Big Trees and Banana Slugs!

Swingin' in the trees at Muir Woods National Monument 

In honor of today being Love a Tree Day, I have a little story to share from our visit to Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, Northern California. 

The Coastal Redwood is the world's tallest living thing! 

Muir Woods is a splendid redwood retreat for forest lovers, and it shares a tale of preservation and land stewardship. In 1905, William and Elizabeth Kent purchased the land in order to protect the last stands of uncut redwoods. In 1908, they donated it to the federal government, and President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the forest a National Monument. It was named in honor of John Muir (one of my favorite tree huggers) at the request of William Kent. Today, visitors can follow self-guided trails through the last old-growth coastal redwood forest in the Bay Area, and also visit Muir Beach.

Such Pretty Wildflowers!

As we explored Muir Woods it was easy to imagine that we were in a magical forest where fairies and ‘Tinkerbells’ played under the fern leaves, poking their heads out through the middle of the wildflowers. I could see giant dinosaurs stomping their way through, just like in Jurassic Park! This is the stuff dreams are made of–the ultimate escape!

Bandito the Banana Slug

Besides the towering redwoods, the other plantlife intrigued me, including the sword ferns, redwood sorrel, mushrooms, and wildflowers. One of my favorite experiences was meeting my first banana slug. At first I was upset because I thought this slimy dude would eat MY bananas for the picnic–but then, after our little chat, I realized he was named after a banana because it looked like one, not because it eats them. Still, they are a bit yucky!

You can watch our video of Muir Woods below, or on YouTube.com. 

Don’t you think that every day should be Love a Tree Day?
Miss P.

PS….I’m so excited! In less than two weeks we’ll be off exploring Northern Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado! Stay Tuned!