White Rabbit: 'I'm late! I'm late! Ohh look... Trees!'

No existential stream of consciousness this morning, even though the kick-starting is just kicking in at 9:30 (the 'I'm late' part). Let's talk TREES. Big trees. Pretty trees. Pretty Big Trees:

Armstrong Woods over in Guerneville (Gurn-ville for non-locals) is a quieter, much less developed but only barely less striking version of Muir Woods. It's out of the way and off the radar for most visitors, so it doesn't have the scads of tour buses, meandering clusters of tourists staring up at the trees and blocking the pathways. It's an easier place to be. To be quiet. To relax and be peaceful.

There are both paved paths and unpaved trails - some of which extend up the surrounding hills although I have not yet found a treeline where I can stop and get views (but then I haven't hiked all of the trails there). Picnic tables are scattered around, and there are some facilities although they're not as well-developed as those at Muir Woods.

The best time of year to visit is spring - late April and May. By then, when we actually get rain, it will have mostly stopped and it's cool but generally not too cold (layers are a good idea, anyway). The wood sorrel and trillium, along with a variety of other plants, will have sprung up to carpet the understory. There are also many days in April and May where the inland valleys are still cool enough that the fog doesn't come in from the coast, bringing with it the clouds and wind. Those days can be sparkling clear although still chilly.

At that time of year, though, the unpaved hiking trails can be muddy and slippery, so beware! Especially if you bring Fido (who must be leashed at all times!) and he decides to jump, skip and play in the puddles.

More information is available here:  http://www.parks.sonoma.net/armstrng.html

Since it's so close to Guerneville and the Russian River there are places to eat, or you can buy 'stuff' at the local grocery and find a quiet spot for a picnic. The river offers kayaking and swimming, and there are nearby campgrounds.

Santa Rosa is only about 20 minutes or so to the east (Guerneville is actually accessed most easily from the River Road exit from Highway 101, just north of Santa Rosa), and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants there.

Hope you'll check it out - either online or in person.

Best~
Philippa

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