Half Around The World In 80 Days

Desert landscapes are nice but to get some variety I next went to Sequioa National Park which is home to some of the largest trees in the world. It was refreshing to feel the crisp mountain air on my cheeks, to hear babbling brooks by my campsite and to see snow on distant peaks. The Giant Redwood Sequioa trees are exceptionally tall and broad around the bases. Many of the explanatory signs in the park explain the continuous regrowth of the forest through old trees burning and falling to make room for new saplings. I got to experience this myself in a hair raising fashion; as I walk along a trail to the 'Dead Giant' I hear an ominous crackling sound dead ahead. Fearing the worst, I turn and run like hell as there is a deafening crash behind me. When the dust settles I return to find a 10metre section of trunk that has fallen from on high, right across the path I was walking on. I am somewhat shaken, but relieved that the Dead Giant has not been joined by the Dead Irishman.

Sequoia vista with Sierra Nevada mountains at horizon

My rental car sits snugly under the Tunnel Log

Body piercing for giant redwoods

Dining al fresco amid the trees