Giant Sequoia and Donna

Better Large-These excellent examples of Giant Sequoias here in Sequoia National Park are in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada Range in California. A long way off the beaten path to get to these beauties. We crossed over the Coastal Sierra Divide (the Sierra watershed divide) in a loaded 20ft box truck to get here through the beautiful Sierras. What a vertical nightmare! These are the famous Giant Sequoias that are cousins to the Giant Redwoods. Many of these are larger around than the similar redwoods, but not as high.

 

The most significant difference to me is the area in which they grow. Redwoods are in Coastal areas with cool breezes and extreme fog and moisture...creating their own canopy in a cathedral-like manner...almost creating their own climate. These Sequoias are in much dryer and warmer areas though they do receive some rain. Because of the temperature difference, though more secluded, the sequoia groves are much more burdened with insects. On this warm summer day, even with spray, we could not get away quick enough to avoid bites of all shapes and sizes. We wanted to stay the night, but decided better after the insect onslaught. Spring, winter, or fall would be a much better time to visit in my estimation. It is a beautiful, secluded area that is well worth the properly timed trip.

 

My wife's hair highlights the color of the trees and gives an approximation of the enormous height and width of these "babies!" We learned that early settlers often used the hollow bases of the trees to protect wildlife in natural pens. In many of them, I could easily spend the night in a properly set up tent in quiet isolation. They are absolutely huge and majestic just like their cousin redwoods.

 

FOR THOSE INTERESTED I HAVE AN EXHIBITION AT THIS LINK www.flickr.com/groups/inspiringcollection/discuss/7215762...

 

Diamond Daggered Daughter (James Watkins)

 

Diamond daggered

Daughter-

Radiance so rare-

Soft as starlight,

Hard as heaven,

Strength

Beyond compare.

 

Constant

As the morning-

Dazzling

As the day-

Golden nights

And

Moonlit flights-

In lasting love’s

Foray.

 

Autumn coloured

Princess-

Fallish, fawning,

Fair-

Rooted deep

Through

Winter’s sleep-

She waits

Without a care.

 

Go gently in

Her presence-

You guilding

Gown of day-

For joy

Is in her armament,

And life in her array.

 

Bold bolstering hands

By helpful heart,

Contend

On buttress bare…

Full-forced she stands

Against all fear-

Her armory prepared.

 

Against the challenge

Of her time-

Far from frenzied fray-

Of mystery

And darkened mind-

That hunts

The periled prey.

 

The soul of man

Cannot withstand

Her onslaught

Soon released-

Of warmth

And laughter

Waxing wild

With

Primal

Passioned

Peace.

 

So,

Run your race

With confidence-

And stand

Before

Your king-

Your storehouse

Full and prospering-

Your children

Clothed and clean.

 

Your husband

Known

By

Men of war

Your journey

Now complete-

Prepared

To stand

At

God’s right hand-

With

Crowns

Before

His feet.

 

James Watkins 10-05

Done