Last week I was back in the redwoods, on my first hike after breaking my ankle in the summer of 2018. However, I didn’t realize how much I missed the forest until I was there. Nisene Marks Park, is a great place to visit and explore for hikes and I will explain to you why.
During the summer I broke my ankle I didn’t want to go into many details and make it a big negative thing. Although there are many things I learned from the experience, I wanted to focus on recovering and being positive. You can easily fall into depression if you just focus on the negative part of the injury. Being dependent sucks.
Talk about a Surf Break
I broke my ankle learning to surf. To make a long story short, after two hours of catching waves on the cold Monterey water and numb feet, I rolled my ankle on the sand. Although for the two hours before that I was having the time of my life. I couldn’t believe it was broken and it took a while to swallow the bad news and get used to my new temporary living arrangement.
Anyway, after 6 months (ten weeks in a cast, four in a boot and four in an ankle brace and lots of physical rehabilitation) I finally feel strong enough to hike again. My hike started after a rainy day and I promised myself I wouldn’t go near the water, but I couldn’t help it.
Nisene Marks State Park
If you ever come to Santa Cruz, go explore the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, you can see the redwoods without going too far into the mountains. The park charges $10 per car for parking. If you want privacy and a beautiful jog or hike, this is your place. Many people go on bikes although the trails are closed to bikes (they can go on the main fire road though). You can still drive for a portion of it, which is nice for people who can’t go on their own to far. I’m know how it is when you are mobility challenged. The trails are easy to follow and while trees are not as tall as they are in, say, Big Sur – it is still a gem in the wilderness.
Before I came here to Santa Cruz California, I had never hiked in a forest with redwood trees. I lived in Lima and to visit a forest I needed to travel by airplane or on a bus for 8 or 12 hours. The forests in Peru are located in the jungle. Forest in Peru’s jungles is beautiful but humid and scary! It’s more like a Hawaii feeling were creatures can be anywhere. Also bugs..many bugs in the Peruvian jungle.
I remember going into a Santa Cruz forest for the first time, I wasn’t too excited. I was skeptical when I was told there were no bugs. But I kept adventuring and going deeper on hikes and seeing more and more colors, the smell and something about redwood trees and their height that captivated me. I bet I will captivate you too!
Later on, seeing my kids exploring it just makes my heart dance and now, I can’t get enough adventures when we visit. If you are ever close to the Santa Cruz mountains it is a must-visit. Enjoy my gallery 😉
