Parson Jones & the Primeval Redwood Forest
Ancient Redwoods
I took advantage of my time in California to go see the ancient-growth Redwood forest preserve in Sonoma County. Somoma is about 70 miles north of San Francisco and the scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and through the wine country is something you should all try at some point in your lives. The 800+ acre Armstrong Redwoods Preserve is full of trails and activities for hikers and nature lovers alike. A Redwood forest is one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen and one cannot imagine the majesty and presence of these trees until standing under their primeval canopy in the stillness of the forest mist. Parson Jones was one of the oldest living Redwoods in the forest and kundi and I sat on a nearby bench and marveled at the amazing sight before our eyes. I remember wondering if my kids or my grandchildren will ever have the opportunity to experience an ancient Redwood.
Most of the trees in the forest are Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood and they grow as old as 1500 years (that is way before the Magna Carta!) and can grow to a height 350 feet (larger than a football field!). Redwoods are the largest living organism on earth and kundi and I had the most amazing hike up through the Pool Ridge trail and then back down the East Ridge trail. It is quite a steep hike (250-300 feet) and the amazing stillness and beauty of the forest and the views above the redwood grove (if you make it to the top) are breath taking. On our way down the East Ridge trail we made a small detour and lost our way on the trail. The notion of being lost in the forest did cross my mind -- we soon found our way back to civilization.
When we finally managed to pull ourselves away from the Forest, what else to do in Sonoma County than to go see the vineyards and partake in some wine tasting! The vineyards are everywhere and the perfectly landscaped rows of grapes stretch endlessly into the distance - surrounded on all sides by old growth forests. We visited the Korbel winery and tasted quite a few champagnes and wines. A good time indeed.
Most of the trees in the forest are Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood and they grow as old as 1500 years (that is way before the Magna Carta!) and can grow to a height 350 feet (larger than a football field!). Redwoods are the largest living organism on earth and kundi and I had the most amazing hike up through the Pool Ridge trail and then back down the East Ridge trail. It is quite a steep hike (250-300 feet) and the amazing stillness and beauty of the forest and the views above the redwood grove (if you make it to the top) are breath taking. On our way down the East Ridge trail we made a small detour and lost our way on the trail. The notion of being lost in the forest did cross my mind -- we soon found our way back to civilization.
When we finally managed to pull ourselves away from the Forest, what else to do in Sonoma County than to go see the vineyards and partake in some wine tasting! The vineyards are everywhere and the perfectly landscaped rows of grapes stretch endlessly into the distance - surrounded on all sides by old growth forests. We visited the Korbel winery and tasted quite a few champagnes and wines. A good time indeed.
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