come into the redwood forest with me

Last week, I spent three days in the Santa Cruz mountains, deep in the redwood forest. It was for work, photographing an event that was billed as "conference meets meditation retreat." So interspersed between panel talks, there was a myofascial release class (basically self-massage with lacrosse balls), sound bath, and forest bathing. Yes, it was as incredible a setting as it sounds. But also yes, I had three 12hr days of photographing and I climbed 40 floors in one day with both cameras, lenses, and a backpack.

It took place at a private venue—the building on the right is where the yoga and sound baths were.

If you have never been to the Santa Cruz mountains or inside a redwood forest, it is hard to describe them besides really old, towering trees. There's a majestic-ness about them, a red tinge on their bark, and a sense that you are a blip in their long history.

I kept some people in the photo to give you a sense of scale. The grounds were beautifully landscaped, but not in a manicured way. Walking paths between the buildings were bordered by wildflowers. The ferns were at the base of the redwoods.

Wild turkeys just hanging out at the amphitheater.

And to conclude, the 100+ year old "Mother Tree." It was so tall that my lens couldn't get the full tree.