Sequoia National Park Visit
		Molly and I left Bakersfield on Monday morning after a great couple of visits, though quick, with the girls and grandkids. We left Tucson on Thursday and spent the night in Yuma. We got into San Diego on Friday and met Brandi and the girls at the Red Lobster, where Michael is the GM. Michael had the chance to come to the table several times and share in the conversations. It was nice seeing them all again. Saturday we headed north through LA traffic and got into Bakersfield late in the afternoon. I met with Terri, Bryan and the kids at Buck Owen's Crystal Palace for brunch. With their crazy schedules, as happens with young kids, this was the only opportunity to get together. We got caught up on things and had a very nice visit. So, back to Monday, we left around 10 am and got into Sequoia National Park about 1:30 at a very nice campground. This will be the first time for us to "dry camp"; meaning NO utilities - no water, power, tv, etc. Just us and nature - really cool. Our campground, Potwisha, is nestled amongst California's famous scrub oaks, Chaparral, grasses and a bunch of trees and shrubs that I cannot identify. The air is still and the only constant sound is the 'woosh' of the nearby creek.
		This hand carved sign really sets the tone of what is ahead for the visitor to enjoy .			After setting up the motorhome we took off in the truck and went up to the Giant Sequoias, a 17 mile trip up 4000 feet to 6400 and it only took 45 minutes. Anyone (Allison? Peggy?) not liking twisty roads and sheer drop-offs, may not appreciate this trip.
					Along the road was this rock where the road once went under. But, the views all along the way were great! From the winding road, the most prominent sights were Moro Rock, a large dome-shaped granite monolith soaring to 6725 ft, and to the east were the Castle Craigs, mulitple spires of sheer rock.
		We went north as far as the General Sherman tree. This is the world's largest tree as measured by total weight, diameter, and height. There are taller trees, but not as hugh. Quite a spectacular specimen. At above 5500 feet above sea level and in this limited area there were hundreds of these Sequoias along with giant redwoods. The air is crisp cool since there is still snow on the ground above 4000 feet. The nearby mountain peaks are covered in snow and shaded areas of lowere elevation as well. As the sun sets it is getting chilly.
					As I was typing this, a movement caught my eye and just 20 feet from the Motorhome passed a cute doe whitetail deer. Molly was sleeping and didn't notice. during our trip to the Sequoia Grove, I did see several large bucks, plenty of squirrels, robins, Jays, an eagle, and even a small wolf or coyote, I don't know. I wasn't able to get a really good photo of this nervous animal. It seemed disoriented. There are warnings about bears in the area, but it may still be too early for them, as we didn't see any. Each campsite is equipped with a good sized steel container for storing your food. Bears can attack a vehicle or any other place where they smell food.
		Tuesday, I went for a stroll down to the small Marble Fork Kaweah River. It was a good walk and climb down to the water level. With the snow melt it is flowing nicely - and COLD. Fortunately I didn't fall in. The majority of all human deaths in this park is from drowning in the swift moving rivers. I took a bunch of 35mm photos - I hope they come out. I did get a photo of the Middle Fork Kaweah River.
		Then Molly and I went for a drive to look at another small river. It is quite beautiful, swift and flowing with even more force than the one near the campground. We returned to camp, had lunch and just relaxed. It appears that the overcast may turn into something less warm.
		So we just relaxed in the sun and took a couple of walks. RELAX was the operative word. I did get a several birthday wishes - thanks: Sandy, Allison, Nancy, and Peggy. I fixed myself a roast pork dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy a green salad with tomatoes and Italian dressing, and a nice glass of chilled Chardonnay. For dessert I had a chocolate pudding cup and 3 chocolate rice cakes with a glass of milk. What a treat! I'll continue this saga as I head north and find cool stuff to write about.
		Link back to my "Bruce The Nomad" page.