This Wednesday, for the first time I’ve decided to repeat one of my earlier posts.

Earlier this week, as a large number of wildfires raged throughout California, I read the heartbreaking news that California’s very first state park, Big Basin, had been “destroyed” by fire. This beautiful preserve of Giant Sequoias has long been on my list to visit, but I haven’t made it there yet so hearing that it no longer existed was especially painful. I was hoping to learn the amount of damage had been exaggerated — after all, the Sequoia sempervirens are built to withstand fire.

I’m very glad to say that although the park has sustained some serious damage, the forest is still there and life will go on in the redwoods. Elsewhere in our state, the battles against devastating wildfires goes on and many people and animals have lost their homes. Maybe we can take some strength and inspiration from the survival of the Mother of the Forest, the Chimney Tree, and the rest of these beautiful, amazing, old trees.

California’s giant redwoods are a treasure — beautiful and amazing in so many ways. We can be grateful to the historic Semper Virens Club for their determination and vision in preserving the coastal redwoods in this area of Santa Cruz County… and in the process providing a basis for the state park system in California.

Huell has a great time at Big Basin State Park in this episode of California’s Golden Parks. I don’t know if I’d be up for tent camping at this point in my life, but staying in one of the park’s tent cabins in September or October sounds awesome!

Established in 1902, it’s actually California’s oldest State Park.  Home to the largest continuous stand of Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, as well as numerous waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and incredible scenery – this is a trip you will not want to miss.

(Click on the linked image below to see the video.)