My parents began taking me to the Samuel P. Taylor State Park when I was a small boy. The whole family had a great love of redwood trees. Marla and I went with our kids and their kids many times as well. Marla and I, along with our friend Lea, returned for a picnic last May. The visit was important to us in many ways as Marla missed our 2021 family trip. Marla was in the hospital in Santa Rosa with serious heart failure. She insisted I continue the scheduled trip with our daughter, Stacy, and her family. I didn’t want to, but she was adamant. We felt very blessed to back at the park.

Nothing calms my spirit like being in a Redwood grove. I love the smells of the forest and the quiet!

Being a great planner, Lea brought all the picnic supplies and essentials. We stopped at Diablo Foods in Lafayette for sandwiches and other goodies on the way. This look slike the same picnic table my Mom and Dad always picked for our picnics many years ago.

I’m lost in my memories by Papermill Creek.

The “Stump” has played an iconic roll for my family for years! I’ve alway been the photographer and not…the climber!

“Ah…the summit.”

Marla found a stump more to her liking.

The ladies check out the creek.

So serene!

Papermill Creek is a spawning area for Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout.

We always stop at this part of the bridge.

The Pioneer Trail was new to us so we gave it a try.

I am so happy and thankful to be here with Marla!

Such a beautiful and peaceful place.

Marla is loving all the Sword Ferns.

Our supreme picnic planner, Lea!

The North Pacific Coast Railroad ran next to Papermill Creek from Sausalito to the Russian River beginning in 1874.

An old photo of the train in its wood burning days.

I’ll share some old family photos of Samuel P. Taylor Redwood State Park. This is our youngest daughter, Stacy, having fun in the creek.

She looks very sweet by our campfire at the park

Lisa and Stacy on a little hike before lunch.

My Mom and Dad work on lunch. I’m sure she has a can of olives.

In 2009 my niece and nephew visited from the Island of Guernsey. We had to visit Samuel P. Taylor.

A 2012 visit at the park. Left to right: Paxton, Aimee, Charlton, and Logan.

Lisa, my Mom, and Stacy, at the famous “Salmon Crossing” sign.

A 2012 hike with family and friends. Back row left to right: My niece Suzanne’s husband, Chris, Suzanne , Dick, Marla, Chris, my nephew Steven’s wife Karen, my brother Gary, Steven, Stacy, Lisa and Ray. Front row: Aimee, Logan, Paxton, and Charlton.

Lisa and Paxton on the “Stump” in 2012.

Stacy and family at the park in 2021.

The Twins attempt the summit.

They made it!

Our families “sacred” picnic table. Yes,…I’m ready to return again!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.