Skywalker Ranch Series
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
nearest city: Lagunitas
(Marin County, CA)

This letterbox series is not *actually* located within the grounds of
George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, since that is private property guarded
carefully by barbed wire, security droids and llamas. But this
state park is about 5 miles as the crow flies from the actual ranch.
This area is very lush and spectacular and may have been the
inspiration for the forest moon of Endor, from Return of the Jedi.
I'm fairly certain I spotted a few Ewoks peeking at me from behind
some of the redwoods while I was on my hike.

May the Force be with you!

planted by PrincessLea on February 26, 2003
terrain - medium difficulty - somewhat rough dirt/ mud path with some
uphill climbs (you might try and "borrow" one of those speeder bikes
from a negligent stormtrooper if you see one)
rountrip distance - 2.2 miles (trail is a loop)

Directions: 101 freeway exit Sir Francis Drake Blvd. - proceed west
15 miles. Inside the park, take the first left to the Visitor
Center. There is a day fee of $4.00. The Pioneer Tree Trail head is
behind the Redwood Grove Picnic Area. Take the trail on the right,
along the creek.

Box #1 - Sardonic Senator
I have placed information vital to the survival of the rebellion in
the fallen giant 40 paces back from the first bridge. Help me Obi
Wan Letterboxer, you're my only hope.

Box #2 - Dagobah Denizen
Search for me you must in the small grove of redwoods opposite marker
#4. See you the "Anakin" and "Luke" trees 15 steps down the slope.
Find me you will by Young Skywalker's feet.

Box #3 - Adorable Astromech
Go past Pioneer Tree (marker #7) and around the hairpin turn. You
will walk a ways until there is an unmarked trail on the right. Take
the short walk up the hill to a vantage point - there is a large rock
and you will see the creek far below. With your back turned to the
rock, you will see a fallen tree. If you are on the main trail and
see a little wooden bridge below the path, you have gone too far.

If you are a hardcore Star Wars fan want to make a pilgrimage to the
real Skywalker Ranch and gaze at their entrance gate, you can get
there by taking a left on Nicasio Valley Road off of Sir Francis
Drake on your way back. After about 4 miles, there will be a turn
off to the right for Lucas Valley Road (no, it's not named for
George). The gate is about 2 1/2 miles from Nicasio. For the
address, and a view of what it looks like beyond the gate, check out
the virtual tour at:

http://groovycafe.freeservers.com/skywalker/