Happy New Year to you from Sequoia National Park in Winter!

On By cindy knokeIn Conservation, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, TRAVEL REVIEWS

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We are in the Land of the Giants, Sequoia NP, where the oldest trees are 3,200 years old, the tallest are 311 feet, and the heaviest 2.7 million pounds. Their bark can be up to 31 inches thick. Sequoia branches reach up to eight feet in diameter and their tree bases up to forty feet in diameter (Source: James D. Knoke).

We are spending New Years with the trees, and hardly any people. Due to California’s severe drought, many parts of the park not normally accessible in winter are open, and we are taking advantage of it! (Please click to enlarge).

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The satellite is not a happy camper up here which is why you haven’t heard from me for awhile, and we will see if I can get this post out. This is a shot of the sunset reflecting off the Sierras.

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Most Giant Sequoia’s have been able to withstand fires through the millenia, here are some scarred survivors.

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It is nippy up here but this lake should be frozen over and there should be at least 6-8 feet of snow.

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This is where the Giant Sequoias live,
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with their heads in the clouds! I envy them. They see us come and go.
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Jim likes these wise old trees and “finds tranquility here.” Here he is absorbing wisdom.
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I didn’t make this pinecone circle of love, someone else did, and left it for us here in the grove. Love & Peace to you from Sequoia! And the very Happiest & Healthiest New Year!

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166 thoughts on “Happy New Year to you from Sequoia National Park in Winter!”

  6. Those are quite amazing aren’t they? Their age alone makes me gasp and then their size and girth is just mind blowing. We visited Muir Forest in May. It’s just outside of San Francisco and it’s just beautiful there. Maybe not as dry either. I’m really worried for the upcoming fire season in California. The really really need rain. Happy New Years to you, Jim and the trees xK

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    1. Muir Woods is lovely and yes the fire and drought situation is quite scary. No Cal does not look normal. So Cal is actually greener which never happens! Cheers & thanks to you~

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    1. This is just what i thought! A tree house 300 feet in the air, secure in those strong branches, with a ladder on a chain you could pull up when you want to be alone. It would be heaven up there with the tree and the birds and clouds! I could plant some in the Holler, but they would take too long to grow!

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  24. What grandeur–I always find these massive examples of Mother Nature’s majesty humbling. Her power is everywhere, but is magnified in such surroundings. Lucky you to be in the midst of the area as the year turns. My best to your family and you in the New Year.

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  29. Happy New Year, Cindy! Too bad about the drought, but good for your visit. I spent a week hiking on the wilderness trails that use the grove as a jumping off point many years ago. Still regard the grove as a special place–those giant pine cones! Great pics, you really do get a sense that you’re shooting one of the world’s treasures. Ken

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  30. Since I live on the edge of the Sequoia NP, you must have been relatively close recently. Good to know. Have a very great holiday and a wonderful New Year. its been great meeting and following you this year.

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    1. I feel like you and I are traveling sisters in blogdom, we are always off somewhere wonderful, and I so look forward to seeing where you next alight! All the best to you!

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  48. I have always wanted to visit this place. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be to stand in the presence of these trees. I hope you have a wonderful New Year, Cindy, and I can’t wait to see more of your beautiful photos in 2014!

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    1. I hope you have a chance to visit soon Miranda! I feel the same about you and your wonderful blog. I look forward to following you in 2014! All good things my friend!

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