adriatic coastline Sir Francis Drake In 1579, the English privateer landed near Point Reyes and claimed Alta California

acre woodland is home to one of the few remaining first-growth groves of redwoods. The oldest of these giants is at least 1,000 years old, and such trees once covered the coastal area of California. The woods are named in honor of John Muir, the 19thcentury conservationist (see p39). d Muir Woods National Monument Open 8am sunset daily

Sir Francis Drake In 1579, the English privateer landed near Point Reyes and claimed Alta California for Queen Elizabeth I. Along with other early explorers of the area, he failed to notice the marvelous bay just inside the straits. England didn t follow up its claim to Northern California, leaving it to the Spanish to conquer.