sequoia surprise
I checked the forecast the other day, in order to know how to pack for our getaway weekend in Sequoia. I based all my packing on it’s information, information that said this weekend would be warm and sunny. I packed tank tops and a skirt, wore flip flops in the car, and didn’t even grab a sweatshirt for “just in case.” However, on arriving in the mountains of Sequoia National Park, I did not find 75 and sunny as had been predicted. Oh no. I found fog. LOTS of fog. The curvy road up the mountain was shrouded almost entirely in clouds, sometimes so thick we couldn’t see more than 50 feet ahead of us. And by the time we reached the lodge where we’re staying, it was actually snowing. SNOWING! It was cold, and it was … SNOWING! Fortunately, I did bring shoes other than flip flops, and I did bring a jacket. Though if we find a decently priced sweatshirt in the visitor center tomorrow, I just might have to buy it. I’d rather be out thirty bucks than cold and miserable all weekend. But we’ll see, maybe tomorrow the weather will read its own report and realize how wrong it was, and adjust accordingly.
At any rate, we’re here. We’re in Sequoia, and despite the unexpected weather, its truly beautiful. What I love so much about the forest is how lush and green it is. And right now there are spring flowers blooming everywhere. Even as we gaze up at the tall trees (the tops of which we can’t see right now, on account of the fog), the forest floor is carpeted in yellows and purples. We’ve already seen two sets of deer today, feeding on the forest’s bounty. The woman who checked us in to our room said the bears have been really active too, so I’m kind of hoping we get to see one of them, albeit from far away.
Having just been in Death Valley two months ago, I can’t help but notice the stark contrast between a place like this and the desert. The desert is painted monochromatically in browns and tans, the forest in various shades of green, dotted with an abundance of wildflower colors. The desert is dry and hot and windy, the forest is wet, and most of the wind and sun are blocked by the density of the trees. Where everything in the desert that grows can only get knee high, here in the forest we’re among some of the world’s tallest trees, the Sequoia. And yet, both places have a distinct beauty all their own, each to be appreciated for their uniqueness.
What these two places DO have in common is their grandeur. The desert is wide open and vast, and full of its own mystery (how DO plants survive in a climate that sees ¼” of rain a year?). The forest is dense with plant and animal life, not to mention trees that seem to break all the rules of life span and height requirements. Whether it’s the desert or the forest, God’s hand is most definitely evident. And I find myself in awe of his creativity, having created both places, both climates, the lives that survive and thrive in each. The differences are extreme, and yet the same things can be experienced in both … an awe of God, an ability to breathe easier as you take in the beauty that surrounds you, and of course … vacation!
We got up at 5 this morning, on time believe it or not. We were actually in the car and driving away, figuring we had everything we needed, by 6:00 a.m. (not knowing we’d need mittens, scarves and skis). Our only stops were the bank and the gas station, and then we were on our way. We hit almost NO traffic … perfect. By the time we got to Grapevine, that growing little metropolis at the bottom of the other side of the Grapevine (they’re even building an In ‘N Out!) we were hungry, a worthy excuse to stop at Starbucks, where we got breakfast and coffee. Mmmmm. We didn’t stop again but for gas in Tulare. We arrived at the lodge by noon. After checking in, we ate an overpriced lunch in the lodge, and then got ourselves settled in our room … at which time, we both promptly fell asleep. (One of our goals on this trip is to rest and relax as much as possible, so a long nap fit perfectly into our plan.)
As I write, its about 6:45, and Caleb is out taking pictures. He’s been out there for about 45 minutes, as the fog seemed to have lifted a bit. Although, as I look out the window now it does seem to be coming back. Oh well, its perfect weather for a nice cozy evening INSIDE watching movies and eating too many homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Caleb’s back from his adventure, so tata for now. I’ll check in again soon.
Hi Heidi! I couldn't help commenting! It sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! It's fun to keep up with you vicariously through your blog. =0)
Posted by
Gretchen |
9:48 AM