RogersSpring 2015

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite National Park, California:  The weather man said we were going to have 4 days of possible thunderstorms in Yosemite.   Day one was pretty good, a little sprinkle but I got in a bike ride to the wifi equipped Library 3 miles away.  Day two was gorgeous, a bit cold but we just added layers.  I really hadn't planned on anything but then I checked out the campground hiking map and there was this hike through this area called Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.   "Let's explore" seemed appropriate.  

We caught the shuttle up to the trail head 6 miles away and headed up the first mile of the hike with a ton of other folks, also exploring.   Such an assortment of giant sequoias, with unique characteristics of their own.  The Fallen Monarch, The Bachelor and Three Graces, The Grizzly Giant, The California Tunnel Tree.  As we started up the next mile up to the Upper Grove, the crowds had greatly thinned, mostly hikers rather than just sightseers.  Next was The Closepin Tree, the Faithful Couple, the very important Log Cabin of Women (latrine), the Museum, and finally The Fallen Wanona Tunnel Tree.  

The next thing you know we had climbed up 1000 ft, in what ended up being a 4.5 mile hike RT, reaching 6,600 ft altitude.  It was a little tough on Mrs. Grizzly Barbara but she was really glad she made it as Mother Nature's rewards were Giant.  This was a bonus adventure we really hadn't counted on and we so enjoyed it.