Everyone talks about things in Texas being BIG, but let me tell you – I don’t think Texas has trees as big as what we saw in California! We went to Sequoia National Park, and the giant sequoia trees were bigger than anything I have seen!
We started out in the morning, and the drive to the park itself was amazing – again we passed miles and miles of fruit orchards, as far as your eye could see! And then soon we came upon a mountain range that was amazing!
As we got closer to the mountains and entered the park, I realized very quickly that we were going UP that mountain, and the road leading UP to the giant sequoia trees was going to be very windy and very steep! Little did I know….we ended up at 7,000 feet elevation!! I have to admit (and this is hard to do) that the only way I could do the drive up these roads was to BE the driver! Not that I don’t trust Leonard – I do – but I felt so out of control and didn’t like looking over the side of the cliffs as we drove up higher and higher! The photo here shows a scenic overlook, and you can see the road we had just been on, winding around the mountain!
All of a sudden, after driving about 40 minutes up the mountain, you enter the sequoia forest – WOW! The trees are incredible, and for a minute, I forgot about the windy, steep roads! haha. We stopped and walked along a trail in the midst of SO many sequoia trees! It was spectacular and we realized just how small we are!
AND….look how big the pine cones are from these trees!
The trees were so beautiful, and everywhere we looked, they towered over us – the bark on them was so unique, and we just couldn’t get over how big they were! It was well worth the “scary” drive to the top! Enjoy some of these amazing photos! You can see just how big the trees are in the photos where WE are in them too!
We found an interesting rock that had a great story to go with it – it was called a COMMUNITY KITCHEN. Here is the story: This site once served as a busy kitchen for a village. It gave Native American people everything they needed for cooking: rocks and sticks to shape into bowls and utensils, river water, and acorns from oak trees. The women chipped the hollow bedrock mortars into these rocks to pound acorns into flour. Baked into cakes or boiled to make much or soup, acorn meal sustained the village. SO AMAZING!
After coming down the mountain, we stopped at a gorgeous lake called Lake Kaweah.
It was fascinating because right there in the middle of the lake was a “community” of houseboats! It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I was so curious about the people who own them – “do they live there all the time?”…“how do they get out to their ‘house’”?…”what’s it like to live on a lake?”…”do they swim for entertainment?”
I really wanted to go down and visit one and ask all those questions!
It was such a great day, exploring a bit and seeing God’s creation – the rocks, the trees, the mountains, the sky, and a beautiful lake! I hope it’s not too much and I’ve given you a little hint of what it all looked like!
Until next time…
This on my bucket list for sure! Looks like it was awesome. You guys look so tiny at the base of those giant trees- really puts it in proportion!
The Sequoia National Forest is amazing! It is something a person needs to visit in person, because you just can’t comprehend the size of the trees until standing next to them!
I haven’t seen the houseboat communities before. That would be a lot of fun!
You are right – even the pictures don’t do it all justice!
I’m so glad you were there to keep those 2 trees from falling in on each other. Good job!!!
THAT is hilarious!
You’re convincing me more and more to get out into the mountains/trees. I’m more of a flat land/salt water kinda girl- but this is simply amazing
Those trees are enormous!!!!!
And good job driving up that mountain!!! I would’ve just closed my eyes and prayed as we went up!😬
I KNOW you would love the mountains/trees also!!! I TRIED to be the passenger and just couldn’t do it!
Truly amazing. We saw the redwoods north of SF and nothing but being there can let you understand their size. Thanks for sharing and for showing us this.
I agree – it’s mind blowing when you stand next to them!
Wow!! How amazing are those trees?! Thank you so much for sharing all those photos!! I just, for the first time, looked at the photo gallery and may I say…Andrew’s back yard is spectacular!! You must feel like you are on vacation there!! I am so glad you guys are having all these great experiences!
The trees were incredible!!!! And thanks for the comments about Andrew’s backyard – we do love being there! I love the pool!
I remember being there when I was little. Truly an amazing place. God’s creation is beautiful!
It sure is!!!
Love all the pics!!! What a marvelous time you and Leonard are having! So happy for you both!
Thank you!!! It’s fun!
I love your travel log. Those trees are incredible. I want to visit there too! How’s the weather in the higher altitudes? Does it get chilly in the winter?
I have lots of questions too. Lol
I have no idea about winter here – it’s about 100 during the day here and in the 60s in the mornings – crazy!
You and Leonard look like little dolls next to those huge trees! So amazing!
Also love your pictures and thoughts about the people living in the houseboats. It would be fascinating to learn about their lives.
Looks and sounds like you’re having a wonderful time!!!
I want to learn about them too – what’s it like to live there!!!!
Incredible!
I love the houseboat community!
I know – so cool isn’t it! I was fascinated by it!
That is absolutely amazing! I am so happy y’all are having a great time.
THANKS!!! We are! can’t wait til we do it together one day!
We’ve enjoyed all of your pictures and posts and can’t wait to experience a trip like that ourselves. Bobbi just spent the weekend with Gabriella, Mitch and Yudi and couldn’t get enough of our granddaughter. Totally understand the stories about Nolan and the excitement of another grandchild on the way. What a great trip. Can’t wait to hear the stories in person.
Can’t wait til we all go somewhere together!
I have so enjoyed catching up on your adventures! Looks like you guys are living your best lives! Praying for your journey home 🙏🏻❤️🙌🏻
Thank you Michelle – it’s been SO fun!
These pictures are so fun to look at and love reading your thoughts!
WOW!! This is all so awesome!! I’m so glad you got to do this!! and that I get to be a part of it by your sharing!!!