Sequoia National Forest
Giant Sequoias
At last we made it to the Giant Sequoias and we were not disappointed. It was snowing as we approached the visitors centre and had to put snow chains on for the first time. Unfortunately the high roads had been closed therefore we will enter the forest by the North and South entrances and go as far as we can.
It was damp and misty as we started the long climb up the twisty road to the National Park, being members it was free access, saving $20. we began to think that it was going to be a poor day for visiting but as we approached the Visitors Centre at 2,200 metres the weather turned and it started to snow approx 2" fell whilst we were there. We were advised that it was mandatory to put snow chains on so we decided to do so for the first time. Not a good plan when it is snowing hard, we should have tried to get them on in good weather. Nevertheless the job was accomplished and we made our way a further 5 miles to see General Sherman. (See Picture) (See Photographs)
Whilst there were not many giant Sequoias in this part of the forest, the largest tree known to be alive on the planet was there in all it's glory, General Sherman. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, some 11 metres around its base and 84 Metres high, even without it's top which it lost many years ago. (See Video) 480x360 1.2MB (See Video) 480x360 5.0MB
The way down
The weather remained quite clear for the downward journey and much better views of the mountains and valleys were seen. Unfortunately the windscreen wiper motor decided to quit, so emergency repairs were sought locally but to no avail so a 30 mile dash up the Highway to Fresno was called for.
The Giant Sequoias Northern Entrance
Having got the windscreen motor ordered we headed West to the Northern entrance to the park were we were again faced with a 55 mile uphill journey. Above 2,000 metres snow was on the ground and the roads quite icy. It was fine going uphill but as we descended toward Kings Canyon then that was a different matter and after about 3 miles we decided to turn around, with some difficulty on a narrow icy road.
We turned off the main highway after seeing a sign to the General Grant tree. What we found was a whole grove of giant sequoias, quite a sight as one entered the car parking area. There was a surprise in that a fallen tree with a rotted core was big enough to walk through upright. Also in the area was a log cabin that had the most amazing dovetail joints on the corners and even axe or adze marks could clearly be seen on the external timbers. (See Photographs) (See Video) 480x360 1.8MB (See Video) 480x360 1.5MB (See Video) 480x360 3.2MB
