Spencer Jack's Virtual Drive Through California's Fallen Pioneer Cabin Tree

Spencer Jack Simulation of Driving Through the
Pioneer Cabin Tree

Last night Spencer Jack's dad text messaged me asking if I had ever been to the Pioneer Cabin Tree.

I assumed my Favorite Nephew Jason was asking about that drive through sequoia which came crashing down during the recent California rainstorm.

I replied saying I assumed it was the fallen sequoia he was asking about, and further saying that I did not recollect driving through the tree, but I do recollect driving by it.

I added that if I remember correctly the drive through tree was near what is now Redwoods National Park and also near the Trees of Mystery.

Mentioning to Jason the Trees of Mystery got me wondering if that long time Northern California tourist attraction still existed, with its giant Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox.

Traveling Highway 101, back in the last century, stopping at Trees of Mystery seemed sort of mandatory, what with all the Trees of Mystery bumper stickers one constantly saw, the sort of thing which caused kids in a car, well, me and my siblings, to beg to stop.

I Googled to quickly find myself pleased to learn that the Trees of Mystery not only still exists, this roadside attraction has greatly expanded since my last visit.

Since my last visit to Trees of Mystery a Sky Trail has been added, which is a Gondola  ride high above the ground, communing with Sequoia tree tops. Motel Trees have been added. A Forest Cafe. A museum. And other things I did not remember seeing previously.

Well, actually, it has been so long since I was last mystified by the Trees of  Mystery the only elements of that tourist attraction which I remember are the aforementioned Mr. Bunyan and his Ox, and a souvenir store.

The Pioneer Cabin Tree was old, real old,  maybe as old as a thousand years. If I remember right, when last I saw what became known as the Pioneer Cabin Tree, it was known as the Tunnel Tree, and was situated in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. I vaguely recollect exploring trails in Calaveras Big Trees State  Park prior to Redwoods National  Park coming into existence.

Travelers began being able to travel through the Tunnel Tree after it was hollowed out in the 1880s. At that point in time it would have been travelers on horses or riding in a horse powered buggy which traveled through the Tunnel Tree.

Eventually automobiles were allowed to transit through the Tunnel Tree. I do not recollect doing so.

At some point in time, late in the previous century, or early in  the current century, vehicular traffic through the Pioneer Cabin Tunnel Tree was banned, with a hiking trail becoming the way to transit through the tree tunnel.

So, I suspect some sort of digital manipulation has been used, above, by Spencer Jack and his dad to create the illusion that Spencer Jack is about to drive through California's former iconic giant sequoia tree...

Walking Under The Shade Of The Village Creek Oaks Thinking About Generals Grant, Sherman & Washington

You are looking up at a Village Creek Natural Historic Area oak tree in the picture.

When I am in a mood most foul, which is most of the time, I find I get temporary respite from a mood most foul when I commune with some types of nature.

For me, big trees and big waves seem to be the best foul mood alleviaters.

I do not have any contact with big waves in Texas. The only time I've even seen a semi-big wave in Texas was in Galveston.

I think big waves rolling up on an ocean beach cast off negative ions. Hence the mood enhancement.

I think big oak trees may also cast off negative ions.

The biggest tree I've ever had put me in a good mood was a sequoia called General Grant in Kings Canyon National Park in California. General Sherman in Sequoia National Park is the biggest tree in the world. General Grant is number 2. The Washington sequoia, named after General/President Washington, also in Sequoia National Park, used to be the #2 tree. But the Washington tree had a partial collapse a few years ago.

It's been a long time since I've seen a really big tree.

It's also been a long time since I've been cold. Currently I have my air conditioner working hard to keep me semi-cool. The A/C is having to work extra hard because it is currently 107 degrees in the outer world. With the Wind Chill Factor making it feel like 106.

It is only 13 days until the arrival of September. At some point in September it would seem like cooler temperatures might arrive. I hope.