Again we woke up hoping for California warmth and sunshine. Again it was not to be. Monday was another cloudy day, but it wasn’t raining so we were able to be outdoors. Susie and I had toured San Francisco together in 2009 so we didn’t repeat all things we did on that visit ~ a duck boat tour, a tour of Alcatraz, and time exploring Fisherman’s Wharf.
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| MUSAP with air plant in San Francisco Botanical Garden |
We decided on spending time in Golden Gate Park to see the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden. Both are lovely, quiet places to wander and enjoy. For 2 New Englanders it was a treat to be photographing flowers outdoors in February.
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First stop was the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Admission is just $7, and Susie got the senior discount. There are a series of gardens ~ Australia, Magnolia, Ancient Plants, Andean/Chilean, Redwoods, Garden of Fragrance, and more. I don’t think we saw all of them while we were there. Things were still damp from the rains and the air was chilly.
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| flowers in February |
After a quick stop at the tiny gift shop we crossed the street to see the Japanese Tea Garden. This garden has a wonderful sense of tranquility. It is a small garden, about 5 acres. Susie and I usually stay together, this time we split up and explored on our own for a while. Susie enjoyed photographing the classic stone lanterns while I searched out reflections in the ponds.
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Arch (Drum) Bridge
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| Zen Garden |
When we were chilled from being outside we were happy to go and enjoy a home cooked dinner prepared by Susie’s brother in law Rico.
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| Susie, Rico, and MUSAP |
Tuesday was our final day in California. There was no sign of rain and there were hints of sunshine when we woke up that morning. After a busy week we enjoyed a slow morning and started our day meeting with my cousin Mary. Mary lives further north, but often comes to the San Francisco area for work. We met in Corte Madera and enjoyed a nice lunch and the chance to catch up for a little while.
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| Mary & me |
After lunch Susie and I returned to Muir Woods. We had visited the national monument in 2009 - in the rain. We wanted to return in nicer weather. After all the rain in the previous days the stream that runs along the trail was bubbling and running quickly over the rocks. I asked a park ranger about it and she said that the previous week it had just been a trickle.
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| plenty of water after the rains |
Walking through Muir Woods is an other-worldly experience. The trees tower overhead, often blocking the sunlight. There is a quiet to the woods. Walking through any woods (or gardens) should be treat to your senses - what do you see? what do you smell? what textures do you see or touch? and what do you hear?
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| old growth redwood forest |
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| mossy stump |
After 9 busy days of California family, friends, and photography Susie and I were both tired and ready to head home. But there is still much to see and do in California, so we hope to return.
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| MUSAP on redwood tree |
2/10/14 & 2/11/14
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