A week of exploring. #Redwoods #MuirWoods #ocean #Fairies #ladybugs #lakes #LakeTahoe #AuthorVacation #renewingthemuse #writingcommunity #interview #voiceofindiepodcast

D.L Finn, Author

3 years ago

pathway through redwoods with wooden fence

It’s been a great month, including a successful blog tour that I thoroughly enjoyed. The fairies and I appreciate all who supported it! Thank you:)

It was equally nice to take a week off and explore nearby destinations with day trips. After releasing a book set in the redwood forest, it only seemed natural one of those days we’d venture into one. The closest to our house, and one we’ve hardly been to, is Muir Woods with Stinson Beach fairly close. So, I scheduled our time to park, yes you have to make a reservation.

We set out early to make the three-hour drive. It went smoothly, although when we got there the road leading down was fairly windy with no road barrier protecting the cars from going off steep cliffs. I tried not to look as we wound down to the park.

As soon as we parked, we ate a packed lunch and headed into the park. It was an easy walk on paved or wooden walkways. The tall redwoods towered over us as the sun filtered through the trees. I immediately started taking pictures, as I’m known to do. We crossed a charming wooden bridge over a creek and veered off the comfortable path to explore another trail. This turned out to be an uphill walk but offered spectacular views of the creek and trees below.

Then we returned to the main trail and continued on. We strolled through the cathedral grove where the sign encouraged all the be quiet, of course, no one was quiet. As we exited into an open area we saw hundreds of little red bugs flying around.

My husband commented with a slight grin, “Must be your fairies.”

I smiled and agreed. Why not?

This park was full of magic, and I just knew the fairies were close by. The little red insects turned out to ladybugs, which was pretty exciting too. Our hike continued and we’d stop here and there to touch the gentle giant trees. You could feel their energy and wisdom in that brief connection.

When it was time to go back, I turned the hike into a walking mediation to fully appreciate the beauty and peace that surrounded us. I felt stress and worries stripped away from me.

A quick stop at the gift shop where I added to my magnet collection for the fridge, we left the redwoods behind.

Then we took another nail-biting drive down to the ocean. Here we took in the beauty, meandering at the edge of the water and watched the surfers who had a parachute attached to their boards. I have no idea what it was called but it was fun to watch as they would get lifted into the air or glide across the water. This wind made it fun to surf but wasn’t good for eating. So, we decided it would be better to enjoy our packed dinner in the car and watch the ocean waves.

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day of redwoods and ocean.

The other days were spent visiting relatives and going out on a lake to swim, traveling to Reno, and taking a day to drive around Lake Tahoe with a quick stop at Hard Rock Cafe.

Each day offered something new, but the one thing they had in common was they filled me with joy and wonder. My muse was equally inspired and couldn’t wait to get back to work on my latest book. I’ll update you more on that later but I can share it was my first NaNoWriMo challenge. The story includes a ghost, animals that can communicate, snow, and a serial killer.