Nestled in the serene hills of Los Altos, the Los Altos Hills Jagrti is surrounded by expansive forests that stretch toward the natural reserves between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay Area. This beautiful setting offers residents the chance to walk along tranquil trails and meditate in harmony with nature.
As autumn unfolds, hiking in higher altitudes becomes more challenging due to the arrival of snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Despite the chill settling in at higher elevations, the areas surrounding Los Altos Hills Jagrti remain warm and pleasant. It was in this picturesque setting that Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt., Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac. and Brother Maungal Dev organized a hiking and kayaking excursion from October 11 to 14, 2024, inviting participants to explore the natural beauty of Los Altos and beyond.
On the first day, we embarked on a trip to Big Basin Redwoods, a destination both stunning and sobering. This iconic region was ravaged by a massive wildfire in 2020, which left lasting scars on the landscape. The fire was so intense that it scorched even the tops of the majestic redwoods, some of which reach heights of over 300 feet. It was the largest wildfire in the area in centuries, forcing the closure of the park’s trails and natural reserves for a significant period.
As we hiked through Big Basin, we witnessed firsthand the forest’s incredible resilience. The redwoods, known for their unique ability to withstand fire, were beginning to regenerate. Though their towering trunks had been charred and their leaves and branches reduced to ash, new growth was already emerging. Branches were sprouting from the trunks, and fresh saplings were rising from the roots, a vivid reminder of nature’s capacity for renewal.
Remarkably, some of the pine cones in the forest only open during a fire, and as a result, we saw young trees flourishing across the hilly terrain. This regeneration was particularly striking, considering October marks the end of the dry season in the San Francisco Bay Area. Typically, rainfall is sparse between April and October, leaving the landscape dry and parched, yet the forest was teeming with life. Despite the adversity it had faced, the greenery was thriving.
On Sunday, October 13, we ventured to Moss Landing, a small town along Monterey Bay, where we rented kayaks to explore the wildlife in the area. Moss Landing Bay is home to a diverse array of animals, including sea otters, sea lions, and various bird species. As we paddled through the calm waters, we were treated to the sight of sea otters munching on crabs, large brown pelicans soaring majestically above, and a variety of other birds resting on the shore or flying overhead.
One of the most memorable moments came when a curious seal approached our group, swimming alongside our kayaks and following us for a while. Later, at noon, we linked our kayaks together for a special meditation session on the water. The gentle, rhythmic waves of the Pacific provided a peaceful backdrop as we performed Kiirtana and meditation, the ocean’s sounds lulling us into a deep state of relaxation. By the time we finished, we had drifted further into the bay, allowing us to encounter even more beautiful birds and sea creatures on our way back.
The entire kayaking experience was nothing short of spectacular, leaving us all in awe of the natural beauty around us. Coupled with the quiet strength of the redwood forests, these days of hiking and kayaking offered opportunities for serene meditations, tasty and healthy meals, and moments of connection with both nature and one another. By the end of the trip, everyone had formed lasting friendships, strengthened by shared experiences and the breathtaking surroundings.
