Trees, Trees and then there are BIG Trees

There are a number of camping grounds within Sequoia National Park however due to our size we were forced to find accommodation outside the park itself. One thing we have had to learn is to trust our GPS ( or Tom as he is affectionately known). When we first set Tom up we had to input all our (or rather our rig's) dimensions and we often question the route that he takes us on. We have also learnt that to miss a turn is not a good situation to be in, there are no three point turns in this rig. So with our faith in Tom we crawl along a very narrow, winding country road very nearly missing the entrance to our designated park. After checking in we followed the path to our site. Another thing we have learnt to do is to take our time in surveying the site - we need to make sure that all 4 slides and awning can extend without hitting trees or power boxes. This site had an added complication - the guy next door had parked his truck bordering onto our site - he must have been watching and when he saw the length of our turn out moved it very quickly!

Trees it seems so long since we saw so many



One of the first things we noticed were the number of trees..... trees with leaves! And no hot desert winds! We put the awning out and didn't have to pull it in for the entire 7 days.

The entrance to the National park was only 7 miles away from where we were staying with another 20 miles to the sequoia trees.

There are a number of stopping points along the way the first being "Tunnel Rock". This part of the original road is now by passed as most SUV's and
trucks as they don't fit under it. We stopped and just admired the beauty around us, having been in the desert for so long we were really appreciating the trees and flowing creeks.

Tunnel Rock


Snow melt filled the creeks



We were heading for the "General Sherman Tree" estimated to be about 2,200 years old and the biggest (by volume ) tree in the world. Before arriving at the General Sherman tree we stopped to marvel at the giant Sequoia trees.

We just had to stop


The drive up was just as amazing



The walk down to the General Sherman tree is an easy downhill trek however there are many warning signs to alert people that the uphill climb is much more difficult due to the high altitude. Yes we did have a couple of 'I need to take another photo' stops on the way back to the truck! We were fortunate that the park had only just opened for the season so the number of 'tourists' weren't at capacity however there was always someone to take your own very special photo in front of the General!

The General Sherman Tree, too tall to get it all in



The next day we headed to Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow for a hike. Moro Rock is a granite dome formation located in the middle of Sequoia National Park and has a stairway of 400 steps to the top which were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Bit of a breath taker but well worth the effort!

A steep walk


But well worth it


Just beautiful


Yep still snow on the peaks



The dome conquered and with bear warnings in the front of our minds we headed off for the hike around Crescent Meadow. The trail features a tree to climb in and another that has been made into a house. We were lucky to see a few deer grazing but fortunate not to run into a bear!











Of course there are plenty of photo opportunities to be had and the friendly competition between us continues, hard to get that good shot sometimes!

Get out of my photo Rose!


This place just keeps on giving



I love you this much! Yep that's the root ball of one of these trees!




The Drive Through Tree


The Drive on Tree, now only walkable



At the end of a day it is always nice to share your experiences with fellow RV ers. Pat and Glenn, a couple from Los Angeles, were camped next to us and after a quick introduction joined us for a few drinks. We loved hearing about the small town they live in - the Mc Donald's has a horse hitching rail outside its store - now that is something to write home about!

Although we are on a continual vacation / holiday we do try to have a couple of days 'off' each week. We spent our last afternoon in Sequoia down at the rivers edge behind the RV park with a champagne. Cheers!

Champagne by the Creek




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Location:Sequoia National Park CA