Dirt and mis-matched tableware aside, I love camping. I love Big Sur. Every time we go back it feels like going home. This year was really special because it was our first time back since the Big Sur fires last summer. We actually had to cancel our trip because our campground was on fire. We were all definitely concerned about how much it might be changed. We also had to stay at a different campground this year, so that was a bit strange. For the most part the trees were all in tact, and everything was just as awe-inspiring as it always is. Eric and I did take a hike that really impressed us with the fragility of the forest, but also with the incredible adaptability that nature comes equipped with. We took about five hundred pictures, so I think I’ll have to group them by category to share. This post will be the best of the nature photos!

Beautiful and ancient redwoods.

Here's what happens when forests burn.

Luckily, redwoods are incredibly fire-resistant.

Eventually the new foliage around the base of a charred redwood will grow into giant clusters of trees. And in a hundred years or so they’ll look just like this:

These lovely giants were once tiny buds at the base of a charred tree!

Nature never ceases to amaze me.

Tomorrow I’ll post some more goodies, like this:

Petina's first visit to the beach was a complete success!