Mystique of the Forest

Anyone who saw the PBS documentary on Great Lodges of the National Parks knows the pioneering experience that being in nature will bring, its simplicity can enrapt wilderness lovers in a fervor of ecstasy that moves beyond transcendentalism.


It can also have you examine and challenge the enormous conceit, carelessness and short-sightedness of mankind.


The show highlighted the awe-inspiring beauty of America’s national parks. As a two part series; I watched the first episode a few days ago that took viewers to the edge of a volcano in Hawaii, to the Alaskan wilderness, to an oasis in California’s Death Valley and to the rugged mountain peaks and pristine lakes of the Rockies, to Grand Teton. But the park I jotted down as a place I would want to visit is in the lush Pacific Northwest, Lake Quinault, nestled in the heart of the Olympic National Forest, a diverse and stunning environment with abundant meadows and glaciers. I suggest you visit Wikipedia to learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Quinault


The image of lakes and trees combined embody an atmosphere of a fairytale-like glow with mist rising off of the lakes. It took me back in time; of the spectacular beauty of the Alpine landscape. I’m not exaggerating when I say I could never describe the majestic quality of nature that I connected with in Germany, it went beyond words. But another tree-lover’s haven can be found in California, just north of San Francisco.


Muir Woods, named in honor of John Muir, the Scottish-born naturalist, a tireless adventurer and early advocate of wilderness preservation, particularly in the mountains of California, devoted most of his life to saving the great Western forests. As founder of the Sierra Club, he petitioned Congress to create a National Park Service that would protect the Yosemite Valley and create Sequoia National Park.


Muir Woods, is one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests. Most San Franciscans are enamored by their city as I was; but have to break away from all the noise, density and concrete. To spend a day hiking the trails their is to connect to nature with an unavoidable reverence – and imagine the infinite.