Los Osos to Sequoia National Park Photo Gallery by Herb at pbase.com

Los Osos to Sequoia National Park

We drove from the central coast to the southern sierras in about 5 hours. Almost immediately, the cool coastal weather gave way to valley heat. Even the Sequoia National Park was warm and busier than expected with many campgrounds posted as “full”. We were able to camp at the Lodgepole Campground and spend the next several days hiking and birding. Neither Geno nor I were too interested in biking. We did three short hikes and a longer hike to the Watchtower and Heather Lake. The hikes were a great way to end our trip. I had forgot how much I enjoyed hiking the barren granite above the timberline.

With all the biking, hiking, birding, sightseeing and socializing, our trip lasted 21 days. After that many days of activity, I was ready to come home and rest. Alas, my bed never felt as good as that first night back home. As Geno might say, “you have to endure the ‘yang’ in order to enjoy the ‘yin’. In other words, camping and roughing truly makes you appreciate your home with all of its luxuries.

Day 19. Road work delays on Hwy 198, the southern entrance.	The Kaweah River was too cold for swimming.	On trail toTokopah Falls.	It's an out and back hike.	This large marmot allowed us to get very close.
Distance one-way is 1.7 miles.
Too bad it has been a dry winter.	Notice the dark water marks on the granite.	In a wet year, this fall would very impressive.		That's about as close as I can get.
Looking good.	The hikers.	A nice series of photos.	All the pictures in Sequoia NP were taken by Geno.
	The mosquitoes were out at dusk...	But so were the animals.	Nice photos of flowing water.
		Young black bear feeding along the river.	Our presence did not concern it. Good eyes Dick.	Day 20. On the trail in the land of giants.
The Sherman tree is the largest in volume of wood.	Interesting Information.	A sense of scale.	Most Sequoias show evidence of past fires.	Looks big, is big.
Fires are a part of its life cycle.	Cone of a Sugarpine.	Fire damage.	Can survive even when badly damaged.	Cones of the Sequoia are smaller than a tennis ball.
It's not Paris, but looking good Geno!	I feel small.		Do you mean Bush?	The state of affairs.
Life can be tenacious	Looks very orderly.		Sometimes it's easier to go through it.	At the visitor center.
On the trail to Moro Rock.	Sign saids it all.	About 4,000 steps (1/4 mile) to the top.	Up up up we go.
	Elevation gain is about 350 feet.	So many steps!	The Kaweah River heading toward the valley.	Hope you aren't afraid of height.
		The top sits at @ 6,725 feet.	Great 360 deg views.	The "Great Western Divide".
Several distant peaks are close to 14,000 feet.				Time for a group shot.
Looking at Alta Peak, a trail Dick wants to hike.	Hwy 198 down below.	Stay within the rails please.	One last look.	Time to head down.
Hang on.			Day 21. On the trail to Watchtower and Heather lake	Trail map.
Round Trip is about 8 miles.	Total elevation gain is just over 2,000 feet.	View from the top.	Precarious rock outcropping.
This isn't the highest point on the trail, but it's the best views.	Dick heads out onto the cliff outcropping.	Look carefully and you'll see Dick.	Working his way back.	Tokopah Falls is 1,600 feet below.
		Lunch time.		I'm out on the cliff.
Look closely and you'll see me on the rock.	Group shot. A coupe from Wisconsin took the Photo.	Heading to Heather Lake.		Great views.
	Nice trail.	Dick and I agree that coming down is harder on the legs than going up.		We decide to go home after the hike.

comment |

click on thumbnails for full image

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment