Big trees and a big rock

We were headed for Sequoia National Park today, and We had a booking at the crystal cave for 10am. This meant an 8am start as the roads are all slow and windy. Unfortunately, breakfast at the gateway inn didn't start till 8!!! So we had coffee, shared an old apple and ian let us have a piece of his Father's Day fudge (thanks kath). The gate to the park was only 100m up the road so we paid our $30 and entered. As we drove along the very windy road the views were spectacular. We climbed high up and could see snow topped peaks, and of course big trees

We arrived at the crystal cave in plenty of time, giving the mozzies a good feed, before being told how to handle bears and rattlesnakes. I SO did not want to come face to face with a rattlesnake. To be honest, I have seen better caves, although Ian and Vicky enjoyed it. And outside the temp was 100 so it kept us cool. 

We then took more really windy roads to the General Sherman tree, alledgidly the biggest (by volume!) tree in the WORLD. We walked down the trail and somehow managed to miss the biggest tree in the WORLD. we did manage to hunt it down eventually. 

We still hadn't eaten but as we were heading in  that general direction we decided to scale Moro rock next. We kept our strength with half a fudge each and a sip of water, as we didn't have much left. You can climb up the rocks 400 steps for an amazing view. It was nearly too much for me as the temp was about 100 but I made it eventually. And it was well worth it. 

 

We managed to get some food after that, and some ice cream of course, before calling at the general Grant tree. This is the third biggest by volume, but the widest tree in the WORLD. We managed to find this one. 

After that we headed off to our next hotel, the Yosemite Gateway Best Western Plus. We showered before attempting to eat in the restaurant. The restaurant people were very unhelpful, but the barman was happy to take a food order at the bar. He was also so embarrassed at our wait that he didn't charge for two cocktails and three beers, and also knocked 10% off the food. What a guy! Because of the wait it was a late night before our visit to Yosemite tomorrow

Hotel watch

Not bad, very comfy bed, air con not too intrusive. No conditioner or robes though. And the restaurant fiasco? Great work by the barman but it's 5/10

Song of the day

The climb - Miley Cyrus