Yosemite is another amazing place in California. This time of the year the falls in Yosemite are full due to the melting snow and what a sight to see. They say in the summer the falls are just a trickle. There are several including Yosemite Falls which is the 5th tallest in the world, Sentinel Falls which is the 7th tallest in the world. There are 15 different falls in Yosemite and we were able to see 7 of them. The downside traveling this time of the year is several of the roads are closed due to snow.

If you are up for the challenge, try climbing El Capitan, a sheer walled face climbing mountain. We actually did see climbers. Normal time to reach the top is 4- 6 days. To sleep they hang a hammock from pins anchored in the wall face – not what we want to do!!!! But the challenge is there for all the climbers including one who is paralyzed from waist down and actually does climb El Capitan.

Next head to Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias. The road had just opened but the tram around the grove was not in service and without the tram, it is one heck of a hike. We did hike up to see the Giant Grizzly which is the largest giant sequoia in the grove with diameter of 31 feet and a circumference of nearly 100 feet and is believe to be 1800 years old. Not far from there is the California Tunnel Tree which was cut in 1895 to allow horse drawn stages to pass. It was definitely an interesting stop.

Pack your lunch, your hiking shoes and enjoy several days at Yosemite. Now if you are crazy you can climb El Capitan and am sure you will enjoy an amazing sight.

While in the area be sure to take the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway and stop in Nelder Grove and see the “Bull Buck Tree” which is 246 feet high and ground level circumference of 99 feet. There are other trees to see, however without the campground being officially opened, the paths are not cleared, and the camp worker not on duly yet, we were not able to find them. The upside is during this time of year when the snows are melting you see many falls that you don’t normally see in the summer. But the roads are unpaved and we eventually came across the unpaved, snow covered roads so had to turn back and not continue the drive. The roads are usually closed from November – May so we were fortunate to see what we did.

If you have more time, drive about 2 hours west to see King Canyon and Sequoia National Park. We drove the winding roads in Kings Canyon and the view was spectacular. First stop was General Grant Grove. Here we saw the General Sherman giant sequoia tree, 275 feet tall with circumference at the ground of 103 ft. Close by was the Fallen Monarch that has two stories; either lightening struck it in the middle and it fell, or the tree fell and the center was burned out. Either way the tree was used as a campsite for shelter and for cooking back in the 1800s. There are several trees that are named for the different states. However no record was kept and the tradition stopped. If you are a hiker there are many more things to see. Driving on we finally found a spot for a picnic, only to find out that it was also shared with a rattlesnake and poison oak. Ooooppppps -- we decided to eat out of the back of the car. Also time to head back to Bass Lake to our campsite.

We have had an exciting time these past two months in California, enjoying the flowers, ocean, mountains, waterfalls, sequoia trees and beautiful scenery. And don’t want to forget the little otters, seals, quaint towns and wonderful seafood. We will definitely be back to explore the other parts of California but now it is time to head to Pahrump NV and enjoy the sights there.