Big Basin hiking
On Sunday I decided to take an impromptu trip down to Big Basin Redwoods State Park which is about an hour south of Palo Alto. I’ve been wanting to go down there earlier, but the recent northern California fires stalled the plan. The route there is very windy — the kind of driving that makes you sit up and grip the wheel, quite fun.
After arriving at Big Basin just after 2pm, I set out on an 11-mile hike that would take me to Berry Creek Falls, Silver Falls, and Golden Falls, before circling back towards the park headquarters. The central trail, Skyline to the Sea, indeed takes a 12-mile journey to Waddell Beach on the Pacific.
I finished the hike in just over 4 hours, felt pretty good about the pace I was keeping. The trail went from lush redwood forest to scrubby forest to chaparall and back again. I finished off the hike with an It’s It (i’m sure Peyton would be proud) and a peanut butter sandwich. Yum.
After coming home I watched The Namesake, based off the novel. This story is like a punch to my stomach - it hits so close to home it’s almost painful.
Donny Katz Said,
July 15, 2008 @ 5:26 am
i had to read about what an It’s It was, sounds incredible. ship one to me??
The Namesake sounds amazing. a must read for me. i’ve been reading a lot of books recently (recommended by my dad) about Bengalis living elsewhere in the world, reflecting on their country and people. currently reading Brick Lane. I feel so attached to the characters, think of them even when I’m not reading.
sounded like a great hike! i don’t think i’ve done one that long alone.
mom Said,
July 15, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
I am sure we hiked in the same park but we had taken a shortest trail. That also covered some waterfalls and went by the beach where waterfall falls directly on the beach sands. I am glad you did it.
Simon Said,
July 15, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
Nice photos, Saket.
Mary Said,
July 16, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Wow, Saket, those photos are incredible. Next time you go there, I’m coming with you. :-)
I have yet to try an It’s It bar — where do you buy them? I always see the sign for them on 101 but have never seen them in the grocery store.
On an unrelated noted, I tried grilling pizzas last weekend and they were INCREDIBLE! I don’t want to make comparisons to my parent’s pizza oven, but this method was darn good. So you need to come over soon so you can taste.