September, 2021
They don’t let me out much anymore. I can’t really blame them what with my rag doll head drop and inability to even sit upright. My outdoor travel now is limited to my perch on the veranda outside the music room.
During the early stages of this wretched disease, I was able to pilot the Lazy Boy on Wheels, even up the ramp into The Chick Magnet accessibility van. Once at a destination, I could motor anywhere there was hard pack. Most important, I could use a public restroom without too much fuss. Life was good.
I was shocked to find out my first caregiver had not heard of, much less been to, the incredible trails and parks with which we are blessed here in the south bay areas. So I took it upon myself to acquaint him with as many of our accessible crown jewels as possible.
One of the first spots we hit was Henry Cowell Redwoods in nearby Felton. Growing up around here the Santa Cruz Mountains have always had a strong pull on me. My first exposure to redwoods and trails was at Big Basin State Park where my Mom was beside herself trying to keep us kids together and out of the dirt and mud and creeks. So it was only natural to start with the big trees nearest home.
Cowell sits at the southern edge of the mountain town of Felton, a mountain town if ever there was one. The main parking lot sits on the other side of the tracks from a steam train that travels into the redwoods. It’s actually kinda cool. We used to mountain bike along a spur line that would lead us to the trails around UC Santa Cruz and ride past the open air passenger cars awaiting their daily duty. But I digress.
The paved trail leads from the main parking lot and showcases first growth redwoods. The groves are just stunning. For those of you who are into such things, there is a map which explains different aspects of the forest ecosystem you come upon in your walk. As for me, I liked to put the LazyBoy on Wheels in full recline and just stare up through these giants, much to the amusement of passers-by. The trail is relatively easy and short, but packs alot of forest in its loop. Great place for an early stage pALS on wheels.
For those of you still ambulatory, there is a trail that leads from the top of the paved loop to the San Lorenzo River. Well worth the detour. You can leave your favorite pALS behind to stare up through the treetops.
See you next time.
Embrace The Suck 
Delightful account of the wonders of Sequoia Sempervirens from a Lazyboy on wheels but true for anyone of us who gets out into the redwoods and looks up. An especially poignant message today as the Generall Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is wrapped in aluminum surfaced insulated tarps hopes of saving it from fire. And Nancy and I will enjoy our own trees all the more. Thank you, Dick and Nancy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post today, Bob. I’m sorry I’ve never been to Felton or on these trails. Mount Tam is my go-to place, but your post made me want to see more of the Peninsula’s redwoods. And gave me a new appreciation for these wonderful trees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I am with Carolyn; I can almost close my eyes and find that spot, thank you for the reminder and for your continuing inspiration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Bob
Michael
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bob, as always love your posts. Your really brought all the feels of Big Basin with this one. I was visiting my parents in Pacific Grove yesterday and I read your post to them. They both so appreciated your thoughts, and felt like they were right there with you in the big groves of redwoods. Neither has been to Big Basin in many years…I need to take them back. Thank you for being you, your blog has brought so much to so many of us. Thank you a million times over.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt like a walk in the woods and doing some tree hugging. Your descriptions help us acknowledge that climate change is important to preserve the Beauty of our environment.Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look at that cute guy among the redwoods!. Two giants who face any challenge thrown their way with strength, resilience and humor (well, not the tree). We visited our son in Sebastopol last weekend and he has a gorgeous, gigantic redwood tree in his backyard that was planted from a seedling by the former owner’s granddaughter 55 years ago. Both it and you, Bob, are magical in your own ways. I love reading your well written stories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the tip Bob- beautiful phot!
LikeLiked by 1 person