A Significant Annual Event

Finally! My long awaiting updates from the end of August, interrupted by catastrophic hurricanes and good old “Father Time!”
Prior to Katrina’s violent assault along the gulf coast, I realized I had omitted a very significant annual event that is so familiar, and even expectant, to our family during our Redwood Campmeeting vacation. It occurs in Founders Grove, one of several Redwood forests along the 32 mile “Avenue of the Giants” drive near the California coastline.
Founders Grove is located in what was once a thriving town called Dyersville, a stagecoach stop, shipping port, and crossroads that played an important role in the early settlement of the area. Today there is no evidence that Dyersville ever existed, due to what is referred to by the locals as “the flood of 1964,“ the most disastrous of the many Eel River’s devastating floods that have taken place over the years.
Within the groves are beautiful walking (and a few horseback riding trails), that wind along the huge stands of trees. There are also benches strategically placed for resting and viewing the magnificent scenery. When our family first strolled through Founders Grove, we noticed a very large bench made from a redwood log with the inscription, “Bernard M. Baruch.” Hmmmmm…. We were always curious about “Bernard,” wondering who was he, and what significant thing did he contribute to have a bench dedicated to him?
Not only has our return and stroll through this grove become an anticipated yearly experience, but so has our familiar sighting of the mysterious man sleeping on “Bernard’s” bench, always coincidental with the particular time of our visit!? Incredible!! Almost unbelievable!! We’ve even considered whether it was Bernard himself, who might live nearby?? Only a few select people really know the answer to this.