Spring Box Trail Hike

Yesterday, Padraic and I checked out a spot I've been meaning to explore for a while: the Spring Box Trail in Santa Cruz. It runs adjacent to the UCSC campus and rambles in and out of redwood forest and open trails surrounded by oak trees. I don't know what the history is behind these spring boxes, but rumor is that locals set koi and goldfish free in these concrete boxes, and the fish some how manage to avoid getting eaten by raccoons. There are also lime kilns from the 1850s nearby! Needless to say, I left with inspiration for another photoshoot. :)

Olga

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHER

 Sempervirens: "ever green, everlasting." Redwoods are incredible; they can live for 2,000+ years, they're fire-, insect-, and disease-resistant, and their needles absorb morning fog for moisture. Drop one of their seed pods in a vile of water, and it will turn a rich burgundy from the seed's tannic acid content. As we walk, the scent of bay leaves and rich forest dirt permeates the air, as golden dust hangs in the lingering sunlight. This shoot is one of my favorites. I hope the photos accurately reflect the magic of the redwood forest. It couldn't have been done without the help of hair & make-up artist Terry Alabata and software-engineer-by-day and model-by-night Olga Silina, who are both two awesome, talented ladies.