We started today with a very short and very steep hike to Lower Chilnualna Falls. We could barely see the waterfall because the view was blocked by boulders. It is interesting to hear a waterfall rather than to see a waterfall. We attempted a second approach to the falls, but gave up when we saw the size of the wet boulders we would have to climb.
Our hike to Swinging Bridge had much better results. The hike was a pleasant walk along a stream to this bridge.
The bridge is part steel and part wood.
In spite of the still picture, the bridge actually does swing when you walk on it.
The view from the bridge was fun. It looked like sliding down the cascade under the bridge would have been fun.
The stream was much calmer on the downstream side.
From the Swinging Bridge, we went to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite.
In case you were wondering, the name Giant Sequoias is not an exaggeration. We saw trees well over 200 feet tall.
Trees that large need large root systems. Here is an example of the size of the root system on one of the trees.
Here we are at the Grizzly Giant Sequoia Tree.
The Grizzly Giant has a huge fire scar on one side.
Some of the trees are so big that they actually have tunnels under them.
You cannot see the top of the tree from the bottom. But this photo gives you an idea of what it looks like when you look straight up.
The size of the trees is amazing. So is the number of giant trees that we saw.
Giant Sequoia’s survive for centuries because of their fire resistance. We are standing next to a fire damaged portion of this tree. Even with all this damage, the tree continues to thrive and grow.
While the previous picture was being taken, the Sequoia dropped a cone that landed on Steve’s hat and then bounced off of the umbrella he was holding. It was tempting to take the cone as a souvenir, but we decided to drop it on the dirt near the tree.
One last look at one of the very tall Sequoia trees. Notice it is surrounded by many more very tall Sequoias.
The hike through the Mariposa Grove was long, hot, and a little tiring. However, the impressive trees made it worth every step we took.