As of January 2011, there are 394 protected areas managed by the National Park Service here in the United States. So, why would you revisit one of them? - Because this one is so special! - Sequoia National Park holds a special place in my heart. The sequoia trees may seem invincible due to their towering presence but in truth, they are so fragile. You can almost see the impacts polution and early human arrogance have had in this beautiful eco-system. My first visit was in 2008 and you can read about it in
an earlier post here.
This time around was just as unique and special!
We spent 4 days camping and hiking in the park. And I renewed my love affair with the Sequoias :). This time around, I got away from the throngs of folks that crowed around the General and took off into the mountains. Like always, I am so glad I did!
I love this picture. Our campsite went from "camping gear" to "peaceful abode" in a matter of minutes!
We even had our very own landscape architect. Not that the place needed any sprucing up but, after his handiwork, the trees were so beautifully decorated.
One of the most memorable things about camping is building the campfire!. Everyone pitched in to help build it. I LOVE the smell of smoke that comes from the fire....there is something so earthy and rustic about it - it soothes the soul!
We even had our very own camp radio. This sweet little
Stellar's Jay pirched on the tree near our tent and sang for us - nature's very own music show!
Another one of our family's favorite activities is to skip stones in the stream. As you can see, not all the stones make it to the stream!...LOL
Trees...Trees everywhere! - Some are big and tall, some are short and stout...and some have holes in the middle that you can run about! :)
But to experience the true beauty of the park, you need to leave the crowds behind and head into alpine country. The solitude and jaw dropping views that you see are worth all the pain of hiking up 4000ft! :)
And if you get really lucky, you will see some amazing wildlife...like this
mule deer...check those antlers.
This was the view from one of our alpine hikes - at 8500ft on top of a mountain summit!
I love this picture - Merrell, Keen & The North Face served us well for our 13.4miles of alpine hiking .
One of the most exciting activity was watching my 6 year old earn her junior ranger badge. She takes it very seriously and so do the rangers!
I hope these pictures inspire you to go visit this beautiful park nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains and to really experience the park, take a hike and get into the back country...you will love it :).
And, contact us to create a customized trip to this Land of Giants complete wth maps, itinerary and detailed “must sees”!
