After another nice breakfast in San Francisco, Doug & Dad went to the airport to pick up our van while the ladies packed. Of course, we ended up with a red Grand Caravan with Illinois plates.
We sang a few choruses of “The Bears Still Suck”, just to get over that fact. It also had automatic doors which was great! A body could get used to that. In fact, we got into our van once we got home and I went to push the button to shut the door. Bummer, I actually had to use my muscles LOL!
The ride to the national park took us through orange, lime, avocado, olive and nut groves, as well as through some grape areas. Then we got more into the desolate mountains. Everything was very dry and reminded me of Arizona.
Once we checked into our hotel in Three Rivers, at the southern entrance to Sequoia National Park, the girls and Doug went to the pool. For dinner, we ended up at We Three Bakery and Restaurant. Alyssa and I had cinnamon raisin French toast which was delicious. Doug had pancakes and eggs, Dad had salmon. Mom ordered a chicken sandwich, but they gave her the wrong thing. Once she got it, she said it was good.
The next morning, the breakfast room at the hotel was very crowded. We had to wait for a while to get our meal and sat in a back room. After that, we headed to Sequoia National Park.
Ever afraid of heights, I didn’t like driving through the mountains, but Mom and Dad loved the scenery.
This is Moro Rock.
There were loads of big rocks. We stopped for a picture with the girls by tunnel rock.
It was a little while until we got to the sequoias. In Jonalyn’s words, “Whoa! Those trees are so big!” We had to stop and take pictures beside them. They were majestic.
And the bark is rather red.
When we came to Lodge Pole, we went to the market and got yogurt and nuts and tuna salad and sandwiches for lunch and ate it outside on the benches. There is nothing quite like a picnic in the sun with the scent of pine in the air and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look.
After that, we headed to the giant forest. There were all kinds of big trees. We took a walk to the General Sherman tree.
It was a nice walk down steps and paved road. The ranger was by the tree and we learned much about the Sequoias and the history of the park. I’m ready for the Nature Camp on trees!
We decided that the hike back up the hill would be too grueling for my parents and Jonalyn, so Doug made the climb to get our van. Even he was breathless by the top. Those who waited did a little more exploring.
By that time, we were tired and headed back to the motel. After we rested a bit and cleaned up, we went to Pizza Factory for dinner. We ordered inside, then went outside. Mom and Dad had pizza, Alyssa & Doug had spaghetti, I had beef ravioli that I had to pick the cheese off of the top. Jonalyn ate a little from everyone. It was all very good.
Beautiful! Before I die, I’d love to see those beautiful giants!