Not too far from the beach at Negro Bar State Park there’s a certain spot along the bike trail that always catches my eye, especially when the morning light is just right. Standing at the base of the Orangevale Palisades, this old oak creates a sort of dark grotto with its limbs and catches the reflection of the waters of Lake Natoma. Many times I’ve felt the urge to nestle under those spreading branches, among the aged tree roots. Thus far, the tall weeds covered in burs and a scattering of poison oak have deterred me; instead, I use my camera to try and capture the atmosphere of what seems to me a magical spot.