Shirley, my family loved the Muir Woods. So impressive, and yes, we felt small--and young! lol That's a place I'd love to return to. We went just before close, so there weren't many people, but we also couldn't stay long. We're also big fans of Mackinac Island, MI. The peaceful retreat is right up our alley. Not to mention the fudge.

The redwoods look amazing--we haven't gotten around to taking a trip to see them yet!

I think seeing some of the ancient sights in China, including the Great Wall, have left me with the most sense of wonder--it's a combination of the natural beauty of some of the sights, plus how old some of those places are that give me pause.

I would love to see the redwoods and the sequoias one of these days -- really amazing to even think about it.

I almost bought a card for my sister's b'day that went on and on about the centuries old redwoods and how magestically they grow over hundreds of years, and then you open it, and it says "thanks for planting them." LOL

I got her a different one. ;)

But as to sights that really wow me, I have to admit I think the expanses of the National Seashore around Cape Cod and the Eastern Shore are amazing -- they always get to me. Then, the canyons of the Anza-Borrego, where we went hiking in Southern Cal -- again, really just moving and breathtaking.

Have a great time, Shirley!

Sam

I would swear I left a comment here but if I did it disappeared. I think two of the most amazing visuals are located in Yellowstone National Park...Old Faithful and The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone which is basically a waterfall that is huge and has carved out a "canyon".

Hi Shirley--Your vacation sounds wonderful! i agree with Ellen that Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are amazing. (So many people though.) This Christmas break, my family is going to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spend two nights, then hike out. I can't wait!

Jeannie

Shirley, your trip sounds amazing. I haven't spent much time on the west coast, but would love to see Muir Woods. When my husband I were first married, we lived overseas and did a lot of glacier skiing in Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. I remember one afternoon, standing on top of this mountain, literally above the clouds, looking across to a distant mountain peak (the Eiger, I think) and being blown away by the sheer majesty and beauty of it all. Then, as I watched, there was this tremendous rumbling of noise, like thunder, and it seemed that half of that distant mountainside just tumbled down...it was a massive avalanche and thank goodness we were on a completely different peak, but it was awe-inspiring.