We took one last look at our lodgings in Kings Canyon before we left. It was a very nice place.
Our trip out of Kings Canyon was delayed for a short time by a rescue operation. Apparently two people had climbed over the edge of the canyon and could not get back out. The rescue included several EMTs, the sheriffs departments, The National Park Service, and at least one helicopter. We were told that everyone was safe.
While we were waiting, we got to view the river at the bottom of the canyon.
It was interesting to note that this was the same river that ran by our hotel from last night.
This is the view back towards where we stayed the previous night.
Once we were on the road again, we headed toward Panorama Point. We had an interesting drive up the mountain to Panorama Point. The name certainly fit the view.
No matter how often we see the majestic mountains in the west, they are still awe inspiring.
The size and the number of the peaks makes you aware of how big the planet is. To then realize our planet is only a small part of a tiny solar system in a single galaxy of thousands or millions of galaxies is to realize how small we really are.
After leaving Panorama Point, we were reminded of the importance of carrying a map with us. We did not get lost, but we did start off on the wrong trail back down to the car. After about five minutes, we began to question the direction we were headed. We pulled out our map and decided to retrace our steps. The map helped us to find the correct trail down to the car.
Looking out into those mountains as we returned to the car emphasized the importance of being prepared when you travel in the wilderness.
Our last hike of the day was a longer hike to a place called Buena Vista. It was a climb up a rocky bald mountain that provided a great view of the surrounding area.
Even on an otherwise rocky mountain top, trees still manage to find a way to grow. You can see how the wind at the top of the mountain has affected the tree’s growth.
We had a 360 degree view of our surroundings from here. We saw several people who had come for the afternoon, just to enjoy the view and the peace and quiet.
No matter which way we turned, there was another spectacular view.
Here is yet another vista from the top of Buena Vista.
The bare rocks of this mountain made the view possible. So did the way the rocks thrust themselves almost straight up from the valley.
As we began our hike back down, we could see the lot where our car was parked. It is the small bare spot in the middle of the photo about a third of the way from the bottom of the picture.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks share a border. They share many things in common yet they are also different in many ways. It is the only park we have seen so far that are so closely tied to each other.
On our way to Wasachi Lodge, we got to see more of the mountains that provide the ideal environment for the very large trees that grow here.
Here is a sample of the flora that we got to see today.
Seeing two national parks in one day made us appreciate that beauty occurs in many forms. From canyons, to valleys, to meadows. Tree covered and bare mountains. Plants of many varieties. We are blessed to have a chance to see all the many wonders of this world. To see so much variety and beauty is to question how people can believe this was just a random process.