Well I drove all day and didn't get anywhere. I'm trying to be chill about it, but in reality I'm pretty bummed.

249 miles and 6 hours behind the wheel to go see the grove of Giant Sequoias up above Kernville. My little rental car and I navigated the most hellacious and steep winding mountain road, only to arrive at a road closed sign just 10 miles from my destination. The sign indicated that the road was closed due to snow, but any idiot knows that there is no snow up there grrrrrr! I debated going around the signs, but decided that doing that alone and in a rental car probably wouldn't be the wisest choice.

Dejected, I drive back down the hill. I tell myself it's ok, I'll just camp here on the Kern river. The trip won't be a total loss. There are only 2 campgrounds open, they are not attractive, and it costs $17.00 per night just to pitch a tent. I really hate paying $17 a night to throw my little tent down on the ground and have the privilege of sleeping in the dirt. A huge pet peeve of mine. Now, if they had a 6am wake-up call with tent-side espresso service, jacuzzi spas, and hot showers with fluffy towels, maybe it wouldn't seem so ridiculous to me.

So, I decline the "spendy" camping near Kernville, and I am in a little pull-off on forest service land. My tent is in view of the river. It looks like I have arrived at this destination just a tad early, as I have the place to myself. Well, I am sharing it with the birds. The road in was a bit iffy, I hope the rental car drives out of here ok.