On an otherwise gloomy post-elections Wednesday, let’s revisit some good times in California from last week.  After all, California was one of the few bright spots last night, with veteran progressive Barbara Boxer holding her Senate seat, and Jerry Brown, the first person I ever cast a vote for (1992 St. Hughes Elementary presidential poll), cruised to the California governors mansion.

These pictures are from Muir Park and Stinson Beach.  This was a big day, so we’ll start with a big picture of some big trees.  If you’re interested in scale, look above between the second and third tree from the left.  On the ground, by the railing, you’ll see a few people.  That’s how massive these redwoods are…

I did this hike with Sarah C., an old college buddy who now runs ultra-marathons to pass the time during grad school.

During this majestic walk I made a vow that if the choice was ever put before me as a public official, I would never cut funding for state (or federal) parks.  There are such few places there are left, at least in the United States, that give us a true idea of Earth’s glory, the marvels nature can produce.

Any number of economic arguments could be made why a developer could do this or that with land currently under the protection of state parks, but you simply cannot put a price on keeping nature in our midst as a reminder of where we came from.

Unlike New England parks, this California trail, which has about 8 miles long and took about four hours to hike, started in a Redwood forest, went through a series of high and dry hills, and then descended into a serious ravine before ending on a beach.

Once we got to Stinson Beach, we realized we needed a game plan to get back to our car in the Muir Park parking lot.  The only cab company in town had no functioning cars, but a trucker named Rusty hooked us up.  His toothless friend Mr. Bojangles held us up to propose hanging out on Halloween dressed up a pedophiles, and following around children.  When Rusty shot down that plan, Mr. Bojangles suggested, “We can go as the Donner party dinner party!  We walk around carrying raw meat.”

It was a weird ending to an epic day.  For anyone living in or visiting the bay, this hike is a glorious experience- so get to it.