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Hiking
around Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California is exhilarating.
The slopes are sometimes challenging and the views are often vast; at
times gentle paths reveal intimate sights. The experience suggests
primal living, resetting self in relation to nature: mind and body
synchronizing with flora and fauna.
Steep
Ravine is a sheltered trail and may be approached from
the coastline or the mountain top. Driving to the trailhead near the
Ranger’s station above the redwood tree line opens up vistas to
the Pacific Ocean on the West and San Francisco on the South.
From
the top of Mt. Tam the
City often looks like an apparition emerging from the fog. When
low clouds
dissipate in the morning sun, the city wakes from white-laced dreams
and "all that is solid, melts into air". To the East,
Mount Diablo looms like a brother waving from afar.
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Inspired by the view hiking down into Steep Ravine becomes a
journey of discovery. Leafy
canopies and tall redwoods envelop the descent in a green and red
cocoon.
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A creek makes its way down alongside the trail cascading into sheltered waterfalls as it tumbles to the Pacific not far from Stinson Beach; trail and creek dancing to the tune of rustling leaves, tinkling water, and rhythmic strides.
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Small wooden bridges span shaded banks as thundering footsteps pounding the beat on ancient boards are suddenly muffled on loose dirt. Birds chirping highlight the score.
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Of the many vignettes coming to life on this nature walk, the most pleasing are probably the cool mossy green waterfalls. While not spectacular in a roaring way their charm lies in their non-threatening poise: some carving channels out of solid rock, while others cascade over a multitude of boulders hydrating vegetation into fertile growth.
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Redwoods variously arranged, standing, or fallen together with rich foliage create a cozy homelike feeling.Throughout, there's a sense of balance, of harmony barely disturbed by man and wildflowers rejoice with floral freedom.
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