The 林 Family: Winter Solstice at Muir Woods

On Tuesday, December 21st, we went to visit Muir Woods, northwest of downtown San Francisco and surprisingly in close to proximity to the Golden Gate bridge. Muir Woods National Monument is part of the US National Park Service and home to the tallest type of tree in the world, the Coast redwood (sequoia sempervirens). It also is home to the countless other plants and animals that are part of an old-growth redwood forest, including tanoak trees, ferns, redwood sorrel, stellar jays, black-tailed deer, and banana slugs, to name a few.

President Theodore Roosevelt declared Muir Woods the 10th national monument on January 9, 1908, so the park has been around for over 100+ years and was quite a site to behold. The trees were so tall but striking to look at, even though it was an overcast and cloudy, chilly day.

Brandon & Ashley enjoy nature next to the phone booth
(compliments of Maxwell Smart)

We started the walk into the park entrance and were greeted with a phone booth near the parking lot. It was rather surprising to see a working phone booth, but upon walking into the woods, it became apparent as to why since cell phone coverage is non-existent.

Part of Kevin's family (his mom and youngest sister) joined us along with Karri's family (her mom and dad) for this expedition. We got there around 2:00 pm, so being that it was the shortest day and longest night of the year, we had to maximize our time to enjoy the trees in the sunlight.

(back row, l-r): Kevin, Ahma, Karri, Papa, Gaga, Shirley
(front row, l-r): Brandon, Ashley

Because it was somewhat chilly, Papa found the visitor's center and made a trek over to get some coffee and hot chocolate. As there was a misunderstanding, the parental units (Siu-Lian, Marilyn, and Vern) were left behind while Ashley and Brandon started their Junior Ranger activity book and were anxious to start watching the trees grow.

Papa & Gaga in the rear with drinks while
Ahma leads the pack with Ashley mid-stream

No fear, as the parents eventually managed to catch up with the rest of the kids, but apparently were quizzed by those passing by as to where the coffee and hot chocolate could be found. Mental note to self - potential fundraiser if done right.

Aunt Shirley modeling the trees
with Kevin & Brandon showing support

There was an overabundance of ferns throughout the path and it was hard to not take in the scenic views, even amidst the fog and mist.


Brandon pointing out a "Vern" in the forest; Vern pointing out his "ferns" in the forest

Brandon and Papa were being goofy, but enjoying themselves naturally (pun intended). One of the quotes found throughout the park from conservationist John Muir whom the park is named after was:

"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown,
for going out, I found, was really going in."

Shirley, Ahma, Kevin with Ashley in the front

There was a special event that night after the 5:00 pm closing, but we were getting cold and still had to drive back home to have dinner with Ward after long day of watching the trees grow even taller. The night ended with both Ashley and Brandon being given their "Junior Ranger" pins for completing the junior ranger program, and were the first recipients to receive the redwood pins in lieu of plastic. Both enjoyed the process and taught the rest of us some interesting facts as well.