Jelly Beans and John Muir

Yesterday our friends mentioned that they were planning to visit the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield today, so we hopped on their good idea and headed up there first thing this morning after breakfast and checking out.

Sadly, we weren't able to meet up with them again, but the tour of the factory was interesting. The free samples were the best part, of course!

Our last stop before heading home was John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA. John Muir, the famous naturalist and conservationist, was devoted to the preservation of wilderness in the West. Most notably, his efforts resulted in the establishment of Yosemite National Park.  

His home and a small portion of his family's original fruit ranch comprise the park and are open to visitors.

His study

John Muir transplanted this sequoia from Yosemite as a sapling in the 1880s. But because this isn't its natural environment, it is dying from a fungal disease. The park service is trying to save the tree by cloning it from cuttings.

The 2600-acre ranch was originally his father-in-law's, but Muir managed it together with him in partnership. Only 9-acres remain in the park today, but the trees in the orchard are maintained by park staff and still bear fruit. 

Quince

Last order of business - junior ranger swearing-in!

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