Through the Redwoods of Sequoia

With our adventure in Yosemite behind us, it’s time to look forward!

Our plan is to pass through Sequoia National Park, spend the evening sightseeing, then camp in the park. We’re not spending much time here, so we have to prioritize what we want to see.

The top thing on our list? General Sherman!

No no, not the WW2 General; the tree!
and not just any tree…. The LARGEST TREE IN THE WORLD (by volume).

If we have some time we also want to check out the Tunnel Log (a downed tree you can drive through) and Crystal Cave.

At The Edge of The Trees

It’s far from the Redwoods where we technically enter the Sequoia National Forest.

IMG_2521

Pretty views, regardless.

IMG_2509

Side note!!

Not sure if anyone’s noticed already but Gerome makes an occasional appearance in our photos.

We picked him up in Jordan and he’ll be making the journey along with us; so keep an eye out!

IMG_2527

We have two other little guys… also seen in photos who we’ll introduce later!

Onward!

The drive through Sequoia grows from wooded foothills into forest and gives us quick glimpses of giant redwoods scattered through the park.

We’re excited to see the largest tree of them all…

General Sherman!

After a short while, we arrive at General Sherman.

The tree is a short walk from the parking lot, on which you get the opportunity to walk through a downed tree tunnel!!

IMG_2548

Further up the trail we run into an older couple from Minnesota taking pictures in front of what they thought was General Sherman.

They almost left after a picture in front of the wrong tree!! 😮

We chat a little about their son who was once stationed at McChord AFB. It’s amazing how the military can connect and bond total strangers!

IMG_2574

A short while later, there it is!
It’s not so big…

IMG_2625

Until you start getting up to it…

IMG_2556

IMG_2597

It’s difficult to fit the whole tree in a picture and include the sign!

IMG_2605

Thank goodness for panorama software!

[Group 0]-IMG_2586_IMG_2590-4 images

The area is full of other large trees and a cross section of a tree stump.

IMG_2615

Winter Conditions

As we leave General Sherman and continue through the forest we make a stop at the Visitor Center.

A ranger breaks unfortunate news to us and two of the sights we hoped to see are closed for winter. 😲

Both the Tunnel Log and Crystal Cave are now off our list…

While winter is great for the parks being less crowded, there is a downside. So… Next time!!

The ranger does point out anothing interesting sight just along our route to the campsite, Hospital Rock. We’re not exactly sure what it is… but we’ll keep an eye out for it!

Back to the Road

With General Sherman checked off our list, we continue our drive through the trees with what might turn out to be an excellent sunset!

IMG_2647

IMG_2645

IMG_2648

It isn’t long before we turn-off for Hospital Rock.

Hospital Rock

IMG_2671

In visiting, we learn the site was occupied by by a tribe of Native Americans as far back as 1350 A.D.

IMG_2673

The wall hasancient pictographs from these Native American artists.

IMG_2686

Pretty neat, despite what’s faded over time.

The area is beautiful

IMG_2714

and with the sun setting, it’s time to continue on to the campsite.

IMG_2716

A Sunset to Remember

The drive is stunning…

IMG_2723

IMG_2731

IMG_2728

IMG_2725

We make it to the Potwisha Campground with just enough light to set up.

IMG_2737

We close out the evening with some leftovers of my Aunt Doreen’s lasagna… something everyone should have the opportunity to try.

Lasagna

Thanks Doreen, it’s really good!!!
Even heated over a campfire🔥 🍽😋

Spread the love