I remember this story well as I had visited these magnificent ancient giants of the forest. I too stood in awe of them and was grateful for those who saved them for natures sake, before Julia had come across those who were still threatened. Here we are again, fighting big money interests who only see them as a capital gain. Many states have good environmental laws in effect that make litigations long and difficult. Most don’t. And today, impact studies show the damages that have and can happen. And because of the impact that Earth Day has had, we see protesters are every National Park entrance with their “hands off” signs. Wherever big money shows up, we will too. And I hope you can visit the National Parks. They are all magnificent! You will be glad you did 🙂
For 738 days Julia Butterfly Hill lived in the canopy of an ancient redwood tree, called Luna, to help make the world aware of the plight of ancient forests. Her courageous act of civil disobedience gained international attention for the redwoods as well as other environmental and social justice issues, which is chronicled in her book The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, a Woman, and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods.
Julia, with the great help of steelworkers and environmentalists, successfully negotiated to permanently protect the 1,000 year-old tree and a nearly three – acre buffer zone. Her two-year vigil informed the public that only 3% of the ancient redwood forests remain and that the Headwaters Forest Agreement, brokered by state and federal agencies and Pacific Lumber/Maxxam Corporation, will not adequately protect forests and species.
On December 18, 1999 Julia Butterfly Hill, then 25, came down to a world that recognized her as a heroine and powerful voice for the environment. Her courage, commitment and profound clarity in articulating a message of hope, empowerment, and love & respect for all life, has inspired millions of people worldwide.
In 1996 she suffered severe injuries in an auto accident. During close to a year of medical treatment and recovery, she had time to reassess her purpose in life. Two weeks after being released by her doctors, she headed west on a journey of self-discovery. She had no particular destination, but her first sight of the ancient redwoods overwhelmed her with awe.
“When I entered the majestic cathedral of the redwood forest for the first time, my spirit knew it had found what it was searching for. I dropped to my knees and began to cry because I was so overwhelmed by the wisdom, energy and spirituality housed in this holiest of temples.”
https://juliabutterflyhill.com/julia/
Ffyona Campbell
This is just one of her many journeys, which also included a “walkabout” in Australia.
In 1991, at just 24 years old, Ffyona Campbell embarked on an extraordinary journey that would test the limits of human endurance. She set out to walk 16,000 kilometers across Africa, from Cape Town to Tangiers, as part of her mission to become the first woman to walk around the world.
For two grueling years, she faced scorching deserts, wild animals, and extreme physical challenges. Her feet were constantly blistered, and dehydration was a constant threat. The journey took her through some of Africa’s most remote and dangerous regions.
Local communities often met her with suspicion, and she had to navigate complex cultural barriers throughout her trek. She walked approximately 25 miles each day, carrying her supplies on her back, determined to complete her mission despite the odds stacked against her.
When she finally reached Tangiers in 1993, she had accomplished something unprecedented – becoming the first woman to walk the entire length of Africa solo. Her incredible journey is documented in her book “On Foot Through Africa.”
Sources: On Foot Through Africa by Ffyona Campbell (Orion, 1993)
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