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| Landmark #962 | Alameda County | Visited: May 31, 2014 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A plaque marking the site of the redwood trees used to save ships from the treacherous Blossom Rock in San Francisco Bay! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Until at least 1851, redwood trees on this site were used as landmarks to avoid striking the treacherous submerged Blossom Rock, in San Francisco Bay, west of Yerba Buena Island. Although by 1855 the original stems had been logged, today’s trees are sprouts from their stumps.
OTHER TIDBITS: Blossom Rock was first described by British sea captain, F.W. Beechey, during his 1827-1828 tour of the Pacific! He named it after his ship, the H.M.S. Blossom! The following description comes from his journal: “After passing the fort, a ship may work up for anchorage without apprehension. . . The only hidden danger is a rock with one fathom on it at low water. . . between Alcatraz and Yerba Buena Islands; it has seven fathoms alongside it, the lead therefore gives no warning. The marks when on it are the north end of Yerba Buena Island in one with two trees (nearly the last of the straggling ones) south of Palos Colorados, a wood of pines situated on the top of the hill, over San Antonio, too conspicuous to be overlooked. . .” |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Madrone Picnic Area, Thomas J. Roberts Recreation Area Redwood Regional Park 11500 Skyline Blvd Oakland, CA 94611 ANNOTATIONS: 10570 Skyline Blvd From Los Angeles: ~371mi (598km) — 6.2hrs |
| When should I go? | The park gate is open every day from 8:00 AM until sunset! |
