The Wildlife Waystation...Monkey’s Who Love Licorice

 A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting and shooting the Wildlife Waystation.  A sanctuary for abandoned and abused exotic animals, the Waystation is located in the magnificent Angeles National Forest. 

The moment you enter the National Forest you’re transported from city life. It only gets better when you drive into the enchanting Waystation. Created 35 years ago by Martine Collette, it is the only facility of its kind in North America to rescue chimps used for biomedical research. *Sad fact: Chimps possess intelligence close to humans, therefore they are prized for medical research and tossed away after their involuntary service.

Martine Collette is one of the most amazing, inspiring women I have ever met. She purchased the 160 acres of land back in 1975, planted all the trees on the land, designed special cages for the animals and continues to run the facility as a 501c3 with a group of devoted volunteers. Talk about “Bhakti Yoga” in action!

I created this Free Your Soul TV moment to inspire you that one person can make a difference. I also wanted to do my part to help the Waystation. They are quickly running out of money and need help now--even a $5 donation will help. Show your love for animals by visiting their website and donating now…before it’s too late. http://wildlifewaystation.org/

Santa Monica Community Garden Oasis

The Venice Canals...And A Goose!

Travel has the power to open the mind and heart. This has been a part of my inspiration as it was for the late Abbot Kinney.

In the late 1800s, this real estate developer had the great fortune to travel extensively throughout much of Europe and the world.  When he finally settled in Santa Monica, his visit to Venice (Italy) was the inspiration for the creation of the Venice Canals which are this week’s Free Your Soul moment.

Originally known as Ocean Park until 1911 when it became the Venice of California, the canals proudly stand as a remnant of this great man’s vision. Built in 1905 and nearly “destroyed” by 1929, four east-west canals and two north-south canals remain.

The serenity, uniqueness and magical beauty of this area attracts tourists from all over the world…over 100years later! Speaking of magical, there is even a quaint duck pond in the canals where I saw a goose mingling with the ducks.  

For more information go to http://www.venicechamber.net/doandsee.html

Muir Woods...A Tree Lover's Paradise

Did you know the tallest, oldest, living things in the entire world are located right here in California?  This week’s Free Your Soul moment explores 240 acres of old growth costal redwood trees located in Marin County (Northern California).

Over 750, 000 people come from all over the world to enjoy Muir Woods State Park. To think by the 20^th Century nearly ALL the redwood forests in California were destroyed by deforestation is unimaginable.  Thanks to the brilliant foresight of Congressmen William Kent and his wife Elizabeth; who purchased over 600 acres of land around their home in the early 1900s, Muir Woods majestically stands today.  

If you have yet to experience ancient redwood trees also known as Sequoia Sempervirens, check out this week’s video featuring a recently fallen redwood tree that once stood as high as a 37 story office building! 

Unfortunately I can’t convey the otherworldly pure scent of the forest – to experience that you’ll have to plan your own visit. For more information go to http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

*Note…Plants, and the complex + delicate structure of the forest floor, requires that everyone stay on the trail if we want the forest to survive. Please stay on the marked trails when you visit Muir Woods.