California: Mill Valley

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The parking lot was just over a sand dune, leading to a thin strip of seashore that ran along the coast quite a ways in both directions. Waves crashed gently on the shore as gulls circled above, looking for an easy handout. While I wasn't about to go for a swim in the cold water, I was quite happy strolling along the deserted beach, smelling the salt air and listening to the sounds of the roaring ocean and the whistling wind.

Perhaps I should note that this might not be much of a swimming beach, even in the warmer months. Everywhere you look there are signs warning about shark attacks off the coast. Apparently this area is home to the largest concentration of great white sharks in the world, and it is also where they breed. That might make you reconsider just how safe it truly is to go back into the water...

With 1.3 million visitors each year, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a popular destination. There are over fifty miles of trails marked within the protected park, some of which go on into the woods further north. A number of animal species call the area home, including bobcats, coyotes and foxes. Deer, raccoons and squirrels, however, are more likely to be spotted.

An amphitheater rests near the top, though I'm not sure how often they put on productions up there. But you'll probably be too transfixed with the panoramic views anyway to take in any theater. The incredible sights provide all the drama one would ever hope for.

There are over six miles of hiking trails to explore, with extensions out of the park for the mosre adventurous traveller. I followed three of the Redwood Canyon Loop Walks and saw a variety of surroundings. I kept wanting to go deeper into the forest, forgetting that I had to walk back the same distance once I gre tired.

Muir Woods National Monument is named after the legendary conservationist John Muir who is largely responsible for kickstarting the environmental awareness movement. Today's park is truly a stroke of luck that loggers had a hard time getting over the mountain to this remote area. It was bought up by a congressman, donated to the federal government, and made a national monument, ensuring that future generations could experience what northern California would truly look like if humans hadn't settled the land 200 years ago.