| Sequoia National Forest (aka really big trees) | |
| This place is cool, so I am going to share a few things about it. Giant Sequoias are the largest living organisms on the planet reaching heights over 270 feet tall and diameters of over 20 feet. They are generally resistant to fire and insects. Fire is actually the best way to disperse the seeds. I kept wondering what the difference between a sequoia and a redwood was - sequoias are giant redwoods. Key areas to see are the General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree, and the Giant Forest. | |
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| This national forest has many different landscapes. This is an awesome view from high altitude. | The place that we camped had snow all around. You are supposed to bear proof your car if you sleep in a tent. The information center told us if we are sleeping in the van the bears wouldn't come in. Since we cook in the van and it is filled with food bear proofing is a difficult task. I had nightmares about bears breaking in our turkey bacon smelling van all night.. |
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Rachel and I in the center of the General Sherman Tree |
This branch must have fallen recently. It is so huge that it broke the fence that surrounded the trail. |
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One of the coolest things we saw in the Sequoias was a bear! We had to chase him down for pictures. |
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Tunnel Rock |
Cross section of a giant tree. |
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| Close up of sequoia rings. The bark is so soft to the touch - amazing they are so resilient. |
Sequoia from the bottom up. |
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Some of the trees are open at the bottom and you can walk right in - kind of spooky but cool. You really feel like you are in something that is alive. |
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Me at the base of the trail head. |
Topaz in action! Sequoias are not very good for your dogs. They are not allowed on any trail heads. Needless to say - she had some pinned up energy. |
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| (back to home) | |
