Trees of Mystery

The only way to find out the mystery at the Trees of Mystery on Highway 101 way up in northwestern California is to receive the "mark." There is nothing to it. No initiation or the like. Just pay $14. At the beginning, where it says, "pay as you leave," people habitually pause, trying to find out whether it will be worth it. Past the gate, in the inner sanctum, a sonorous voice says, over and over, "Life in one tree is life in all trees." And more, "We will continue even deeper into the mysteries ..." The trail goes clockwise. In the middle is the Cathedral Tree, built by and for the resident deity, Mother Nature. Near the end Paul Bunyan, her consort, gathers his friends together to bring you good tidings." At the very end is a sign, "I love you."