We drove an easy 3 hours inland through orange country ! I may have sampled a couple oranges off the tree... mmmm the sweetest, most juicy oranges I've ever had
We drove past our motel in Three Rivers and entered the Sequoia National Park. $30 for 7 days. We'll be in the park for 3 but this is the only option.
Given a map we followed the windy highway which offered scenic views every corner.
Our first stop was 'hospital rock'. This is a sacred place for the aboriginals, as many people were healed at this rock. One man had an infected leg, so at the rock they applied bear fat and a plant and he was soon recovered.
The river was powerful and the rapids were intense.
The sequoia trees(redwoods) are the biggest trees in the world and largest living thing by volume. They are protectors of the forest and grow so tall and wide!
Giant Sequoias: Live up to 3,000 years , Have branches up to 8 feet in diameter , Bark grows up to 3 feet thick ,Reproduce by seed only.
Sequoias rely on fire to release most seeds from their cones, to expose bare mineral soil in which seedlings can take root, to recycle nutrients into the soil, and to open holes in the forest canopy through which sunlight can reach young seedlings.
Next stop: Moro Rock
So the road leading up to the rock was closed for the winter. Turns out "Winter" in this park is until May 1st, so many roads are closed due to the snow and icy roads. We walked along the road for about 30 minutes to the start of moro rock trail.
Moro Rock is a prominent granite protrusion on the edge of the Giant Forest. The hike up Moro Rock is over 350 steps.
It was foggy but moments of clearness to enjoy some of the views.
Ok so I was terrified! like so so scared. Right before climbing I read a couple signs and the only line that I remembered going up the rock was 'use cautious-people die here"... ugh.. The hike itself was fine but the side rocks were barely up to my knees and the railings were open. (My overactive imagination was in full force)
but we both managed to reach the top. Here are some views..
At Moro Rock we were at 7,000 feet elevation. We saw more snow and got chilly.
We finished off the day with a short walk to the WORLDS LARGEST tree (by volume)
Named The General Sherman,
All in all it was a great first day
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