Day 219, Sept 1, Sequoia National Park

 

A couple of years ago while hiking the Oregon coast, we visited Redwoods National Park where we hiked among giant ancient redwoods. So what’s the difference between Redwoods and Sequoia’s, you ask? Well, so did I. Seems they are cousins, but Redwoods grow taller, are less thick, and thrive in low-altitude coastal regions. Sequoias grow high in the Sierra Nevadas and are much shorter yet thicker, denser. Both, however, are magnificent to hike amongst.

Today was spent in Sequoia National Park just next door to Kings Canyon National Park. There was only one main area of the park where I wanted to spend our day hiking, and I was initially quite disappointed to discover that road work had closed the road into this particular area. However, we played our spontaneous card and simply hiked into my area of interest along a 1.5 mile trail, reaching our destination in spite of the road closure. As well, we avoided the throngs which usually make their way into this stellar section of the park. In fact, it gets so crowded along the Moro Road that cars are not allowed on weekends and visitors must ride the park shuttle. Because no shuttles operated on this closed road today, my disappointment turned out to be a blessing instead, and we hiked all day with minimal visitors and through quiet forests. 

Substantial fires in 2020 and 2021 devastated and closed this popular area of the park, and I was impressed that so much restoration work has been done in the last year to allow us access. Interestingly, fire makes fertile ground for these giant Sequoias. Mature trees are impervious to fire and form scars along burned trunks to insulate the tree, allowing survival while all other types of trees perish. Fire adds nutrients to the soil and causes the release of fertilized cones from the Sequoia. Generally rapid growth occurs following fires, so it appears that rather than being devastating to this species, fire promulgates healthy growth. These trees are just too amazing. It’s quite humbling to stand next to and under these monarchs. Noble, immense, majestic, immortal, and awesome, some of the trees we hiked among are conjectured to be 3,000 years old. Just incredible.

Three amazing things…

1- The General Sherman tree, estimated to be the worlds biggest tree (not tallest or oldest) relative to its density, was an easy hike into. 

2- Moro Rock, a massive granite monolith which I climbed, provided 360 degree views of the Sequoia National Forest. To the west was the coast shrouded in smog, smoke, and dust. To the east were visible several clear peaks of the tall Sierra Nevadas including Mt Whitney. The CCC built 400 steps to ascend 300 feet to the top of this monolith, thankfully with protective handrails to keep us alive. Aaron’s acrophobia prevented his ascent, but he patiently and happily waited at the bottom.

3- We walked through a forest burned out only last year and witnessed how The Giant Sequoias, despite significant fire damage and severe burn scarring, survive and thrive while all other tree species completely succumb to the fire. 

Good deeds:  As it’s still quite warm here, we are refreshed with icy cold drinks, and when our ice melts, so do our spirits. Stopping at a rare market, Aaron purchased a huge 10-pd bag  of ice just to replenish our little water bottles. He then gave the rest of the bagged ice, fully 95% full, to one of the road crew flagger ladies. She was quite happy to throw the ice in her cooler. Kasper is one of the most generous souls I know. As well, I visited a few Airstreams in our campground depositing flamingo rocks on their doorsteps.