Sequoia-Kings Canyon 7/22/2002

It's early morning, and just a little cool as we have our breakfast before getting ready for our day at Giant Forest in Sequoia. We found that by cutting through the road that goes past Hume Lake, we saved about 20 minutes to get to Giant Forest. It took us about an hour and a half to get to Giant Forest. Another benefit in going through Hume Lake is that we were able to get gas there (cheaper than the premium gas sold in Sequoia National Forest on the road to Cedar Grove).

Brandi prepares some very essential equipment when you're in the Sierras - a camera.

In Giant Forest, on the way to Moro Rock & Crescent Meadow, we came upon this young bear.

So we got out of the car to take a picture. The bear wanted nothing to do with us, and slowly ambled back into the forest.

Our first stop was Moro Rock. It's about a 1/4 mile up to the top of the boulder, and most of that is stairs. There are plenty of places to rest and enjoy the beautiful view.

The rock was covered with different colored lichen, which was interesting to see.

One thing I learned ... lichen helps to break down the rock to create soil.

Nearing the top of Moro Rock. Just beyond this rock, on the right of that ridge is Bobcat Point, and you can hike there from Crescent Meadow. That is a nice little hike.

In the dip to the left is where you would find Crescent Meadow, Tharpes Log, etc.

The kids relax on the summit of Moro Rock. Behind them are the pines, giant sequoias, and the High Sierra in the background. You get a great view of the Sierras, but you cannot see Mount Whitney from here because the nearby peaks are too tall.

The railing keeps the people safe while they walk from one end of the summit to the other. There was a family up here just enjoying their lunch and company in this beautiful place. Because Moro Rock is so prominent, people are not allowed up there during storms because often lightening will strike. It's a great place to go at night, though, to do stargazing.

Nick looks at the scenery below, and the girls match up the landmarks that are shown on the sign. The road below is 198 out of Visalia. It goes through Lemon Cove, Three Rivers, and passes Lake Kahweah. It is too windy for RV's and such (they need to take Hwy 180 from Fresno).

Views of Moro Rock from Hwy 198.