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Day 4 - San Francisco & Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge

For today we planned a circular route starting at the east end of the Oakland Bridge and visiting John Muir woods and circling back to the Golden Gate bridge at The Presidio park.

John Muir Woods

We were swallowed by the big trees as we entered the shaded valley that is the John Muir Woods. Nestled in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this alcove of old growth Coastal Redwood was spared by the loggers in the 1800's because it was too hard to get to and get the lumber out. The kids picked up a Junior Ranger program booklet which asks questions about the park, the trees and the wildlife. We walked the 2 mile loop which is all flat and most of it on boardwalk which prevents soil compaction and root damage to the trees. Some of the mighty Redwoods had fire scars big enough for us to stand in. Despite the apparently serious damage, the tall trees survive. The kids learned how fire is an important natural process required to keep these ancient forests healthy by clearing undergrowth and removing competitive trees that are not as fire resistant.

Click on this photo to see our 9 year old standing next to a redwood tree.

Redwood Tree Facts

Growing to a height up to 375 feet and with a trunk 8 to 20 feet in diameter, these trees grow to more than 1000 years old.

For more information, you'll just have to go see for yourself.
http://www.nps.gov/jomu/

Golden Gate Bridge

From the natural wonders for the Muir Woods to the 7th wonder of the modern world, the Golden Gate Bridge was as magnificant to drive over as it was to stand under.

We even lucked out as carpools of 3 or more get free passage during rush hour. That's the first time we can recall having kids actually saved us money!

We crossed back to check out a Roadhouse resturaunt we spotted on the north side of the bridge as a suitable place for dinner - remember our criteria. Well, we were right that it was a good place, but unfortunately it was booked out with over an hour wait and the kids were hungry.

http://www.nps.gov/goga/

DAY 5 >>