Muir Redwoods, a wonderful little forest just half an hour from San Francisco.

One of my favorite big tree experiences is the Muir Woods in Marin County.  Just a short drive from the never ending traffic of the Bay area, and you'll be on curvy little roads running through the foothills along the coast.  It feels like a mountain desert, hot and parched.

Yessi's view from backseat as we approach the Golden Gate Bridge headed south on 101.

The first time I went to Muir I was asking myself as I drove along the roads, 'where are these redwoods'?  A forest of trees, some reaching over 300' tall--wouldn't you tbink you could see them.

dbBrad in front of a big tree at Muir Wood Park in Marin Co.

The reality is you don't see them untill you drop off the hillsides into a little valley and park your car.  And then there they are, these huge trees in a forest that feels like it could go on forever.  And it just seems to pop out of no-where.

dbBrad and Yessi at Muir Woods

As one wanders the paths deeper into the forest, time begins to slow down.  Scale begins to change.  No longer is parking the car and whats locked in the trunk important, for the magnificent trees and boardwalk trails purge these thoughts, replacing them with wonder, splendor and appreciation for organisms that have been alive for over 1000 years.

Yessi Ye and a Green Giant at Muir Woods redwood

Indeed, this little patch of redwoods in the middle of no where, juxtaposed against the highly developed Bay Area less than 20 miles south, is a place not to me miss.