Monday, March 29, 2010

That's My World Tuesday / Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park, California USA

The road to the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park was still closed when we visited here, last week.
We chose to walk the 2 miles because we were determined to be among the Giant Sequoias, which are very impressive and the largest of living things.
Here we are at the sign that says "we have now reached the grove."
The rest of the way means trudging on narrow trails in the snow...
One mile in and one mile out!
That's only the lower grove.
To include the upper grove would mean, add another 2 miles each way in deep snow.
We have been here before, but never in the tail end of winter.
We'll save the upper grove for later spring.

We soon spy a beautiful bridge which crosses a rushing creek.
There are only a few people back in the grove, which is VERY nice.

This fallen tree has been here for several centuries!

This is a view from the opposite side...
 and, my husband stands with the Fallen Monarch.

Some incredible time has passed...

We followed the path through the grove to reach these giants...The Bachelor and Three Graces.

We passed remnants of past fires.

Meandering creeks...

another bridge...

Finally, the Grizzly Giant comes into view.
This giant measures in at 96 feet in circumference and 27.6 feet in diameter at its base.
It, too, has been scorched by fire in the past.


and...moving on, we came to the California Tunnel Tree.



There was so much more to enjoy in this grove and we didn't even get to the Upper Grove this time.
I wish I could post so many more photos of our time here.
But, I will end with just a few scenes that caught my eye on our way out...

A lot of brilliant green moss caught my eye...

Trees scorched by fire left standing for many years...

Melting snow creates little reflections...

The swirling bark and moss on this tree caught my eye...

Oh!  How I ♥ Yosemite!

That's My World Tuesday

16 comments:

Jama said...

What a wonderful place to be visiting! I've never seen such big and tall trees before.

Joe Todd said...

A very special place on this earth. Thanks for making the trip and sharing the adventure

Sylvia K said...

Oh, yes, a very special place indeed! Breathtaking photos! The sequoias are so awesome! Thanks for the tour! Hope you have a great week, Carolyn!

Sylvia

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I am so jealous! What an adventure to walk among such big trees.

MyMaracas said...

Your photos make me feel like I'm there with you. Thanks for sharing these amazing giants!

James said...

That is one place that I never been but I've always wanted to go to. I love big trees like that. It reminds me of the redwoods near S.F. and the Sequoias.

Scott Law said...

These photos certainly make me want to visit there. I drove through Yosemite once and stopped a couple times but we were on a schedule and couldn't stay long. I've been saying lately that we need to go back again. Your photos also made me want to go visit the redwood forest and spend some time there. Great shots.

Ebie said...

OMG, your photos are so beautiful, just like I was hiking with you! Those huge giant trees, pretty! It is lovely now even with the snow, but spring and fall would also be gorgeous. Worth the trip!

Martha Z said...

Of course I lingered over all of your posts. You know Yosemite is also my favorite place. These are great and make me anxious to return.
It's been a long time since we've been there in the winter. Camping in the snow no longer thrills, though I suppose we could stay at the Lodge.
We have camping reservations for May and again in June. I'll just have to wait.

Tammie Lee said...

I love the big old trees, they have a huge and wonderful presence. It has been so long since i have been there!

Unknown said...

I would have walked it too, I"ve never been! It is beautiful! And you have lots of nice photos to help remember your adventure. :)

Randi said...

What a wonderful park to visit! Your photos are amazing! Thanks for the tour.

magiceye said...

fascinating world!

Eeyore said...

Now those are TREES!

Irene said...

Amazing! Those trees are so beautiful ... Never been to California, but I am sure I will visit some day, and one of the National Parks.

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Wow !!!
Foto estremamente straordinarie !!!
Bellissime e stupefacenti :-)
Grande impatto visivo, grazie di averle volute condividere con tutti noi !
Buona giornata.