Where the Redwoods Grow

Entry #2

December 30, 2024

Since moving to California I found my new favorite pastime, hiking among the redwoods. It’s truly an amazing feeling standing below these towering beauties. Not to mention they can be over a thousand years old and are built to survive forest fires and the test of time.

My hike of choice, Muir Woods, was named after John Muir (b. 1838 d. 1914), often called the “Father of the National Parks”. He briefly studied at the University of Wisconsin before he departed to what he called the “University of the Wilderness”. Boy, I wish I could have done that. We have Mr. Muir to thank for the conservation of forests and protection of Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. He also founded the Sierra Club, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation. In 1908 Muir Woods National Monument was established.

With every turn I took in this forest, I was baffled by the splendor of nature. Being enveloped in nothing but greenery and mist was really awe inspiring. Even the banana slugs and ladybugs that had huddled together for winter hibernation drew me in. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a cute invertebrate.