Today was a great family day. We decided to drive out to Sequoia and King's Canyon National Park to see the Sequoia Forest. It's about an hour drive east of Fresno. Carl packed a great lunch for us and we dressed warmly since the weather would be cool because of the high elevation; over 6000 ft. once we reach the park. We weren't sure how the day was going to go because Kezia had a bad cold and wasn't feeling very energetic. As we drove the windy road along the Sierra Nevada, the forest became more dense and the trees were taller. The view was amazing!
We came up to the visitor and educational station for more information on the park. The educational centre was pretty neat. There were displays of animal prints, maps and history of the park, pictures of the earliest conservationists like John Muir, and of course, life like models of animal poo. Joel thought that was pretty cool that they had poo on display! We decided to have a picnic lunch before we headed out to see the 2nd largest tree in the park, General Grant.
We walked along to see the Sequoias in all their majesty. Joel enjoyed walking through the fallen tree that was hollow. Most of the trees were protected by the fences along the trail, but we were able to take pictures by one of the smaller trees, which was still enormous.
After we walked through General Grove, we drove a few minutes north and into Converse Basin where the largest Sequoia's once stood. All that is left is Boole Tree and a few other sequoia's amidst all the stumps. We didn't get all the way in to see the famous Chicago Stump, which is 26 feet in diameter. But we did find a stump that was about 18 feet in diameter that the kids could climb on before it got dark.
I can't quite describe what it's like to be among trees that are over a thousand years old. It makes you feel small and insignificant. And yet to see the remnants of the felled trees, you realize what an impact humans have made on this earth. I liked the saying on the sign at the beginning of the trail,
"Take only memories, leave only footprints, kill only time".
5 comments:
What a wonderful, fascinating trip!! Can you imagine - 1000 years old. They are simply magical - those magnificent trees! Great photos!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your beautiful family. Take care. Kellan
You already had Thanksgiving - didn't you? Never mind ...
what a picture perfect family outing. those trees are massive. matt & kathy tried explaining the size in the past. you definitely put it in perspective. Huge!!! you took fab pics, great memories to look back on (when you come home to 20ft spruce). what a nice way to spend a day off. Hugs to you and yours.
Wow -- makes my new trees look so puny!
What beautiful pictures. Looks like a fantastic family outing!
WOW that is great! Beautiful pictures!! What a great family day!
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