For extreme tree hunters, redwoods rule

[Barb]

Link to article with pics
Extreme tree hunters?

 

[the gadfly]

Yep, there are people looking for the tallest trees in the world. Personally, I prefer the biggest trees in the world, the sequoias. There are also those who prefer the oldest trees in the world, the bristlecone pines. Funny how all of them are in California.

 

[Barb]

I visited John Muir Woods in 1986 and it took my breath away.

Funny how all of them are in California.

There are a lot of funny things in California. ;-)

 

[the gadfly]

I visited John Muir Woods in 1986 and it took my breath away.

If you ever get the chance, you should visit Sequoia, Yosemite or Redwoods National Park. John Muir Woods is a pale shadow of them. In fact, if you have to choose one, go to Yosemite because there's so much more there than redwoods.

There are a lot of funny things in California. ;-)

Yep, when God lifted up the East Coast, all the weirdos and whackos rolled into California. Unfortunately for you, so did much of Nature's wonders and an awful lot of really bright people. Guess God doesn't discriminate. ;-)

 

[Barb]

I would love to visit Yosemite. I just have to convince my kids that seeing natural wonders such as Capitan and Half Dome is just as exciting as a half-hour playing Kirby.

Is Sequoia National Park close to Yosemite?

 

[the gadfly]

Is Sequoia National Park close to Yosemite?

Sorry for the delay. About 75 miles as the crow flies. About 125 miles on the road using the most-direct route. Figure 4 to 5 hours driving since much of it will be curvy mountain roads.

I would love to visit Yosemite. I just have to convince my kids that seeing natural wonders such as Capitan and Half Dome is just as exciting as a half-hour playing Kirby.

You could get them a DS or PSP.;-) It's a big park and you'll spend a lot of time driving to get to the different parts of the park, all of which will be worth the drive.

But you know, I don't think you'll need to buy them because the scenery is pretty damned good.

The redwoods ar Wawona are awesome. The tunnel view as you enter Yosemite Valley is breathtaking. (Think of all those Ansel Adams pictures showing El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls.) You can walk to the foot of Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls. With a little more effort, you can walk to the foot of Vernal and Nevada Falls.

For my money, the best place to visit is Glacier Point, an easy though long drive. You look 3000 feet straight downi into Yosemite Valley. You lift your head and look across the valley at Yosemite Falls. You walk a couple hundred yards to your right and look at Vernal and Nevada Falls. You look at Half Dome at eye level.

My favorite part of the park is the northern half. Not as spectacular, but much less crowded and much more fun. Tenaya Lake. Tuolumne Meadows. The meadows especially. Lots of granite domes that can be easily climbed. Beautiful river. Lots of hiking trails.

But hey, what do I know? I've only been there something over a dozen times.

Best time to go is late spring, early summer when the falls are at their fullest following the spring thaw and the trees are in full leaf. The dogwoods are blooming.