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| Ferns and tall evergreen trees line a creek in Olympic National Park |
Having grown up on the western side of Oregon, lush green moderate climates always make me feel at home, and the damp Olympic National Park is no exception. Although visiting a temperate rain forest sounds exotic, my daughter learned (to her disappointment decades ago) that monkeys and parrots do not make the Olympic National Park their home. However, quite a few Roosevelt elk, North America's largest type of elk, reside in the Olympic National Park.
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| A couple of large Roosevelt elk stand among the ferns and trees |
Not only are the elk large there, but some of the world's largest trees are found in the Olympic National Park.
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| My husband stands at the base of the world's largest spruce tree. A blue sign in the foreground states that the tree has a 58 foot, 11 inch circumference and a height of 191 feet. |
Interpretive signs are placed along the trails, explaining the interesting features of life in the rainforest.
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| A sign explains how fallen trees become "nurse logs" for other trees to grow on |
Rain is practically a guarantee, and the dampness provides a great environment for plants to grow. Many of the trees are covered in thick moss.
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| Moss hangs down from the branches of a tall tree |
I'm practically getting homesick just writing this post. I definitely recommend visiting Olympic National Park--just don't expect to see monkeys!
Come back tomorrow to see where in the world we'll visit next!
I remember visiting as a child, on the way to British Columbia. I was impressed with banana slugs! I live in Southern Oregon now, not the wet Oregon people expect on hearing "Oregon."
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Although I have never tried it, did you know that if you lick a banana slug, your tongue will go numb? (I have a niece who has verified that rumor!)
DeleteWe have swamps and moss here, but I'd still enjoy seeing a different type of wet area.
ReplyDeleteIt's a cooler dampness to what I imagine you have in your area.
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