Excitedly we headed for the giant Redwood Trees at Muir Woods, for the occasion of my dad's 81st birthday!
It's one of the few places where these gentle giants grow.
Old growth groves of Redwoods are only found in the fog-belt between Monterey, California and the Oregon Coast.
Indeed, they are so incredibly awesome that we couldn't find one parking space.
For over a mile.
Up and down a steep incline we drove, a line of cars hugging the roadside.
While Dad walks on a treadmill daily, this was too much.
(I just learned there is a shuttle, which I hope to take before leaving Marin and its crown jewel, Muir Woods.)
That's my dad and his wife above. He's still in love. Actually "still" is a strange word. I take it back. They've nurtured and deepened their love over time. Together since I'm 14. I think they'll like photo.
It's tourist season in San Franciso and Muir Woods is a top attraction. It sounds like this post is about Muir Woods but it's really about Stinson Beach...many illustrative photos below... because with no parking at Muir Woods, Dad suggested we follow the windy road to the very secluded Stinson Beach, population 460.
(This is where my high school friends and I occasionally drove on weekends. I was raised over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.)
Marin County has some of the cleanest air in California. Without doubt, Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, both protected parks, offer a breath of fresh air and stunning views. And this Bed & Breakfast had a $55 a night sign a block from beach... pretty affordable for a secluded paradise.
Too bad we already ate. This cafe overlooked the beach. It had outdoor seating, too.
The payoff of long windy drive was this view approaching Stinson Beach. Rich blues, dramatic landscape, clean air.
Has a similar feel to Marin's Point Reyes, a federal park that happens to be a beach, too.
Above photo I pose with Dad and Uncle Franklin.
Wow, I just checked nearby San Rafael air quality, (where I'm staying) not nearly as remote as Stinson and Muir Woods yet very clean.
(Though I get letters in the winter when locals complain of neighbors burning wood)
San Rafael had an incredibly positive air quality report card today.
No wonder dad is so healthy.
Clean air.
(And a good marriage. And a good job. And exercise.)
The thing about Marin is it's expensive, which brings up the question how to make clean air more accessible for all.
But today was really about how to make dad happy, and I believe we succeeded and I'll leave this post at that.
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