One memorable aspect of a hike in Redwoods National Park was the complete absence of any noise whatsoever. With these towering trees all around you and the density of the forest, it makes for quite a sound barrier to any rustling, wind, or other noises you might hear in a forest. For me, that is complete tranquility. It was so quiet, it was quite like being inside a sound chamber often used for noise testing, where ambient noise levels are brought down to nearly zero. No sounds of insects buzzing, no leaves rustling, no birds, and no humans. Only once in a while, you would hear water drops falling from the canopy above.
Anyone who has experienced this knows it can be a little unnerving at first. I suppose we are so used to having at least some noise in our lives that it becomes the norm. Take that completely away, and our minds say – “Hey – what’s wrong?”.
Actually, nothing could be more right. You quickly become quite relaxed and begin to really enjoy such conditions. It is amazing how in tune you become then to each water drop that falls, each rustle in the distance. Looking back, I wish we would have just sat there for hours.
I remember when we encountered a group just starting the trail on our way out. They were talking quite loudly, even some yelling – and I remember how I was a bit irritated at that. I wish everyone could appreciate the absence of noise. It is such a rare thing, it should be protected whenever possible. Enjoy the silence.
Silence, once experienced, will be something we will seek again and again. We have a culture of constant bombardment of noise. Almost every public building has piped music. Moving out into nature is relaxing and healing for me. Well written. I may have to put them on my bucket list.
Thanks Monte. I think spending time out there is quite therapeutic.
Great thoughts and fine photo. Silence is a lot like gold — rare and precious, only worth more…
True! Seems like a great marketing campaign for some destinations doesn’t it? Thanks PJ.
I like that you describe the feeling of silence in an unassuming, subtle and yet persuasively enticing way. There isn’t a lot of resentment or anger about how screwed up our civilization is with all of its noise pollution, just a relaxed approach like you are talking to friends. Well done, Mark.
What I find interesting is the amount of noise pollution that we simply grow accustomed to, and eventually associate it with “normal.” Thank you for the remarks David.
Great capturing & perfect description.
Greetings..all the way from Sri-Lanka
J
Thank you Jenna, and hope you enjoyed your visit from Sri-Lanka! Always nice to have visitors say hi from across the globe.
I know what you mean about the silence. I’ve only experienced that a couple of times and it made me really jumpy. I didn’t like it. With so much silence any disturbance at all is magnified and my paranoia started showing though. I think I’m glad it did actually, one of the times I was in such silence was in the blue water mangroves. I got so nervous I went to find someone else in one of the other channels to be around some human sounds. I was very tranquil at first but after a while every rustle was somehow threatening. A short while after we came back from there someone else was attacked in the same place by a large salty croc (even though we were told there were now crocs in that area). I think it pays to give into your intuition/paranoia occasionally 😉
Suzy
Fortunately I did not have to worry about any crocs Suzy, but I know what you mean. Maybe it is that childhood fear of a monster in the closet some of us keep with us? In these woods, while I didn’t have to worry about crocs, it is more probable that a bear could be walking through.
Mark, the quiet is something I miss. These last few years I’ve developed Tinnitus and constantly have a ringing or humming sound in my ears. I haven’t been able to find anything that helps thus far but I’ve gotten use to it so I don’t notice it much normally — it has affected my hearing. I can hardly remember what “dead silence” sounds like. Wonderful fern and redwood photo.
I actually have a little bit myself. Too many rock concerts I guess! But even with that, it was really, really quiet!
It is interesting that we place such great value on so many types of noise, but often overlook the eloquence of silence. I take a great deal from this post on many different levels. Very thoughtful, as always.
I see another post therein Anita. The value of nothing vs. something, and is nothing something? 🙂
Cherish the silence that lets you see new light and detail and shapes of things. Wonderful description and illustration of this moment, Mark.
Nicely said Lee, thanks.
Some years back I photographed a sound chamber or isolation room built for the US Navy. When inside the dimly lit room (about 8’x8′) there was virtually no outside sound and it was even difficult to hear your own voice. I can’t imagine that feeling outside in an open environment. What a thrill.
Then I suggest it needs to go on your to-do list Ken, no military escort required.
Thanks guys. I suppose it is no surprise that nature photographers enjoy peace and quiet! 🙂
I know very well what you mean. I´m very connected to forest landscape and I enjoy always the silence and the smell after a rain. Some days ago I spent a day in the primeval forest Rauris, Austria. I could enjoy for some time the silence till the first group entered the forest with their kids.
greetings from Austria
Jürgen
The sound of silence, it truly should be something to enjoy whenever possible it seems to bring our other senses more to life. The great redwood forests are a destination that keeps moving up my list of must experiences. The images you’ve shared show one of the reasons why.
Hi Mark, “it should be protected” this is so true! Great post, thanks.
You describe the experience perfectly, Mark. Though I did hear a few animals screaming occasionally. A bit nerve-wracking at first if you’re walking around by yourself.