Exploring the Area North of San Francisco

After so much city life we needed a break and some time back in the forest. Little did I know the forest was so close to the city. Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Golden Gate Recreation Area and Muir Woods. It was here I had my first encounter with the BIG trees, the redwoods.

Muir Woods Entrance Sign

Muir Woods Redwoods

I have heard plenty of people tell me the feelings they get when they look at these giants but somehow I still wasn’t quite prepared for the humbling perspective that overtook me when I first gazed up the redwoods straight, long trunks. It was in the presence of these beautiful trees that the nagging voice in the back of my brain got louder, screaming at the world for the crisis we are in and the choices mankind has made to get us where we are at today. In our greedy quest for money we have destroyed vast tracks of these giants. The stories they could have told. The lessons we could have learned. All wasted in some get rich quick scheme. I was deeply saddened by the world’s loss. I now have a much better appreciation for the people who choose to fight for these forests. It is amazing to me that although there are only 5-7% of the redwood forests left, people are still actively engaged in trying to log these remaining few areas. Priorities…

Redwood Logging

Cool Quote in a Nearby Visitor Center

From Muir Woods we continued north along the Pacific Ocean on US 1. We passed by incredible sites the entire way. I felt like one of the dogs with my nose pressed up to the windows.

US 1 Coastal Scenery

Harbor Seals

In Jenner, we left the coast to find a camping spot in Armstrong Woods, another redwood grove further north. We were once again privileged to have the entire campground to ourselves. This camp spot even had a pond for Sprout to go swimming.

Armstrong Woods - Parson Jones Redwood Tree

Armstrong Woods – Downed Redwood Tree

Foggy Weather Below the Campground

Before heading back to the Bay Area we took a ride through a portion of Napa Valley to see the vineyards. Without a designated driver we decided it was better to hold off on the free wine tastings till the next time we come through this area in September 2007.

Napa Valley Vineyards