MUIR WOODS: April 2010

DSC03067.JPG.jpg

MUIR WOODS

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

"This is the best tree lovers monument, that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world"

John Muir

Introduction

Muir woods are home to very old and gigantic Red woods. They are designated as a national monument by the US government and are located at a distance of 12 kms from Sanfransisco city, in Martin peninsula.The average age of these trees is 600 to 800 years,The oldest tree being twelve hundred years old.These trees can live more than two thousand years.Redwood trees are also some of the tallest trees in the world, the tallest tree at muirwoods is 258 feet. Since these trees are very old, this forest is called as a forest of old growth trees.

REDWOOD DSC03068.JPG.jpg

Add a Caption

It appears that most of the coastal area was dotted with these trees . The forces of nature and the irresponsible destruction by man has wiped out most of these trees and we are left with only Muirwoods having old growth trees. The scale of destruction was so vast that 97% of the trees do not exist now. Muirwoods were originally owned by William and Elizabeth Kent, who donated this land to the federal government after ensuring that the government led by President Roosevelt will create a national monument. It was named after John Muir, a naturalist and conservationist who is also the founding father of california's environmental movement. He showed how to take care of land we live on

and air we breathe. His name was included in the "HALL OF FAME06".

JOHN MUIR

THE TRIP : After driving for about two hours we reached muirwoods. Starbucks coffee, rotis from Rajot and fried rice from home ---we were well equipped on the food front. The first problem faced was parking. Initially it appeared as though we have to park at a distance of two to three kilometers and walk to the destination. But we were in for luck as we could find parking just hundred meters from the woods. As we were hungry we sat in the car and devoured the food stuff. Then entered the park. The initial sight of huge welcoming trees was soul soothing. There were shops selling curios but the artifacts were pretty

expensive. Some of these trees had big hollows from the forest fires and looked like small caves. Walked for about an hour or two inside the woods on well laid out trails and alongside a narrow water stream, which reminded the water stream of Amla forest. The water was flowing in all its pristine glory.There were hardly any other visitors in the woods, and this place was fit for meditation. Perhaps the photographs capture the beauty of the place. It was cold inside the woods ,Inspite of blazing sun outside. The sun rays were not able to penetrate the forest cover. The ground was wet and moist. We also saw many fallen trees. To preserve natural environment of the forests the trees were not removed or commercially exploited. The trees over a period of time provide manure to new growth and also the much needed water as they retain the moisture. This is a redeeming feature and shows the care and concern of californians towards nature preservation.

DSC03096.JPG.jpg

TRYING TO FIT INSIDE THE TRUNK

Description: Muirwoods are endowed with many walking trails. One of the trails leads to Stenson's beach. During our visit we(archu,samantha and self) walked on one of these trails -- and believe me it was thrilling. We watched a small stream of crystal clear water flowing quietly and majestically. Muirwoods are home to a wide variety of flora but limited numbers of fauna. Non availability of food is sited as the reason for lack of fauna.