TRAIL OF 100 GIANTS, GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT, CALIFORNIA

Giant Sequoias grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California. The groves are scattered over a narrow 260-mile belt 15 miles wide between the elevations of 5,000 – 7,500 feet.

We spent a glorious day driving up the pretty canyon to one of the premier groves of giant sequoias. The grove showcases monarchs estimated to be up to 1,500 years old. There were hardly any visitors and we enjoyed getting up close and personal with some of the largest living beings on the planet!

Roy thought we had been here before and sure enough back in 2010 we travelled the same road as today – I had vague memories – good job I keep a diary!

Incense Cedar on left and Giant Sequoia on right. A competition - symbiotic relationship neither species benefits from the relationship. In time the sequoia will totally enwrap the cedar.

                                            OH THESE TREES ARE JUST TOO TALL FOR ME!

 Two giant sequoias had grown together through time and fell Sept 30 2011 around 11-30am. They probably fell because they were leaning to the SW, over saturation of the soil and old age. The trees were about 282ft tall. It was filmed on Youtube by German tourist. These roots make Roy look tiny.

                                                THE FALLEN SEQUOIA OF 2011

                              A magnificent Giant Sequoia with a beautiful Fir standing in front.

                                                    YOU JUST GOTTA HUG A TREE!

 Bench formed - probably caused by a upper branch falling and striking the base many years ago. Tree responded by forming scar tissue.

                                 Three Giant Sequoias trunks have grown together - The Sentinels

                Two Giant Sequoias have grown together forming what looks like two elephants feet.

                                                                      PROCLAMATION TREE