In this video, I reflect on the Redwood’s current plight for survival against climate change.
You would think a place loses its meaning, after you’ve been there several times. The excitement falls to the sidelines, and the place is reduced to an item to be checked off a travel list.
That’s what I thought before I visited Muir Woods National Monument for the fifth time.
But it was rather the opposite. It wasn’t boring, and it wasn’t annoying. Rather, this magical place had another story to tell me.
Shifting narratives
It’s an incredible privilege to grow old. And with every passing year, you look at things from a new and different perspective.
That was my state of mind during my last visit to this national monument. When I was a child, I enjoyed walking amongst the giants. I was with my family.
When I visited the same place at the age of 30, I was amongst the same ancient giants but in a new perspective. It wasn’t only impressive but they put life in perspective.
The perspective: the redwoods have been here for hundreds of years, and they will continue to be here. I’m only a blink in time for them.
These trees hold countless narratives and stories about survival. They need our help more than ever to continue for another 100 years.
Something that has stood strong way before humankind, could so easily be gone because of humankind. Doesn’t that give us a reason to protect them?
Tips before visiting Muir Woods National Monument
-
- Book a time slot — I was rather surprised by this one, but it does impact your ability to enter the park. If you come by car, you will need to reserve a ticket online and pay for parking.
-
- Prepare for rain — it’s an extremely wet area of Northern California. The changing weather patterns from the ocean almost guarantee rain or dampness. Come prepared!
I look forward to visiting the giants again. Maybe next time, I’ll be with my own child — and it will be a new perspective.
