Big Basin Redwoods
‘The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.’ — John Muir
I hike for a change in perspective. For a ravenous hunger, deep sleep and a feeling of well-being that only woods can evoke. The realization that all is connected and we are nothing but specs in time and space. The modern world isolates us. Many feel lost. Nature brings us back to who we truly are. That feeling of well-being, almost religious — Scandinavians have a word for it — friluftsliv.
Last weekend with some New Yorkers in tow we took a day trip to Big Basin Redwoods, California’s oldest state park. Again, the treacherous winding drive was a prerequisite. Beware of over eager tourists popping up from around the curve, passionate bicyclists slowly pushing through the pain while blocking your passage and California’s leathered motorcyclists living out their bad boy fantasies.
The park is popular so if you’d like to minimize your sights of humanity get there as early as possible. This is also sound advice if you’d like to park.
Once on the hike, the magic unfolds. The biggest attraction are the ancient coast redwoods. Some predate the Roman empire.
Our hike started at park headquarters. We caught the Sequoia trail then took a slight detour to see the Sempervirens Falls. After enjoying the lush falls we returned to Sequoia trail and continued until we met the Opal Creek. There we switched to Skyline to the Sea Trail to loop back to Park Headquarters. Overall the hike was four miles and not very strenuous.
We concluded our day trip with lunch at Oak & Rye in Saratoga. It was a perfect Saturday.
