Another Hidden Paradise

I don't think you can have too much of the out-of-doors. There are so many places in the Bay Area to explore, you'd spend the better part of a lifetime just sorting them out, let alone really getting to really know them. Here's a spot that's easily overlooked, yet it's adjacent to one of the more visited areas of the Peninsula. It's called the Burleigh-Murray Ranch. Just south of Half Moon Bay on Higgins-Purisima Road, it's a little-known and little-visited State Park. I was there over the busy 4th of July weekend and only encountered one other hiker. There's not much to the place other than spectacular solitude and simple beauty. The main trail winds through fragrant eucalyptus groves and verdant meadows. There are wild blackberries and a swift, cool stream. Near the end of the trail is an old dairy barn from the 19th century and a couple of picnic tables. Not much, but more than enough.

Banana Slugs and Redwoods

The Bay Area abounds with incredible parks, wilderness areas and trails. A few of them are almost unknown, while others tend to be overrun more often than not. I don't think it has anything to do with their relative beauty or proximity to populations. For example, this place is so beautiful and so quiet and so accessible that anyone familiar with it would be a fool to advertise its whereabouts for fear of it being overrun with weekend warriors (you know the type), mountain bikers and joggers. It should have some organization like the Knights Templar to guard its precious treasures.  It SHOULD, but it doesn't.  So... I'm going to let readers of this blog in on this secret.  My favorite redwood stroll is located at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.  It's just south of Half Moon Bay and can be accessed by either the Higgins Canyon Road or the Verde Road/Purisima Creek Road, both off of Highway 1. The roads are a treat in themselves and your pleasure has just begun as you anticipate arrival at your very special and extraordinarily beautiful destination. The creek itself is roaring at this time of year and the slugs are singing of the joys of their damp and verdant paradise.