Around the Block: 9/29/23

October 2, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Trees from the Redwoods to the Wissahickon.

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This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Friday, 9/29/23.

9/29/2023

Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block

Trees

As I mentioned in my ATB back on August 11th, my family visited the stellar Coast Redwoods of Northern California. This is a trip we will never forget.

For anyone who likes trees, National and State Parks, California, in the Pacific Northwest, I highly recommend a trip to view these 300+ foot behemoths. Natural wonders that you must see to believe.

From north to south, the Block family trip started at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park up by the Oregon Border. Jedediah has some of the most majestic trees in the world, as well as the small but vital banana slug, which helps keep the forest alive and nourished. Plus, the gorgeous Smith River.

Then, the next day, we drove 35 miles south to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Prairie Creek is gorgeous and varied. By the way, I included many shots with people (i.e., my family) for comparison, which you need to really appreciate the mammoth size of these trees—some of the largest living beings on earth.

Also in Prairie Creek is Fern Canyon. Aptly named as the fern-covered walls rise above the narrow creek, and the Roosevelt elk roam free on the Gold Bluffs Beach just to the west. Water shoes are a must to traverse sections of Fern Canyon Loop Trail.

Both Prairie Creek and Jedediah Smith are part of the Redwood National and State Parks.

The following day, another 80 miles south to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its renowned Avenue of the Giants. Humboldt is amazing, and we spent over a full day there.

Note that all these trees are alive, including the ones that have huge openings in them (as pictured above). There are many examples of redwoods that you’d think should be dead—hit by lightning, ravaged by fire, or chainsawed by humans. Yet they are alive and often thriving. A couple of examples of this are trees on private land that are tourist attractions, such as the Living Chimney Tree. A fire shaped this tree over 100 years ago. It hollowed it out such that you can walk inside it and look all the way up and out the top, like a huge chimney. The circumference is so massive that the interior can hold an entire family (and then some) at one time. The fire did not kill it but did stunt its growth. It only grew to 78 feet tall!

Perhaps the most well-known example of a “tourist” tree in the redwoods is the Chandelier Tree. A sign claims this particular tree is 325 feet high and 2,400 years old. This is an exaggeration on both fronts, but the tree certainly approaches 300 feet and is likely well over a 1,000 years old. There are multiple living redwoods that are over 2,000 years old, and we saw a fallen redwood nurse log that sprouted millennia ago and now has multiple centuries-old trees growing from it. This nurse log was hundreds of feet long. By the way, at the Chandelier Tree, we saw a guy in a mini-van barely make it through without losing his mirrors!

Finally, from Humboldt, we drove over 200 miles south to the Muir Woods National Monument. Muir Woods is the most visited of all Redwood parks due to its accessibility. After all, it is only 45 minutes north of San Francisco. On the other hand, Jedediah is a six-hour drive from San Fran (and just as far from Sacramento and Portland as well). Basically, Muir Woods is just outside of The City.

At Muir Woods, eight-year-old Ezra proudly received one of several Junior Ranger badges he earned on this trip.

Muir Woods is incredible and well worth the short trip from San Fran. So, one might ask, why not just go to Muir Woods? Why drive hundreds of miles to see more state and national forests and more Coast Redwood groves? Because every tree, each grove, every trail, and each park is so stunning, different, and magical. The entire experience was incredible.

My family’s love of trees and trails does not, of course, only extend to highrise tall redwoods that are 3,000 miles away. We are so fortunate to live in a City with the greatest urban park in the country. Fairmount Park and, more specifically, Wissahickon Valley Park. When I walk among the Wissahickon’s 50+ miles of trails, I do not lament that I am not in the Redwoods. Rather, I consider myself fortunate to live in a city that offers some of the most beautiful trails and trees and geologic formations anywhere—and that I can walk them regularly with Kristen, the boys, our little dog Monty, and friends. That makes me happy.

I spent my entire childhood living in Addison Court in Society Hill. In 1968, when the homes were built, the developer planted one little tree in the middle of this new cobblestone courtyard. I remember that tree as I was growing up. It is still there today, over 50 years later. It has grown, of course. Certainly no redwood, but a beauty just the same. Philly has so many parks and street trees (though some blocks could use more for sure).

Trees are amazing and complex beings. So, whether you are in a National Park, the Wissahickon, Rittenhouse Square, or just walking down a tree-lined block, please notice and enjoy the life-giving trees all around.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

West Central Germantown

154 West Price Street

4 BD 3.5 BA 2400 SF $750,000

Elegance in its simplicity. One of three new homes in the desirable Penn-Knox neighborhood of burgeoning Germantown. On a quiet, tree-lined block, 154 W Price Street is a stunning new construction home.

This home is not your standard new construction finishes and design. If you are looking for something different and more to your superb taste, this is it. Designed by the renowned C2 Architecture, this bespoke 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with 2-car Parking has a large, private rear yard and roof deck, high-end finishes, beautiful oak floors, high ceilings, and stunning light. Finished Lower Level. Large, open light filled spaces. Curated finishes and fine custom millwork throughout. Marvin windows, solid core doors, and white oak hardwood floors throughout.

On one of Germantown’s most desirable blocks, One block to Ultimo Coffee, the Salam Café, and the Waldorf School and a quick walk to Clifford Park, Vernon Park, Rittenhousetown, and the Wissahickon Trails, and the new Weavers Way Germantown Co-op (in progress).

Quick drive to Center City, East Falls, Manayunk, Mount Airy & Chestnut Hill, and so much more. NOTES—The tax abatement for this home is not guaranteed. The Owner has retained an attorney to appeal. The photos for this unit are of the adjoining home, 156 W Price, which is under contract. The finishes and layout are identical (i.e., mirror image).

View full listing here

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Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

Jeff City Block

City Block Team
Assoc. Broker
M: 215.833.7088
O: 267.435.8015
[email protected]

Office: 267-435-8015
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via visitphilly.com and Canva.

Trees

Spotlight Property

154 West Price Street

Jeff City Block

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