Day 11: Muir Woods

The mountains are calling and I must go.

John Muir

If you arrive before 9 am to the Muir Woods National Forest, you enter for free...and we like that, even if it means leaving the apartment at 7:45!

The advantage is that we were the only ones there. With wintry clothes on and strollers in gear, we lazily walked through the woods. Our friends Kaci, Luke, and Hannah joined us on the adventure.

And though all the trees could be described as gigantic and majestic, we never tired of looking up and around them.

We listened for the bird sounds, babbling brook, and the wind. It was hard to imagine that we were just minutes from a bustling city. I know I found great pleasure in being able to escape city life, even for just a few hours.

A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.

John Muir

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

John Muir

The boys used their imaginations to point out the fallen trees that resemble alligators and crocodiles. They think they found 'the tree' that was burned by the jungle speeders when Star Wars filmed the Battle of Endor in these woods. They chased the little chipmunks and spotted a deer or two.

I never saw a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it, and though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do.

John Muir