These pictures mostly speak for themselves. The first bunch are from around our campsite, which was in the southern end of the park. It was a great campground, situated right on the Merced River, which was full and fast and cold. There had been some bear sitings around our campsite, but unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) we did not see any. We camped with another family from Sam's school, which was great for everyone. The kids loved playing together and it was really nice to share all the work of camping with some other adults.
On our first full day at the park we hiked in a magnificent Sequoia grove, with our destination being the Grizzly Giant, which is the 5th tallest tree in the world. It goes without saying that this was one enormous tree. The pictures don't really do it justice- it is around 2000 years old and taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Here are all the kids, waiting to take the shuttle to the Sequoia for our hike. It is nearly impossible to get 5 kids to stay in one place, especially when one of them is only one and pretty much never stays still unless he is asleep.
These fascinating plants are called Snowdrops. They appear right after the snow melts and is nourished by the snow itself. They contain no chlorophyl and look like they belong in a coral reef, not in a forest.
Grizzly Giant, with Jeff in the foreground.
Patchie, in front of a root system of a gigantic downed tree.
Sam, back at our campsite, having a much deserved post hike lunch.
