We remember this stump from our previous stay and noticed that it has deteriorated substantially over the past 14 years. Another ten years and it will likely turn to dust, a sad ending after being preserved for over 4,000 years.
Another fascinating tree fact in this park is the "octopus tree." In the early 1900's, the logging of spruce trees left fairly tall stumps - because the spruce has such a wide base, loggers cut at a narrower spot several feet above the ground which left a tall stump. Young trees began sprouting on the stumps and as they grew, they sent out long roots over the original stump. The old stumps became nurse logs to the new trees, providing them with nutrients until they eventually rotted, leaving these fascinating trees with long legs.
We walked along the Spencer Creek Nature Trail, marveling at the ferns, lichens, moss, various berry bushes, and gigantic skunk cabbage. It felt like we had entered another world.
There is a Visitor Center with interesting information about the area, and the fauna and flora. We saw a skull of a gray whale.
And we saw a stuffed Barred Owl and read interesting facts about these birds. Some folks like owls and find them fascinating, but ever since Michael's several owl encounters during his runs through our forest at home, we have a different opinion and dislike them intensely. If you had your hat snatched twice off your head (one a Xmas present made by Kathleen), your head whacked from behind without warning, and eleven puncture wounds from talons as you repeatedly got dive-bombed by this ferocious bird, you might think twice about how cute or wise they are.
Michael's owl encounters are well known by our family and friends, who like to remind him that they sympathize about the unfortunate encounters by sharing cartoons -
Since Michael tends to be an owl attractant, I am relieved that the only one we saw was the stuffed owl in the Information Center.