As you wind up California's Highway one just north of the Golden Gate Bridge you'll begin to relax and feel relief from the hustle and bustle of the city and freeways. Soon you take the turnoff towards Muir Woods and descend in to a deep ravine where suddenly the sky disappears and is replace by the small grove of Redwoods known as John Muir National Monument. So close to the city parking might be a bit hard to find but other than that you'd never know you were just a few miles from one of California's major cities. Strolling though these ancient trees is a personal experience hard to describe. The path gently winds a little over half a mile though groves of large redwoods that have stood the test of time. A small creek runs towards the Pacific and in November salmon make their equally ancient run up the creek to spawn. Deer graze next to the paths seemingly unaware of the crowds of people who have gathered to stop and take pictures. Chipmunks seem to be the only thing in a hurry as they run up and down the path in their normal pace of frenzy.

A ways up the path you will enter an area known as the Cathedral Grove and no explanation of the name is needed. People begin to whisper and walk more slowly as they gaze skyward sometimes unsure their equilibrium. High above fog moves quickly from the Pacific well above the canopy which sways in the breeze causing a that strange sense of moment. The breeze doesn't make it to the forest floor and you notice an unusual calm. Stop and stay a while. Enjoy the Earth as it was in ancient times. It's all been saved for your enjoyment and peace of mind.