Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Muir Woods, California


There is so much more I could show you about the days we recently spent in San Francisco, but I'll save it for a future date. Now it's time to cross over the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, California.  I felt fortunate to have had one day that was absolutely cloudless during our five day stay in San Francisco, so that I could get these wonderful photos of the bridge. (all photos will enlarge when clicked on, and then again)


A splice of bridge cable was on display at a look out point, that has some interesting facts about it on the sign.  I overheard someone asking why the bridge is called the "Golden Gate," when it is actually orange in color, and I found the answer on this fact page about the bridge which states: "The real "Golden Gate" is the strait that the bridge spans. It was first named "Chrysopylae," meaning 'golden gate,' by Captain John C. Fremont in 1846."


We left San Francisco in the early morning, and the bridge was shrouded in fog that morning.  It was fun to drive through the fog!


We drove to the Muir Woods National Monument, which is located 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.  On January 9, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt used the powers of the Antiquities Act to create Muir Woods National Monument. William Kent, who donated the land for the monument, requested that it be named for noted conservationist John Muir.


John Muir described the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods this way: "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world."


It was a cool and quiet place the morning we visited. We walked along the paths under the trees in awe of their size, age, and beauty.


They towered over us; majestic trees that have lived hundreds to thousands of years!


It can be hard to grasp their size from photos until you see how insignificant this one made me!


We took the time to walk on a 1 1/2 hour loop trail that wound up and around the park.


It allowed us to enjoy the splendor of the trees and the diversity of the insects, wildlife, flora and fauna in the forest.  It was so peaceful!


  "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

~John Muir


"Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky" ~ Kahlil Gibran


An information placard about the Kent Tree, which was once the tallest tree in the park. A storm damaged it and it ultimately fell in 2003.


The Kent Tree is now feeding the forest and the cycle will continue.


A slice of a tree that was 1,021 years old when it fell. The inscriptions show events that happened in history during different ages of the tree.


An interesting informational placard about the tree slice (double click to enlarge to read).


I felt very safe and loved in the shelter of this tree!  Muir Woods is a beautiful place to visit.


Later in the day we drove on to the vineyards of Sonoma County. Just look at all the luscious bunches of grapes waiting to be harvested, practically dripping from the bottoms of the vines!



Join me again very soon to see more about this area of the wine country in California.


I'm linking this post to Susan's "Outdoor Wednesday" on her blog A Southern Daydreamer, and Cathy's "Adventure Express" on her blog A Bit of the Blarney, and Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday Summer School --the color today is violet -- I think those luscious grapes qualify, don't you?  

Please visit all the blogs mentioned to see their contribution and links to all the blogs participating in the events!  Thanks Susan, Cathy, and Jenny!






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56 comments:

Sheila said...

Pat - what an amazing forest. I would love to see these woods one day. Magnificent is all I can think of!

Marbel said...

Oh, beautiful! I grew up in the Bay Area and have fond memories of the woods.

Vee said...

Hope to see some of these ancient trees in my lifetime. I loved how you described how still it was in the forest. I imagine that sound is well absorbed. You look so cute peeking out from that tree!

Kirsten said...

Those woods look like something out of a fairy tale. Absolutely stunning!

Jim said...

Fantastic photos.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Anonymous said...

My mother and I went there once. I hate to use the word, but it was, indeed, AWESOME!!!

Sarah said...

Pat, I haven't been to Muir Woods since the late 80s or early 90s. I forget our last trip out to that magnificent forest. I think I have a similar photo of me or us standing inside one of those trees. We were there on a Sunday morning and it was the most mystical visit. I can still smell the bay leaves and the musty scent of the woods. Thank you for stirring up such lovely memories from my past. ~ Sarah

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

Awesome photos. Wow.

RoeH said...

Oh man...Muir Woods. So beautiful to walk through there. It's like walking through a prayer. So quiet and the most amazing spiritual feeling in all of that growth. I love northern California. Southern CA not at all. Eureka is one of my favorite towns.

C.M. Jackson said...

Pat--beautiful shots! Muir Woods is definitely on my list--enjoy your trip! c

Heidi said...

Hi Pat,
Aren't those redwoods awe inspiring? They are ancient and wonderful. I love the ones around here, and Muir Woods is a spectacular place. Sounds like you had a great hike.
Drop by for a visit sometime,
xo
Heidi - Heart and Home

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Incredible, Pat.... Great pictures of the Golden Gate. I never knew how it got its name. Neat!!!!

And those redwoods are fantastic... I'd love to go there sometime and see them..

I've heard about the vineyards for years and years...

Great post, Pat. I loved it.
Hugs,
Betsy

Lisa@GrandmasBriefs said...

It's incredible how those marvelous trees dwarf you. What a magical place. I love the Kahlil Gibran quote!

~Cheryl said...

Muir Woods is lovely! So many of your photos made me catch my breath with the beauty and wonder. Awesome!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Pat, I have so enjoyed touring California with you. I have never been there, so it has been a treat for me. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful pictures, as well as the wonderful history. Those trees are amazing!!! And I love the bridge pictures. Can't wait to see the rest of the tour. Love & blessings from NC!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I often try to save reading your posts until just before bed. They are always so beautiful and I become totally absorbed in the travel. It is the best form of relaxation. As always, your pictures and descriptions transport me to wherever you take us. I love Muir Woods and all the surrounding areas. The pictures of you are so cute! Thank you, again!

Light and Voices said...

I lived in California for a time but never got to see the Redwood forest. The forest looks amazing. Thanks for the cyber tour. It looks like you had fun.
Joyce M

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Such a grand post!!! I have linked it to today's Adventure Tour Express!!! It's been 30 years since I've seen the Golden Gate Bridge and I still get goose bumps!! Thanx!! Cathy

Anonymous said...

What a special and marvellous place to visit! How lucky you were. I've just read
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249855.The_Green_Man

wonderful book about woods. You photos match the pictures in my head that one of the stories conjured up. Thank you.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Those redwood trees are huge. I knew they were big, but you really put them into perspective for me. How wonderful to have a cool morning to explore the woods.

I've never been that far west, but would love to go to the wine country and Sonoma. I'll really be looking forward to your visit there.
Sam

Joyce said...

We use to live in SF before we moved back here 4 years ago so all your posts have brought back wonderful memories of me. Thanks for sharing.
Joyce

Jennyff said...

We love California, been several times but I don't think we ever got to Muir Woods. Amazing place and so absolutely bloomin tidy, great photos too.

Unknown said...

Amazing adventure and photos, by an amazing woman. Pat you have out done yourself. These photos should be in National Geographic. Thanks for sharing.
QMM

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Stunning photos Pat. The day you got those shots of the bridge it was so clear and crisp. I've got shots of me in that same tree at Muir Woods.

Judy said...

Your California posts are bringing back so many memories. We so enjoyed our time among the ancient trees as well!

Pondside said...

Beautiful shots of the fog on the bridge........and those trees - well, I look forward to seeing them one day.

Kathleen said...

Amazing pics! Love the one of you in the tree! Did you see any Keebler elves in there? :)

black eyed susans kitchen said...

This is a very magical place! Pat, you look like a little kid peeking our from the security of the trees. I so want to go there.

Charlene said...

Pat, I remember Muir Woods! Thanks for sharing & bringing back that memory. It was YEARS ago. Hubby & I went to San Fran last June but, we didn't do that part. We did Alcatraz(at night). I just love California. I am so glad you dropped by to see me today. You said your hydrangea's didn't do well this year... mine either. Some years they are beautiful but, not this year. Just glad I saw such pretty ones at Rogers Garden while I was out for another California visit. Come see me again. Charlene

Unknown said...

Pat, these photos are beautiful! I would love to visit there one day!

Hope all is well with you!
:) Diane

nanny said...

The bridge in the fog is awesome!!!
We have the forrest on our list....hopefully in the spring!! I can't wait!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Awww, you're making me all nostalgic Pat! I have some of the very same photos as you do, hanging out in the massive tree trunk. Muir Woods is awesome!

Kim said...

Just found your blog from Tracy's Trinkets. I'm so glad I did. I live in Jersey so it's always nice to meet other bloggers from this area!
xoxo,
Kim

Cheryl said...

Yep, the grapes definitely qualify. Loved the redwood photos the best because of all that you showed, these are the only things I've never seen.

Betty said...

Your posts are always so interesting and the photography is always wonderful. Now you're making me want to go to California to see those trees!

NatureGirl said...

Oh how those pix make me a bit homesick...I grew up in NoCal...thanks for stopping by and commenting today. So lovely.

Unknown said...

I loved touring those towering trees with you. The photos are amazing.

Anonymous said...

Those are great pictures! I was hoping to put picture of my own grapes, but the goats ate the grapes. Guess I'll enjoy yours.

Teresa

Sarah said...

Pat, just had to come back for another stroll through the redwoods. I'm definitely looking forward to your photos of the wine country. ~ Sarah

Annesphamily said...

Pat the forest was a wonderful place to visit. You are so small in those trees! I am always in awe of the photos you take. You are such a terrific photographer. I am glad you are having so much fun. Anne

Splendid Little Stars said...

I enjoyed your photos of Muir Woods. It has been a few years since I've been there, so it was wonderful to re-visit. I felt like it was a very special, holy place.
The misty Golden Gate Bridge shot is great!

Susan Anderson said...

We love Muir Woods, and these photos are perfect!

=)

Mary said...

You have shared some wonderful photos from your trip~ we visited Muir Woods about 10 years ago, those trees are amazing! It's amazing too you had a cloudless day for your Golden Gate Bridge pics~ thanks for taking me back there!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Pat, I love your photos and your narration just adds to the pleasure. I have been to San Fr. and loved it, but I have always wanted to go to Muir. Hopefully someday. Linda

GailO said...

How nice to see you there! Love the picture of you inside the tree:)...I have an old slide from the 70's of a much younger me slso sitting inside a redwood...someday will have to scan all those slides...

Unknown said...

Those luscious grapes certainly do! What a wonderful travelogue. Your photos are simply grand.

Short and Sweet said...

Your photos are stunning and the grapes...my goodness what color!!!!

Short and Sweet said...

Your photos are stunning and the grapes...my goodness what color!!!!

Ms. Bake-it said...

Hello Pat,

What an awesome post. Muir Woods is beautiful! Love all the photos and narration. I hope to visit there one of these days.

Thank you for the information and tour.

~ Tracy

myletterstoemily said...

what gorgeous photos of muir woods,
one of my favorite places! we took a
fun family hike, but i didn't have my
camera.

now i have yours!

Claudia said...

I can't put my finger on it - but this just moved me to tears. Overwhwelming beauty. And the John Muir quote - I shall post that. And then find a tree photo...

La Petite Gallery said...

That is a great photo of you in the tree. I tried to read the years on the tree, 1100 wow! You look like you are so happy.
Anytime you have more to show I am ready.. great post

yvonne

Linda said...

The Redwoods are clearly magnificient. We drove through one near Eureka on our last visit up there. I'm glad you enjoyed your California visit!

Old Kitty said...

I am in absolute awe at these very early conservation pioneers even before the world conservation was banded about!!! Thank you Mr Kent, Muir and Roosevelt!! Thank goodness for foreward thinking! These trees are truly magnificent! I felt very very sad for the Kent tree- a brave and hardy soul - it withstood the elements until it just couldn't any more!! And now it's helping the forest to continue! Wonderful!!

I love these pics of you nestling between the grooves of these natural giants!!! Wondeful - and what a brilliant park.

I'm still none the wiser as to why the Golden Gate bridge is called that or why the strait was called Chryopylae but it's a beautiful bridge - it says San Francisco like no other!!

Thank you so much Pat for such a wonderful and memorable trip to SF!

Take care
x

H said...

Oh my word! Those redwood trees are huge! So awe inspiring. I especially love the photo taken looking up at the canopy :)

Jenny said...

Oh Pat, what an amazing link to Rainbow Summer School.

I remember going to Muir Woods. I felt like I was in a cathedral...I felt like there should be no sound and everything should be spoken in a whisper. It was such an ethereal experience.

I really appreciate you sharing this. That was a wonderful memory.

I love when you take us on trips! I'm thinking you may have to start a Mille Fiori Tour Company one of these days in your spare time!

You are so amazing at it.

Thanks for linking.

A+