The big tree is Nature’s forest masterpiece…the greatest of living things. –John Muir
It was many moons ago that we drove through the warm, California breeze. We left Death Valley a day early because the July heat was…well, deathly.
The truth is I didn’t intend to visit Sequoia National Park. I marked it as a potential stop during our road trip, if time permitted. I was already planning to dedicate an entire day visiting the Redwoods on our way back to Washington, so what could Sequoia National Park have that the Redwoods did not?
But as life would have it, I was always meant to meet the most majestic beings on earth. I just didn’t know they went by the name of Sequoia.
Hello, gentle giant. I’ve dreamt of this moment my entire life.
The giant sequoias are truly something to marvel at. Imagine the generations of people they have seen in their lifetime. Or the countless world events they have witnessed.
I was humbled to be in their presence.
They almost seemed otherworldly…
…or like belonging to the prehistoric vegetation before humanity stripped their home.
How fortunate we are to share the same earth.
We frolicked through the groves for the rest of the day until sunset, connecting to the energy of the giant sequoia.
And I almost missed this opportunity?
Every giant was as impressive as the last. I imagined all the stories that these Wise Ones could tell if we spoke the same language. Stories of dancing with fire in order to thrive. Stories of pain humanity caused before we realized we should protect instead of destroy them.
I imagined how many more stories they would collect after me. To realize they would outlive me for many more decades was simply incredible.
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So if one day you find yourself deciding between visiting Sequoia National Park or the Redwood National & State Parks, choose both. Sequoia National Park will greet you with these massively wide giants, while the Redwoods will show you some of the tallest trees you’ll ever see.
But if I had to choose a favorite, this one is it :) Below are more moments frozen in time. Hope you enjoy!
Love & Adventure,
Denise
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SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA
Everything is massive here.
The road trip’n van ;)
I mean. Look at these trees…
Feeling ever so peaceful under these giants.
Just waiting for dinos to appear :)
I wasn’t sure what tree these cones belonged to, but they looked like rose buds! So cute.
Magically illuminated by the sun rays…
Can you guess which pine cone belongs to the giant sequoia?
Moro Rock
This trail was short and sweet but had some amazing views.
High above valleys…
This view reminded me of Taft point in Yosemite. Not quite as spectacular, but pretty darn rad.
And right back down to the groves…
We spotted this giant bunch as we drove out of the park.
And off we went.
Until next time, gentle giants. Thank you for sharing space with us.
And thank YOU for coming on this virtual ride. Stay healthy <3
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Stay curious, wild hearts!
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