" There is also a very large, and interesting plantation of them in Maui, not the southeast, but still a really warm humid climate" Nope! Wrong again! The redwoods there are mostly planted above 5000', a climate where dewpoints are always << 60F, thus nights are going to be in the 50s at worse, and even 30s and 40s in winter. Highs probably never hit 80f, even during the worst heatwaves. Not at all a "really warm humid climate". A few are a bit lower, down to 3000', but their growth seems to become abnormal. Even there, summer are as cool or cooler than Boston's!

I'd probably have to say that trees with exotic trunks, bark or flowers are the ones that I prefer. One tree that combines all of these attributes in one tree is Brazilian Floss Silk tree, Chorisia speciosa. I find the sculptural bright green trunks with heavy thorns, towering size and vivid orchid pink blooms in winter when the trees are almost leafless is something that appeals to me in winter. Another similar blooming subtropical tree is the entire Tabebuia genus, which has so many species that light up the forest when they bloom at the end of the dry season in places like the west coast of southern Mexico or Brazil. Tabebuia chrysotricha and T. impetiginosa are pretty magnificent even as ordinary street trees as seen around southern California. But perhaps my most perfect tree is actually a palm, Cocos nucifera, which is the essence of the tropics, and looks as good as a young plant, or by the thousands lining tropical shores. Not only is it beautiful, but so supremely useful for food, water, building materials, and to string up a hammock and enjoy the shade and breeze off the ocean. Favortie trees that are less tropical, would include those with such beautiful smooth bark as our native Madrone, Arbutus menziesii, or the much easier to grow hybrid, A. 'Marina', which is almost never without bloom or colorful fruit, and has such graceful, twisting and sinuous branching and lovely smooth deep cinnamon bark. Lemon Gum Eucalyptus, E. citriodora is also in this category, with the smooth peeling bark that reveals the powdery white trunks, the statuesque form and wonderfully fragrant citrusy foliage are not bad either. If I had to only pick natives, there are so many here in California that have their own special charm. Valley Oaks, Quercus lobata can be so strongly dramatic in profile in winter, sentinels in the landscape and so provident for wildlife. Really old Coast Live Oaks, Quercus agrifolia can be just as dramatic as a Southern Live Oak for imparting atmosphere and a connection with the past. The California Buckeye, Aesculus californica is also wondrous in winter with its contorted smooth gray branches that contrast so well against both the green hillsides of spring, or the tawny golden hillsides of fall, and the way it is the first to leaf out, often as early as February, and the massively showy blooms later in May. Coast Redwoods commingled with Douglas Firs, Madrones and Big Leaf Maples are also all beautiful in their own right, especially when viewed as a mountain backdrop in the coast hills, and are original growth. There are so many other California native forests and trees that have their own impressive beauty, such as the forests of Monterey Pines and Monterey Cypress on the Monterey Peninsula, or Ponderosa Pines up in the Sierras, with their massive trunks with fragrance of vanilla on a hot day, and such large distinctive cones. Lastly, the Australian imports such as Eucalyptus viminalis and E. globulus have their own charm when seen as remnant windbreaks or boulevard plantings from the turn of the last century, and even more so when they catch the fog and drip it down to those below, effectively mining the clouds of their moisture. I wouldn't want one in my own garden, (for lack of space and unwillingness to have to keep up with the constantly shedding debris), but they are beautiful from a distance. So many trees have their own particular charm, and it is a pity that there are not more mature urban plantings for everyone to really appreciate the beauty that trees can add to a landscape. I often feel fortunate to have grown up on the San Francisco peninsula, in the era that the grand estates with their vast plantings of exotic trees from around the world were still there, and being able to wander the hills as a boy with his dog, and take it all in.

"Where exactly does a property owner have what you suggest as an absolute right to do whatever he/she likes with his/her own property? Certainly not in these United States" Exactly my point. Our property rights (as protected by the Constitution) have unfortunately vanished. It is evident by the reaction of many on this board. Cutting down a tree is far different than pouring toxins in a stream. Surely you can see that. What if the property owner dislikes redwoods wants to cut the tree, let it rot (no profit motive) and plans to plant his favorite trees (say tan oaks or big leaf maples) instead. Should that be legislated as illegal as well?.... "So far they have only succeeded at achieving that goal in dictatorships." I disagree again. Usually one of the first things that a dictator (socialist and communist) will do is take away property rights and right to bear arms. Usually in the name of "the common good" I would rather see the greed of millions of people or groups of people looking out for and competing for their own best interest than an all powerful government looking out for the interests of a few (themselves and their wealthy donors). If we have to lose an occasional tree because of some idiot, it is a price we pay for freedom. Long story short it seems that it would be so much more efficient for concerned people to pool their money and go offer these knuckle heads some money to sell the land. They could turn it into a park and charge small fees to care for it. Instead they throw millions down the rat hole, cesspool of Washington lobbyists (talk about greed) just to hope to have a little influence.

Well, we did head up to the Nantahala Saturday morning bright and early; was supposed to head out early last Thursday but it was raining big time everywhere in the state and not that much better the next day, Friday. But the weather guru on the net was showing western North Carolina was clearing so we hitched up and was gone down the road in the rain. Half way there the rain had quit and the sun was breaking through; reaching the campground by late afternoon it was warm and sunny. Had the popup set-up by 6:00pm and I was in the river wetting a line at 6:05! We had brought some already made beef stew and enjoyed a late evening 7:30pm supper by fireside. Weather could not have been better. Fishing was lousy in that there had been a lot of hard rain and it always seems things have to settle out before the fishing gets serious once again. My experience has always been just before and in the early part of a rain are the best fishing times. Inspite of the poor fishing we had brought our bikes and really enjoyed riding around the area. Had to be back today for an important appointment and so we had to leave when we did; I guess you got to take what time you can get and be greatful for it, but it seems to me on these outings I like at least -5- (FIVE) days campside ... that does not include travel time ... need another day for coming and another day for going! But, like I said, weather was perfect and really enjoyed the relaxed camp time; and we also had a good campfire every night which always adds to the stay. And one other thing - my little camper has the most comfortable sleeping bunks, sleep better in them than I do my own bed at home! So I'd have to add that I really enjoyed some very good, sound sleep! Dale