Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

418 OPEN YEAR ROUND, the 427 acre forest that is Muir Woods National Monument begins a bare ten miles northwest of San Francisco on Highway 1. HUGE LOG BRIDGES, hewn from the giant trunks of fallen redwoods, span Redwood Creek as trails cross. Park is named for naturalist John Muir. GIANTS OF MUIR WOODS FELIX ZELENKA FIFTEEN centuries is a long time in the brief span of human history. But to the giant redwood trees that cling to the northern coastline of California it is a mere lifetime. These ancients, which are the tallest and oldest living things on earth, take us back to the prehistory of man on the American continent. The Muir Woods National Monument is a virgin forest grove of these mighty monarchs extending over an area of 427 acres. Located only ten miles from the south end of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, it seems as remote from the clatter of the city as though it were in some far off wilderness. REACHED BY AUTO OR BUS The park is situated in a deep valley in Marin County at the south foot of Mount Tamalpais, a noted landmark in this region. It may be reached by traveling north from the Bay Cities via California's coast route, State Highway No. 1, either by automobile or by the numerous sightseeing buses that journey to the monument daily. Although no cars are allowed in the park proper, there is a huge space provided for parking just outside the main entrance. From here the visitor may walk leisurely along the broad main trail, or he may take the more strenuous hillside liails that lead to various points of interest. A lunchroom and gift shop are located in the woods, with prices regulated by the National Park Service. Through the main area a ranger guide is available on request several hours of the day. The pirk is immaculately maintained and the visitor must stay on the trails. Modern comfort stations are frequent, as are drinking fountains and picnic tables. OPEN ALL YEAR The monument is open throughout the year. In summer, a clear blue sky may peek through the canopy of swaying branches and the sunlight is especially strong. In autumn, the somber brown of the forest floor is brightened with a gay yellow of maple leaves, while Redwood Creek — which flows through the park and along the main trail — is nearly blanketed by this discarded foliage. Then winter comes and the redwood forest takes on an entirely different beauty. Rains remove the dust of the long dry season and the stream quickens. Rising in volume and voice, the deep rumble of rushing water may be heard far up on the canyon walls. It is during this season that the lofty tops of the redwoods are lost in the low-hanging mist, providing the entire forest with an eerie aspect. Dull days are interspersed with days of sunshine when long shafts of light, diffused by the forest vapors, may be pictured piercing the very depths of the woodlands. Tourist visits at this time of year are at their lowest ebb; but to the movie maker it should prove to be the most interesting and photogenic season of them all. However, sturdy clothing should be worn during a winter visit as a protection against the dripping of the dampened redwoods and the slight chill of the winter air. DIFFICULTIES OF FILMING To the filmer inexperienced at exposing footage in the deep shade of the forest, this type of scenery may pose a problem. Although the difficulties of correct exposure calculations may be more trying here than elsewhere, they are by no means insoluble. It is largely a matter of selection. Strong contrasts between light and shade more or less force the filmer to determine whether he intends to film a shaded area or a lighted one. It is occasionally possible to picture both light and dark areas in a long shot, by carefully splitting the exposure readings. But even this is advisable only when the sunlighted areas are at a minimum and the exposure setting favors the darker tones. Panning from light to dark areas, or vice versa, is obviously and completely out. SUBJECTS TO SHOOT Near the lunchroom and gift shop, on display in an open area well illuminated by morning light, is a cross