The format of the column essentially forbids giving proper credit to the greatness that is Henry Coe, so this piece is not among my favorites, but I’m hoping it’ll get a few first-timers out to the park who might’ve had their curiosity tweaked during all the news about the Lick fire.

Autumn is a great time to visit Coe. Enjoy it while the weather is mild, crowds are small and tarantulas are on the prowl.

Springtime brings throngs of backpackers and wildflower gawkers, but the wildlife sightings last all year: I’ve seen bobcats, coyotes, deer, turkeys, vultures and a raft of raptors.

The great thing was, I got to use my favorite Henry Coe pic from the monument.

Though I have to admit he looks like he was put there by one of Jabba the Hut’s henchmen.