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muirwoodsnationalmonument

    Muir Woods San Francisco Redwoods
    CaliforniaTravel Wellness Trips

    Forest Bathing in San Francisco’s Muir Woods, Exploring the Unique Redwoods

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    The Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument is the ideal day trip from San Francisco, to genuinely connect with the trees and forest-bathing.  The coastal conditions of northern California are ideal for Redwood growth. It provides a unique sanctuary of pristine nature.  Just 12 miles north of San Francisco, this old-growth Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest covers 240 acres (97 ha).  Today, there are just 72 Redwood groves worldwide, existing only in northern California and southern Oregon.

    The Coast Redwoods are the tallest living beings on Mother Earth.  The world’s tallest tree, “Hyperion” stands at 379 feet in Redwoods National Park.  Due to the coastal micro-climate, a marine fog often shrouds the forests, supporting a damp environment for prolific plant growth.  Because of this, their roots are relatively shallow.  As a slow growing evergreen tree, they grow to great heights and age, living over 2000 years.  Think about that, 2 millenniums!  Also, their thick, tannin rich-red bark protects them from insects and forest fires.

    Besides Muir Woods in California, there are the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP).  This comprises Redwood National Park and California’s Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith  and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks.  The combined RNSP contains 139,000 acres, protecting 45% of all remaining Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) old-growth forests.  

    California Redwoods balance climate change by absorbing more CO2 than any tree on Earth.

    IMG_6376

    Most importantly, the redwood forests are paramount in helping to fight climate change.  Studies show that coast redwoods capture more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other tree on Earth.  Through photosynthesis, the redwoods transform CO2 (cause of climate change) into the oxygen we breathe.  Also, as these trees are destroyed, they release much of their stored CO2 into the environment.   To put in perspective. a redwood forest absorbs 7 times more carbon as biomass than a tropical rainforest.

    By early 20th century, most of these redwood forests were cut down.  Their wood was popular for its lightness and beauty.  However, the Redwood Canyon of Muir Woods remained uncut, due to its inaccessible location.  After offsetting proposals to flood the canyon, its owner, a wealthy politician donated the land to the government.  President Theodore Roosevelt declared the land a national monument and named it after the renowned Naturalist, John Muir. 

    Redwoods of Muir Woods: Flora & Fauna

    Most of the Redwoods in the Muir Woods National Monument are between 500 and 800 years old. The oldest is at least 1,200 years old.  Furthermore, other tree species grow in the understory of the redwood groves. Three of the most common, for example, are the California Bay Laurel, the Big Leaf Maple and the Tanoak. Also, the understory grows huckleberry, blackberry and salmonberry, that provide food for the animals.  Common flowering shrubs thrive here, such as, California rhododendrons and azaleas, along with the sword ferns throughout the forest.

    Muir Woods is home to over 50 species of birds.  This relatively low number is due to the lack of insects. Furthermore, the tannin in the trees repels the insects and the volume of flowers and fruits produced by plants below the canopy is limited by the shade of the redwoods.  Occasionally, you can see a northern spotted owl or pileated woodpeckers in the woods.  Redwood Creek provides a crucial spawning habitat for coho or silver salmon and steelheads.  Overall, the monument is home to a variety of mammals, such as, the American Shrew Mole and deer. Also, most of the mammals are not seen, as they are nocturnal or burrowing animals living under the ground.  

    IMG_6403

    Forest-Bathing in Muir Woods National Monument

    Approaching Muir Woods, our driver tells us, that there’s no WIFI in the forest.  Perfect, this is what I need, a digital detox, while forest-bathing in the Redwoods.  Because we are wine-tasting later, we only have an hour in the woods.  But, as I would soon find out, an hour in the Redwoods goes a long way.  I enter under the wooden sign, engraved Muir Woods National Monument, into the green corridor.  Then, I feel the refreshing, clean air allure me inside this calm sanctuary. 

    My pace slows down to the stillness of the trees and the past fades away into the here and now.  Thus, I attune to the forest and the quiet enchantment… then notice the sun’s iridescent rays through the branches, sparking my intuition.  Alone, I follow the creek, absorbing the forest-bathing like a sponge.  Forest-bathing or Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese concept for cleansing our energies by spending time in the trees. 

    Digital Detox in the Redwoods without WIFI

    Amidst our modern WIFI world, everyone starves for connection.  We unconsciously reach for this alliance through the digital world.  However, most will find a much stronger connection in the forest.  Being in the forest allows me to engage with the symbiosis with the trees: receiving their oxygen and offering my carbon dioxide.  This reciprocity is a focus for true meditation.      

    I walk by Cathedral Grove and revel in my vulnerable sense of humility, awkwardly bending my neck back to look high into the forest canopy.  These majestic giants rise like cathedral spires with their branches emerging high from the ground.  The massive trunks are 8-20 feet in diameter.  It’s intriguing to watch the small people walk by these giant trees, having a Jurassic Park moment.  The barks’ reddish-brown, burnt sienna hues are exquisite with a richness that warms the heart.  The forest soliloquy is a language of longevity and peace.  Ecologists say trees communicate with each other.  I believe they also communicate with us.  Here, we come to realize the essence of nature’s healing majesty.  This is where I let my ego’s shadow go, into the evergreen shade…

    After an hour in the pristine Redwoods, my stress is less.  There’s a wise, unconditional love that their branches wrap around us.  This holds us in a place where insight reflects in the elements of nature and the hologram of life.  This green vortex puts life into a Taoist balance of yin and yang.  The sense of renewal is the essence of “Forest Bathing,” giving me the rich oxygen and connection with the ancient, wise trees. I envision the tall trees like antenna’s transmitting spiritual truths, for all living beings to receive.

    IMG_6398

    Volunteer or Donate to Preserve the Redwoods

    On a final note, Save the Redwoods League has significantly contributed to protecting the Redwoods.  There are many ways to volunteer or donate for the preservation of these natural wonderlands.  Volunteer positions vary widely, from building and maintain trails to handling educational items in the parks’ bookstores.   This reminds us, that there is always something we can individually do in our global struggles to save our pristine old-growth forests.  Entrance fees to enjoy these old-growth forests are also a form of Ecotourism.  In the end, economies benefit more by preserving precious ecosystems, than destroying them.  Most importantly, these forests help to fight climate change and keep everyone healthier and connected to a sustainable future.

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading trave Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading travel destinations. The city offers a crossroads of cultures in a unique blend of architecture, food and art. It boasts among the top number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and being the birthplace of delicious cannoli. I planned and enjoyed this Palermo Sicily Walking Tour highlights in one day. 

Check out my blog on Palermo:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/palermo-sicily-walking-tour-highlights/

#palermo #sicily #italytravel #europetravels #sicilytravel
The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the G The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the Greeks in 3rd Century BC. Later the Romans transformed it for use of games and gladiator battles. This archeological site is one of the main attractions in Taormina and still a venue for entertainments today, such as, symphonies, theatre and ballets. 

Look at the view of Mt. Etna (Europe's most active volcano) in the background!

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/taormina-sicily-highlights/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #taormina #thewhitelotus #mtetna #greektheatre #europetravels
Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to vis Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to visit Europe’s most active volcano, Mt Etna, absolutely do it. I loved my visit here and consider it one of the best days of my life. It’s so incredible to get so close to this magnificent force of nature. You can catch a Mt Etna Sicily excursion with Cable Car and 4 WD from Catania, Messina and Taormina. Read on and discover how you can gaze eerily close at this active volcano. 

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mt-etna-sicily-excursion/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #mtetna #mtetna🌋 #volcano #europetravels #adventuretravel
Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea cliffs and colorful buildings along turquoise waters, what’s not to love about Portofino. Even more, this gem of the Italian Riviera is small and easy to experience afoot. I enjoyed my time in this charming, yet luxurious sea port and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover this one-day itinerary with Portofino Italy walking tour highlights. 

Blog Post:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/portofino-italy-walking-tour-highlights/

#italytravel #italianriviera #portofino #portofinoitaly #mediterranean #cruise #mediterraneancruise #europetravelling #italygram
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Trudy Wendelin

truewindtravel

Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 100+ Countries & Counting
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Travel/Wellness Content:

Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading trave Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading travel destinations. The city offers a crossroads of cultures in a unique blend of architecture, food and art. It boasts among the top number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and being the birthplace of delicious cannoli. I planned and enjoyed this Palermo Sicily Walking Tour highlights in one day. 

Check out my blog on Palermo:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/palermo-sicily-walking-tour-highlights/

#palermo #sicily #italytravel #europetravels #sicilytravel
The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the G The Greek Theatre of Taormina was created by the Greeks in 3rd Century BC. Later the Romans transformed it for use of games and gladiator battles. This archeological site is one of the main attractions in Taormina and still a venue for entertainments today, such as, symphonies, theatre and ballets. 

Look at the view of Mt. Etna (Europe's most active volcano) in the background!

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/taormina-sicily-highlights/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #taormina #thewhitelotus #mtetna #greektheatre #europetravels
Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to vis Wow, is all I can say! If you have a chance to visit Europe’s most active volcano, Mt Etna, absolutely do it. I loved my visit here and consider it one of the best days of my life. It’s so incredible to get so close to this magnificent force of nature. You can catch a Mt Etna Sicily excursion with Cable Car and 4 WD from Catania, Messina and Taormina. Read on and discover how you can gaze eerily close at this active volcano. 

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mt-etna-sicily-excursion/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #mtetna #mtetna🌋 #volcano #europetravels #adventuretravel
Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea Portofino, Italy Walking Tour...With majestic sea cliffs and colorful buildings along turquoise waters, what’s not to love about Portofino. Even more, this gem of the Italian Riviera is small and easy to experience afoot. I enjoyed my time in this charming, yet luxurious sea port and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover this one-day itinerary with Portofino Italy walking tour highlights. 

Blog Post:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/portofino-italy-walking-tour-highlights/

#italytravel #italianriviera #portofino #portofinoitaly #mediterranean #cruise #mediterraneancruise #europetravelling #italygram
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Causeway Coastal Route goes along the northern coast of Northern Ireland 193 km (120 m) between Belfast & Londonderry. My one-day tour from Belfast included the iconic sites, such as, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges. Other incredible stops on the route are Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle, Gobbins Cliff Path, Ballintoy Harbour, Glenarm Castle and Torr Head.

To learn more, check out my blogpost:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/ireland-causeway-coastal-tour-giants-causeway-dunluce-castle/

#northernireland #northernirelandtourism #irelandtravel #unitedkingdomtravel #causewaycoastalroute #giantscauseway #giantscausewayireland #dunlucecastle #darkhedgesnorthernireland #gameofthrones #gameofthronesfilminglocation #europetravel #wanderlust #travelblog #travelblogger #sheisnotlost #travelgirl #travel #travelvlog #travelvlogger #travelnorthernireland #bucketlist
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