.Now I am in in the appalacian forest in north carolnia.I looove the woods.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I lived in Humboldt country for 10 years, in law enforcement there.....wasn't expensive then! But was sure wet, you can't have all those trees without lots and lots of water....about 60 inches a year!

[whitecree]

Well, forests on a coast are usually known as rainforests for a good reason...

I know the feeling. I live on the edge of a forest myself, and every once in awhile when I get to feeling overwhelmed, I take a long, rambling walk up a game trail until there is nothing to see or hear but trees and the wind (with an occasional raven roarking at me)

Somehow, all my daily concerns fade away when standing beside a red cedar that was big back when Columbus was getting lost on his way to India.