Besides the beautiful scenery, Yosemite is also famous for their giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove. It's about an hour drive from the Yosemite Village via Wawona Rd.
along the way there is a general stop near Wawona, things are quite expensive there......the tuna sandwich was $7 OMG!!!!! i had to put it back. we just bought a frozen burrito and a hot chocolate which cost about $10 i think. They have a microwave though. Thank god we bought alot of supply from San Fran.
Mariposa Grove
we were lucky, we got to visit it last year autumn. Now it's temporary closed for restoration project until spring 2017
it's huge the sequoias, amazingly beautiful. it's really quite easy to identify them. well besides the side the trunk has a very vivid reddish brown color
this pointy looking grass is actually, one of the oldest land plants called, Equisetum aka 'Horsetail'. Part of a primeval forest, these plants and giant Sequoias have co-existed since the age of dinosaurs
a fallen giant sequoias
the root
the roots grows horizontally and shallow below the ground. It is advice not to walk near their bases, the giant sequoias might not be as strong as the appear to look with their mighty facade.
interesting texture on the fallen tree trunk
path way, we saw sign of fire. According to the museum, natural fire ensures the survival of giant sequoias. Nowadays, fire crew introduce the natural process of fire through prescribed burning process program to encourage the growth of future sequoias
so that they grow up strong and health
chipmunks on the loose, gathering food for the winter
they were really fast, I'm lucky to even have a shot of them
feel so tiny
we were there early morning, we were among the 1st visitor to arrive. it's nice to have the place all to ourselves
the Bachelor and 3 Graces
one of the famous attraction is The Grizzly Giant (the tree in the middle with the huge branches). It is the oldest tree in the grove. it's probably 1900 - 2400 years old. It was so big that i have to stand few feet away to take a picture of the whole tree
us with the Grizzly Giant
this is how it looks like, looking up from the bottom
the restoration has already begun when we were there, luckily it's still accessible
another must visit the California Tunnel Tree
found one Sugar Pine, and it's huge. somehow everything is huge here
but ironically the Giant Sequoia cone is small. PLEASE do NOT take any of the cones here, so that these little fellars can grow up to be a giant tree. Our children's children get to see these amazing ancient tree for generations to come
we then drove to Glacier Point from Mariposa Grove
there are many small stops along the way to enjoy beautiful scenery of the valley
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
it was snowing a little when we were there. and it was so cold, but we are lucky to still be able to visit Glacier Point in mid November. There are not shuttle bus to this place so driving up your own, bus tour or hike up :)
panorama view of the Half Dome and the waterfalls
Little Yosemite Valley
need i say more
some people would do anything for a picture in their Instagram
i take good pictures too in my safe zone :P
from right Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome
valley village from Glacier Point
amazing view from Glacier Point.
by the time we drove down hill it was already 3pm there was alot of restaurant and fast food chain. Thank god I'm not buying that $7 tuna sandwich
overall i just love visiting the National Parks. All are well preserve to it's most natural state, the rangers are so informative and friendly, not to mention the beauty of nature really amazes me every time i am totally at awe. The world is so beautiful, natural beauty rocks!
all good things come to an end, so does our 2 weeks trip. we had a wonderful time and good impression of the west. We shall be back
till my next adventure
~ adios~
