This is in part for all you forest lovers here at SP (looking at you Waldschläfer!) and also to ask you guys if you have a ‘special place’ and if so, what’s it like and why do you go there specifically?
These are a few photos of one place I spend a lot of time getting away from it all. I took these in the winter and even then it’s a beautiful little spot to go unwind. My novice attempts at photography don’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to trust me, it’s real nice, even in its dankest state…
So, if you feel like it wouldn’t take away from the private, peaceful mystery of your secret spot I’d love to hear about where you guys find some solace. Wherever and in whatever it may be!
Take care, or the closest thing to ‘care’ that any of us here at SP are gonna take anyway 😉
35 comments
Holy crap ! Talk about a great topic !
I have a fair bit to say about this, but if I don’t put these dirty dishes away, my roommate will chew on my skull for dessert.
Thank you for the mention; I’m honored 😀
i.e. I’ll be back
Do dreams count as a special place? Because really, that’s the only place where I feel safe.
However, every day I go to this nice park when I skip classes (better keep up perfectly with the lies huh?). I’ll try to get some pictures if I survive this monday.
But your special place looks way better than mine! Do places like that really exist? It really is a lovely place, I see why you like it. Your photos are awesome!
Take care you too.
I should’ve been more specific and mentioned ANYWHERE/ANYTHING 🙂
Dreams count in my book, or even sleep in general. Sleep is one of the best escapes there is, it tends to force itself upon us eventually regardless and it’s usually peaceful by default 😛
The advantage of the ‘special place’ being your dreams is that it’s always shifting, morphing into new places, different places. I suppose the only trouble is when those dreams become nightmares and what once was your special place is now hell…
I’d like to see those pictures if you get them. I think the place itself isn’t all that important, just how it makes you feel being there, you know?
Thanks Kamidaka, appreciate it. I’ve been wanting to ask if you’d be willing to share any of your fan fiction but I’d completely understand if you wouldn’t want to for the sake of privacy, just letting you know you’ve got willing eyes to have a read 🙂
River in my home town I love it there I don’t make it there as often as I use to but it was always my peaceful place next nice day I’ll go take pictures. Also my bath tub it’s my happy place. I know it’s not the same as outdoors but it’s still a place that makes me happy
That river sounds lovely, would be great to see some pics. I’m guessing you’ve moved away then? At least you’ll always have a bath wherever you go, your very own little lake you get to keep in the house 😛
I’m partial to a good soaking too, although the noise/constant stream of a shower can be just as relaxing. I’ve also been guilty of some weird bath habits, wondering if you share any of them haha?
(I’ll keep it PG 😉 )
Eating full meals, plate and everything…
Smoking/drinking (I know, the height of class right?)
Drinking just the right amount of tea/coffee so that it floats like a little boat around you, handy for the two above, handsfree 🙂
I can’t even count how many books I’ve ruined reading in there, steam+paper = a bad time for literature…
Any of those relatable or do I seem like a complete weirdo now?
The first photo. . .the last photo. . . are really really good. (Theyre all good, but those two are exceptional.)The first one looks similar to a painting that hung in my home as a kid by an artist named Robert Wood. I don’t know anything about him, other than he painted a lot of forest scenes with similar perspectives. The last photo, well, I can feel the twigs digging into my back as I am lying there, looking up at the sky. It feels cold, also. Excellent photos! Good work. My safe place is now just home, my bedroom serves as my living room/man cave. It’s sort of like a hotel room, everything in one room.
Thanks Chip, flattered. I’ve only just got the camera so I’m still trying to figure out how to use it but it’s great having places like that to learn in.
I’ll give Robert Wood a look, I’m clueless when it comes to landscape art so it might even spark a new interest, cheers. I love the nostalgia of those tiny things we remember from childhood, most of the time with no context or judgement but they somehow stick with us through everything else.
Sounds like a good, functional man cave you’ve got there! Does this room include a minibar, trouser press, and an unopened copy of the bible? 😛 (My first thoughts with “hotel room”) Jokes aside, it sounds like you’ve got yourself a nice space setup.
I’d have to say home’s one of mine too, but often also feels like a trap that I need to escape from, rather than to. Baggage and boredom I suppose.
Thanks again for all the compliments 🙂
Ok, first off, phenomenal photography, esp. the panoramas !
I guess I’ll divide my list into two …
Places I’ve been to:
– Sequoia National Park, California, U.S.A.: The tallest tree in the world is here – it weighs approximately as much as 3 Boeing 747’s. We camped at around 6500 ft, and our site was visited by a bear that gave us quite a scare ! Anyway, amazing forest.
– Big Sur National Park, California, U.S.A.: Camped among some amazing Redwood trees. Watched the shadows from our campfire dancing among the redwoods, drinking some fine CA wine. Some of my best memories !
– Zion National Park, Utah, U.S.A.: Hiked here (didn’t camp) … the terrain is quite unique, with brilliant reddish colors and deep canyons
– Denali National Park, Alaska, U.S.A.: At around 4000 ft, saw my first ever snow. Tons of wildlife, and absolutely uncharted virgin territory, except for the tour buses of course.
– Jungfraujoch, Switzerland: (Tallest peak in Europe) Not exactly a forested area … if it was, I don’t remember any trees, only snow and a temperature of -3 C ! The train ride on the way up there was amazing, though … cows, trees, green rolling hills, huts/cabins … pristine, with absolutely no littering.
– Countryside between Berlin and Munich, Germany: (traveling on an ICE train) Very much like the Swiss scenery, very pristine.
Places I’d like to go to:
– (You guessed it, SP folks) Aokigahara: 2nd most popular suicide destination in the world. The history and mythology are as intriguing and mysterious as the landscape and the weird physical anomalies like no light reaching the forest floor in certain places, or the complete blockage of GPS signals, due to the sheer density of vegetation. And, the fact that it sits at the foot of a volcano. Talk about spiritual overload. If you haven’t looked it up, folks, please do.
– Pretty much anywhere in Canada, which is at the same latitudes as Alaska, so pretty much the same kind of climate/terrain.
– Many forests in the UK … I’ve seen some amazing pictures
Only recently did I look up the definition of a forest – it was something like an area full of trees and undeveloped.
This is precisely why I knew I had to give you a shoutout in this post, I thought you’d have plenty to say and I’m glad ya do!
Wow, there’s a few on that list I’ve always wanted to visit, this Forest is green with envy 😉
If I ever come out to the states, it’ll 100% be with the intention of visiting those places, Sequoia, Big Sur and Denali especially. I’m gonna brush up on my international forest knowledge and check these places out some more, if I can’t get to them now I’ll make do with google…
Also, Sedona, Arizona sounds incredible. I think I know the sort of formations you’re talking about and I have to say for some reason I’m always a lot more blown away/enchanted by things that go up, rather than down. I’m sure the Grand Canyon is an impressive site, but there’s some reductive part of me that wants to think “Hm. Just a hole.”, you know?
I can’t recall if I asked you before, but do you have any small wooded areas nearby within walking distance you get to have a temp escape to? One thing I love about a forest/wood is that it’s almost like a Tardis, once you’re in there the size from the outside is irrelevant, the time on the outside is irrelevant, you can get lost (within your mind) inside even the smallest of woods, I love it.
Fuck it, I can’t help it. For the past 5 minutes, I’ve been debating whether or not to include this amazing place, because I’m not certain it meets the definition of a forest.
Sedona, Arizona, U.S.A.: This place is as colorful and intriguing as almost any in the states. I remember getting some souvenirs from a Native American shop … huge red rock formations all around us. Awesome scenery. Stops your mind.
And fuck yes, it beats the Grand Canyon any day, if you ask me.
My friend and I got to the Grand Canyon, looked down, and went, “Ah ok, pretty much how it looks on TV. Next !”
ForestMan – immersed in all my rambling, I forgot to ask – where were all those pics taken ?
I’m in East Anglia (Bottom right of Britain that sort of looks like a tumour that could do with removing, and sometimes feels like it too!), quite close to London but a little more on the rural side. The woods I took these in are literally a couple of minutes walk from my house, besides the rare dog walker, nobody seems to ever go there. I’ve got many a good memory of that place 🙂
These are amazing shots, at flattering angles. I am unfortunate to have never had the pleasure to experience the forests. But I have an innate deep connection with the trees and I instantly fall in love with their perfect imperfections. I have fantasized about wandering through the woods taking deep breaths, breathing in the peace and tranquility, listening to nature sounds. It stirs the sensual me. Its just at an other level.
Again, your photos are beautiful. Thanks for posting them.
“perfect imperfections”
This is a beautiful phrase that has a deeper meaning than the obvious. Sorry for going off on a tangent here, but this really captivated me.
Robin Williams’ charcter (shrink) in “Good Will Hunting” alluded to the following:
We are taught to think of anything that doesn’t conform to our conditioned view of perfection as an imperfection or flaw, but often, that’s the good stuff. A scratch on the surface of a piece of furniture, the tendency of a person to fart at weird times or snort during laughter. And, each person has many such hidden gems. They are sometimes criticized when there is nothing inherently wrong in them.
A woman I was with a year ago would perform this gesture with one eye – it was like squinting but also like a gaze … she’d do it whenever there was a quiet intimate moment between us. It was so incredibly powerful and captivating, but so much so that it often made me nervous, because I just couldn’t match its intensity. It was erotic and almost hypnotic. Anyway, it was just one of those gems that she never even knew she possessed. (Random and off-topic, I know)
In reality … objectively, there is no such thing as perfection or imperfection. It’s all in the eyes of the beholder.
Nature is sensual because it is simple. It doesn’t evoke the mind; it often stops the mind. Nature doesn’t complain. Creatures are born and they die. Nature honors whatever happens without any complaints.
I meant the obvious but I admire your outlook on it.
“..there is no such thing as perfection or imperfection..” – right on! I argue on this with almost everyone that calls me a defect. Anything/anyone considered ‘a flaw’ is a calculated design that just doesn’t look like the rest of the others’. We just need to see through it to understand its uniqueness.
The tidbit you shared about the squinting & gaze that sparked you off was intriguing. I got complimented sometime for a gesture I do involuntarily. Feels good now for some reason idk 🙂
Thanks.
“Anything/anyone considered ‘a flaw’ is a calculated design that just doesn’t look like the rest of the others’. We just need to see through it to understand its uniqueness.”
Well said ! This is a very concise and clear way of saying what I wanted to say 🙂
What is this gesture of yours ? And, I’m curious as to where you live, for you say that you’ve never been to a forest.
The one that was obsessed by it be the right one to explain it. I think I do it when I ask for something and want the person to say “yes”. I bite my lower lip (not a lust bite, just subtle) and smile with my eyes.
Sounds hot 😉
(This is where I reciprocate your crush on “my writings”)
“the writings” 😀 lol I used it to conceal my open statement.
I missed the second part of your question. I’ve never been to a forest yes, that has nothing to do with the place where I live. Not just the forest, I’ve never been anywhere exciting/adventurous/or any place for leisure. I’ve had a very mechanical (and dispirited) life, never had a chance or time to think that I needed a break.
But, I always fantasy walking in the woods with someone my soul can connect to and exchange sensuous impressions. Mm.. There’s a lot more to it, I’m gonna add that on my journal tonight.
Thank you, the forest did all the work I assure you! haha.
Is there a particular reason you haven’t been able to experience them? It sounds like you’ve got a better appreciation for a forest than most people near them do despite your lack of experience with them, so that’s something within itself.
“Perfect imperfections” really is a beautiful way of putting it, and Waldschläfer’s articulated on that in a great way underneath too. My favourite thing about the woods is that they’re often one of the few places people go and accept as they are and see the beauty in what would usually be considered grimy, disorganised, wet, primal, ruthless, covered in DIRT… Rather than desperately compartmentalise, clean or create order where our minds usually might, we tend to embrace those traits and even see that that’s where the beauty lies. The woods is a very easy place for me to go and simply ‘be’.
I’ve rambled enough ha, thanks again though, take care!
I already answered why I haven’t had a forest experience. I knows its weird, who wouldn’t step out of their house their whole life to have sometime for themselves? I never had a time off from my regular bullsh1t duties, ever and so many other factors too. People long for everything that they can’t have/do. Same with me, I never went to a forest and maybe is why I fantasize and cherish it more.
For me it has to be a dark room, any desolate place were i can be at peace, when i star gaze, or just looking at the clouds and feeling the wind. It just anywhere i can forget myself, while still feeling safe and a sense of freedom and control.
So like me, your name in part came from one of your ‘special places’ in a way? 🙂
I replied to one of the comments above that it’s not really the place itself that matters, but the way it makes you feel. It’s funny you mention freedom and control, because I think I only ever feel free when I accept that I’m not in control if that makes sense? Or at least feel as if there’s nothing around that I’m expected to be in control of.
Is there anything you like to do when you’re gazing away, music or anything?
This spot looks amazing, great photos 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I’d been gone for a while and came back within the last couple of days and I’ve gotta say that your recent posts with your photos have been a very nice welcome back…hope they don’t stop coming! 🙂
I agree, wonderful topic – great photos. As much sense as it made to choose a hotel room yesterday, you know, logically, I could never do it. Specailly now after reading this post, and a few others that i was intrigued with. SP is infectious. But i digress, A freaking hotel room! C’mon! I don’t even like them when I’m only there for a nights sleep, let alone the eternal resting place
Aokigahara: 2nd most popular suicide destination in the world, makes me wanna know the #1?
Golden Gate bridge, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
Thanks LMNO…PQRSTUVWXYZ! It’d feel wrong not to do that 😛 was that intentional when you made the name?
I completely agree. To be honest I don’t think I can think of a less personal/private place to leave. It makes me think of dying in a plain, lifeless box… let alone the problems with discovery etc.. You summed it up perfectly with “I don’t even like them when I’m only there for a nights sleep, let alone the eternal resting place” haha.
I’m no one to tell you what to do/not do, but I’d say go and visit some forests or similarly nice places just for the sake of it before you do check out if you can. Is there anywhere you go and hide away in the meantime whilst you’re still here?
Golden Gate!… Of Course… I think I knew that, and most certainly would have been easy enough to google.
LMNO was intentional, did you find its meaning?
The hotel room was never my cup of tea, but it came up yesterday and makes a lot of sense logically. The discovery being part of it, bathroom, door nailed shut, note to the cleaning woman not to enter, call authorities. Loved ones wouldn’t have to wait who knows how long not knowing what happened to me.
There isn’t a particular place i visit though i have a couple memories. I think I’d like to walk for a while, probably pack some sandwiches, until i find that right spot. Wooded area with a calm stream – tranquility. I don’t think i need to scout it, i’ll know when I’m there
ForestMan, modesty is nice, but you may be selling yourself short. These pictures show talent that is way above average, if you ask me.
How do I know if a pic was well taken ? I find myself wanting to keep going back to look at it.
Accept the credit due you 🙂
There is a sharpness and clarity to these images that really makes them captivating. The angles are great, and the scenery played its part too. Nice camera too ?
I think these are better than probably 90% of the stuff I find when I search for “forest” on Google Images. And I do search 🙂
Thanks Waldschläfer, I appreciate it and I’m glad you like them enough to come back for seconds. You have to admit, as a fellow forest-lover you have some bias though! You sure you haven’t been charmed by the wintery ways of these woods? 😉
It didn’t take you long at all to suss out my lack of self worth/credit did it? 😛
Honestly though, “Nice camera” and “scenery” are the culprits here. I mean look at this place! This is my first DSLR so I’m still learning how to use it, but a good camera goes along way too.
I had an idea of doing a sort of stop-motiony tour through these woods. A short video made up of photos that carry you through it on a little journey, so stick around long enough and you can come on a stroll with me through one of my favourite places 🙂
Yes. See, there is often a fine line between bragging and simply knowing your worth, and I admit that it is hard to know that boundary. And, even if you’re being a fair judge of yourself, someone else out there might disagree with you.
Of course, it might be exaggeration to say “I am the best photographer of forests in the world”. No one can claim that, because at least one person somewhere in the world would disagree.
But, despite the bias, I’m sure you can look at your own work and see why all of us like it so much.
I’d love to be in any of those places you photographed. Hell yeah !
It really depends I might listen to Philip Wesley a Dark Night of the Soul or moonlight Sonata or just embrace the silence and listen to the sound of the of the wind and yes it makes sense but for me losing control is my worst nightmare