Bala and I took Sri to the Big Basin forest in Boulder Creek.
It was Bala's idea. very considerate of him considering he hates the forest and loves
the city. When at first you don't succeed, bicker, bicker, bicker again.
I hurriedly packed lemon rice and bundled Sri into the car.
Halfway up 17S, we realized there was a backup. Change of plan - let's take 85.
"Check the map. Is it far?" Bala asked.
Bala is crazy about maps. He needs to check the map at every light.
Sometimes, when he's driving he stops the car to check the map.
"No, it's almost the same. Actually, I know this route."
In 30 minutes we were hungry. We made it to Saratoga Springs and
stopped for lunch at a picnic/RV campground. In spite of the sun, it was
chilly amidst the tall trees. The place is such an enormous forest.
After stuffing our faces, we hit the road again.
It was a narrow winding road. The trees were so thick that the canopy blocked
the sun. Numerous hairpin bends later, we were all sick.
Suddenly, I saw a sign for Castle Rock. "Hey, let's go to Castle Rock
instead. It's supposed to be beautiful." I cried.
Bala was miffed, but he detoured a bit. Trouble was we did not know exactly
where the entrance was. Retrace - change of plan - stick to original route -
back to Big Basin.
Highway 238 was a squiggly snake. Finally, we saw the majestic redwoods.
Magnificent. I went into the visitor center to check it out.
An old crone was selling books and maps in a cozy pine lodge, lit with
a warm fire, around which there was a cozy sofa. I dragged Bala and Sri in.
One thing that never ceases to amaze me in the US is how well they direct you.
Everything is so well established and run. They had this board that mapped out
different trails based on the time you had - if you have 1-2 hours, go here
3-4 hours here...5 hours or more...longer train. Amazing.
Of course, we took the shortest Redwood Trail. We decided to save 25 cents
and brave the 1.5 mile trail without the trail map
The redwoods are unbelievable. They loom so large that you cannot stop
wondering. The trunks are huge - 15 feet in diameter. There's this mother
of the forest and father of the forest - two particularly magnificent trees.
The trails are set neatly with short fences barricading the sides.
The air is perfumed with redwood and pine.
The forest is still and quiet except for Sri's incessant chatter.
"Mama, you cheated me. You said you would show me bugs."
"The bugs are there, Srinidhi. They are hiding among the leaves."
"Where are they?"
Just when I tried to think of a placatory argument, we spotted another couple with a toddler. The man said "Wanna see something cool?
Look at these lady bugs."
Zillions of lady bugs were trotting up the fence. They had lined up all the way from
the trees, through the forest floor, to the fence. It was great timing for me.
"See, Srinidhi they are running a race."
She was ecstatic.
We toured the museum and the visitor center again.
A bug book and a butterfly coloring book later, we headed back home.
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