Monday, 15 June 2015

Sequoia

As you probably know, Sequoias are trees. Big Trees. Below are some small ones that we looked at to warm up.

 
We didn't get to drive through the Tunnel Rock but there was some great views around with other rocks, holding their own (just) against the trees.

This is about 250m high I think. One of the rangers that I spoke to told me that he was going to do an easy (5.7) climbing route up it on the weekend.

They named a tank after him, why not a tree. Based on volume, it is the largest tree in the world. Not sure if they count the branches or not but there weren't too many. The interesting thing about large sequoias is that the top looks like it has been chopped off. They don't get very skinny at the top like other trees.


They also provide a great source of firewood. Here is one that we prepared earlier.

At the end of the very long day, we headed into a camp site. Our first night in the new tent from Walmart. It was a bit cold because we didn't have enough blankets. Not sure how we will fit more in the car, but that will be a fun problem to work out.At least we had all of that firewood while it lasted.

 Another junior ranger program booklet later and Olivia goes through another swearing in ceremony.


The next day, we headed into the rest of the park on our way to Yosemite. Another type of squirrel on our way to see some more big trees. One of them was the General Grant which is apparently wider than the Shermator but wasn't quite as impressive.

 This was another massive tree lying dead near the General Grant tree. My guess is that it was called the General Lee.

"I'll let you off with a warning this time, but please don't try to touch the squirrels."
Another long drive. This time to Yosemite