THE SONGS OF A NIGHTINGAIL

  Big Basin Redwoods State Park was not too far from where my family lived when I was growing up.  I remember going there a few times when I was young.   The campfire bowl I remember feeding deer here.  They were very tame and liked lettuce.  I don’t suppose that’s allowed anymore. The swimming pool Yours truly floating in the Big Basin pool in 1942. Muir Woods was another spot fairly close to home where the family went now and again. Picnic time in Muir Woods.  L-R, my Grandma B (for Bradley), me, my Dad, and Mom in 1942.  My Aunt Frances (Dad’s sister) was with us so she must have been the one taking the picture. The little creek running through Muir Woods. My Dad holding me while I reached for something in the creek. Twenty years later my youngest sister and brother are hamming it up ‘on stage’ at the campfire circle in Muir Woods in 1962.  A beautiful spot.  Weddings are often held here. Wow – this is an ‘oldie’.  Look at that car.  Looks like a ’56 Ford ‘hardtop’? The “Cabin Tree”

  I’m going to assume those framed pictures the couple have put their leg and head through are, unfortunately, lovely paintings of their favorite lakes.  What a shame they’re ruined and we won’t be able to see them.  I shall hereby endeavor, then, to remedy that unfortunateness with a few postcard pictures of my favorite lakes. Technically, Lake Merritt is not a lake. It’s a natural salt-water lagoon connected to the Oakland/Alameda Estuary.  The Estuary can be seen in the upper left.  Beyond is the Bay with San Francisco in the distance.  But it’s called “ Lake Merritt” so I shall treat it as a lake for my post!  I suppose it could be called Merritt Lagoon, but 'Lake' has a classier ring to it. Anyway, lighted walkways surround much of the lake, and there are tree-shaded grass areas all along to just sit and enjoy the view.  Before I was married and working in Oakland I would sometimes, on my lunch hour, take a bag lunch and hop on a bus over to the lake nearby to relax for