This was my day. I could do whatever I wanted. So, of course I woke up at 3:00.
My host, Mary, had suggested I get to Muir Woods early before the crowds (on a Tuesday morning in April?), but I took my time and lounged. Still I got there a few minutes before the park opened, and the ranger let me in free of charge. Score!
I don’t know if it was the super-oxygenated air, or the urpy switchback road down to the forest floor, or the incredibly ancient energy, or just kickback from my “special cookie,” but had a little difficulty navigating. I finally took off my tri-focals, which helped tons. Watching an uneven path through reading-strength lenses would make anyone trip over the wildlife.
It was cool and dark. Shafts of morning sun sliced through the canopy, but few reached the forest floor. A shallow stream burbled along one side of the path. Birds layered their voices unseen high above.
Whenever a tree was close to the trail, I reached out for it. Redwood bark is dry and rough–papery. It reinforced how old they were, these sentinels with their fragile skin.
I stopped at the same bench on the way out and back to sit with a Guardian at my back and meditate. The cool, scented air. The quiet footsteps of others on the boardwalk trail. The massive presence behind me. I was there completely. Grounded. Alive.
I hiked for about three hours. After sitting for a week, it felt glorious to move (even if I was a little dipsey-doodle). I felt the muscles of my legs and back sigh.
Soon enough, more hikers and lookie-loos wandered in. I heard German and Japanese, Swedish (maybe, Norwegian), Spanish and Russian. I smiled as one young dad admonished his little boys to “keep your eyes open now.” What good advice in this place.
I ate lunch in the café; all organic and locally grown delights, shopped in the gift shop, then made my way back to Mill Valley without John’s help. I found a teeny, tiny Whole Foods, bought fruit and a salad, then camped out on my little deck to play with my journal and talk to the crow fussing in the trees.
A perfect day.
SandySue Altered
A Mind Divided 
Apr 06, 2016 @ 11:18:15
excellent!
Sent from my iPhone
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:52:37
See you later TODAY! I will text you later, Robert. 🙂
Apr 06, 2016 @ 11:25:00
Hi Sandy Sue!
Wonderful post, I felt like I was there with you! “Urpy,” guardian, kickback, dipsy-doodle–you wield words with flair, you! 😀
May the peace and fullness of the Muir Woods reside within you for a long time to come! xo 🙂
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:51:35
I bought a little redwood bowl at the gift shop for my meditation space. I’m hoping for JUST that.
Apr 07, 2016 @ 13:17:43
A beautiful little redwood bowl ! It was accessible to hobblers! Trees & their special Air ! We now have plum, and cherry and apple and and and blossoms all over town! I am so thrilled and glad for your journey YOU designed and then go with the flow !
Apr 07, 2016 @ 21:41:55
I bet it smells wonderful there. I love when the lilacs bloom at home. Completely different air.
Apr 06, 2016 @ 11:53:50
Lovely!
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:50:22
Gracias.
Apr 06, 2016 @ 12:39:01
I have been following your posts and have loved them all, but especially this one. A few years ago I visited Muir Woods and hugged a few trees myself!! Beautiful aren’t they?
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:49:47
There is an extra connection formed when folks go where you’ve gone, seen the things you’ve seen. Thanks for traveling with me, Jan.
Apr 06, 2016 @ 13:39:51
Absolutely lovely.
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:46:07
🙂
Apr 06, 2016 @ 20:25:04
gosh, how I love our ‘daily get-togethers’….. you make it feel as though I am standing right with you under the tree canopies….and breathing in the ‘fresh smells of forest’ what a gift.. thank you.
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:45:00
Me, too, also. Writing these posts reminds me to stay open to the experience. It works both ways!
Apr 06, 2016 @ 21:03:00
WoW! Almost heaven!
I really admire your independence and love, love, love the way you describe what you see with your heart. (GB you Sandy Sue)
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:42:55
Thanks so much, Kathy, and thanks for visiting!
Apr 07, 2016 @ 03:57:07
So happy that you got to have this experience, Sandy! This place is on my bucket list. Looks like you had picture perfect weather, too. Your Angels are smiling on you… 😌
Apr 07, 2016 @ 07:42:13
If you’re a real hiker, you could spend days there. I was relieved it was accessible to a hobbler like me.
Apr 07, 2016 @ 08:40:37
You know I would have been delighted in these woodlands you write about. Such a magical place to walk among the giants. I will make it there someday!
Apr 07, 2016 @ 21:44:26
I know you would have found lots more wildlife than I did. I read that bats live in the trees’ deep crevices. 🙂
Apr 07, 2016 @ 13:02:12
I walked that same walk when I was out there visiting my girls 6 months ago. Isn’t it fabulous? I’m so glad you had a great day of recharging in such a special place.
Apr 07, 2016 @ 21:42:39
It’s so fun to be where other people have been. A shared experience, sort of.
Apr 24, 2016 @ 12:56:26
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience, I enjoyed reading this very much. 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Apr 26, 2016 @ 16:01:21
Thanks so much for visiting my little site, Beatriz. I’m sorry we didn’t get to know each other at ArtFest. Next time.