I'm an adventurous soul on a mission to explore all 63 national parks. My passion lies in crafting short stories and sharing personal photographs that capture the essence of these remarkable journeys. Through my words and images, I strive to convey...
Spring break of 2022 was a meticulously planned adventure for my family and me. We started by heading to Palm Desert, California, to celebrate Easter and achieve a personal goal: summiting Mt. San Jacinto, a mountain range I've admired since my teenage years. Standing at 10,834 feet, this peak held special significance for us.
The trail leading to the summit was incredibly diverse, traversing through mud, snow, and ice, in a landscape that transitioned from desert to snowy terrain—an unforgettable experience in itself.
During our hike, we met a fellow adventurer hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. He generously offered to capture our picture at the summit, and he nailed it. Of all the years Tim and I have been together, this picture became my absolute favorite of us.
After reaching the summit, we found a quiet spot where I could scatter some of my dad's ashes, overlooking the valley he cherished. It was a mix of emotions—happiness for conquering the mountain and sadness for his absence. Knowing he's always in our hearts no matter where we go brings me great joy and peace. Now, whenever we visit the desert and look up at that peak, I smile knowing he's looking down on us.
After the hike, we celebrated with cocktails at the Lookout Lounge and took the tram down. The tram ride was lively with festive music playing, and everyone singing along made it a joyful descent.
Our time in the desert was memorable, but it was time to bid farewell to our family and head north to explore.
Sequoia National Park welcomed us warmly! The entrance sign, crafted by Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmen in 1935 based on a design from a National Park Service architect, remains my favorite among all the National Park signs I've seen. The sign is adorned with an Indian head and painted in vivid hues of red, yellow, and white, crafted from blocks of sequoia wood fastened with wrought iron brackets.
One of the highlights of our visit was Moro Rock, a towering granite dome offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The short, exhilarating hike to the summit filled us with anticipation. From the top, we marveled at the vast expanse of the Sierra Nevada, with its rugged peaks and lush forests spread out below us. It was fascinating to see the winding road we had just driven up from such a vantage point.
The park's standout attraction is the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree by volume, towering over 275 feet tall with a base circumference exceeding 100 feet. Standing in its presence was truly humbling and awe-inspiring.
Another unforgettable experience was driving through the Tunnel Log, an irresistible tourist attraction where we passed through a fallen sequoia tree. Along the route, we admired another fallen giant with exposed roots, marveling at their immense size and resilience.
Exploring Sequoia National Park, we couldn't overlook the scars of past wildfires. Despite the devastation, the sequoias have adapted to thrive in fire's aftermath, showcasing nature's resilience and underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.
Filled with memories of stunning landscapes and cherished family time, we continued our road trip northward, visiting the neighboring park of Kings Canyon. Spring break 2022 was a journey we'll always cherish deeply.
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