Sequoia National Park

One of the things we love to do when we go to a National Park is star gazing. We did this in Bryce Canyon and it was the first time in a long time I have seen the Milky Way in such clarity (the last time was over 35 years ago when I was at UTE dam near Tucumcari New Mexico). It is rated as one of the darkest points on the planet. We also did star gazing in the Tetons. We  decided to stay in Kings Canyon so we could do a Rangers sponsored star gazing event. It might have been a great experience butin the drought stricken start of California it rained. We went anyway and played like we saw the stars. LOL

Sharon and I at the base of the Sherman. This tree is 275 feet tall estimated to weigh 1385 tons and 103 feet around at the bottom. It is thought to be over 2200 years old. 

Sharon at the base of a fallen Sequoia. About the only enemy of these trees is Man.

Same fallen tree in the pictures above 

Another larger fallen Sequoia tree. Sharon took picture as I drove through in our van.

A fantastic view from the north side of Moro Rock 

Southern View from Moro Rock. The roads below are our way out of the park

Please note all the dead trees. These parks a full of  them because of the drought. They are actively cutting them out because as trees get weak from the lack of water a beetle attacks them 

The climb up Moro Rock 

Another view from Moro Rock 

I thought the roads of  the Ozarks  where I grew up had sharp curves but they don't hold a candle to these. Many time I noted that if a car was in front of  you over 25 feet you might not see them at all. I actually enjoyed driving on them but can't say the same for Sharon.

A natural rock formation along the way out of the park

These giant sequoia are the earths largest tree. At least 3 species are older, one has a greater diameter, 3 grow taller, but none are larger. They only grow on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada at 5000 to 7000 elevation.

Just taking it easy