10/25/09

Calaveras Big Trees SP; The North Grove

We woke up Saturday morning in Calaveras County. By 10:30 a.m., we were exploring Calaveras Big Trees State Park's North Grove.

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Among other things, we came here to see the most massive tree species on Earth, Sequoiadendron giganteum.

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Once widespread on Earth, this relict species survives today in fewer than 100 groves up and down the west side of the Sierra Nevada.

Calaveras Big Trees SP

We also came to find fall color.

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

After watching National Parks recently, I think we all felt keenly aware of how close we came to losing the Giant Sequoias altogether.

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

We are fortunate that we did not, and we can be thankful for it.

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Calaveras Big Trees SP

Just wait until you see the South Grove...

5 comments:

Christopher C. NC said...

Nice. Is there a dress code for the State Park or was that accidental coordination? That first fall color plant looks a bit like our alternate leaved Dogwood which may or may not have alternate leaves.

chuck b. said...

That is one of our dogwoods. I hesitate to give it a name, but someone on Flickr will and then I'll know. Also giving color: Corylus sp. and Quercus kelloggii. There is more color in the South Grove, coming soon.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

What amazing trees the Sequoias are. The scenery is beautiful. I love that the benches are "recliners".

Pam/Digging said...

Wowee. I love that picture of the people on the bench leaning back and gazing up at the trees. So much beautiful fall color here, but those last chasm-like pics are awesome.

Anonymous said...

You sure did succeed in finding fall color! Your pictures make me want to go camping again myself soon. Now if I can just find the time for it.