National Parks are not dog-friendly. But National Forests are. So much driving is necessary in order to Bring Fido. Today Calli and I went to a park in Visalia to meet Veronica, who is scheduled to pet sit her on Thursday. This venture will entail my driving from Three Rivers CA back to Visalia, drop off the dog, drive back to Sequoia, run around the park dog-free, and then go back to Visalia to pick up Calli. But that night I am staying in Visalia, so that’s fine.
After we met Veronica and her dog Fiona, we drove to Springville CA to the Sequoia National Forest. It took 2 hours, the last part of which was very windy indeed. But beautiful. We drove through already parched fields dotted by trees
Calli got a treat when a herd of cattle decided to use the same road:
We finally arrived at the aptly name Trail of 100 Giants
Calli did some real estate shopping
I chatted with three guys from Europe spending a few months in the US traveling, took their picture, and they returned the favor:
These things are BIG
As in really really big. An example of scale
The fallen giants can accommodate lots of people playing on them at once
We spent a couple of hours walking around the trail (it’s not long–we did it twice) and then moved to Dome Rock Trail: not really a trail (so short) but the views were magnificient. These photos don’t do it any justice at all
It took a long time to drive down. I got to the hotel in three rivers about 5. It’s fine (Comfort Inn). Overpriced (with dog fee will be about 200 a night). Run down. Clean enough. (looked behind the desk for a plug. Dear god. The dust.
Met Jon for dinner and we walked across the street to a pretty pleasant outdoor Mexican place. He worked on his final paper in my room (no internet in the park) and we looked at my plan for tomorrow. Might be ambitious. I need to ask at the park. Weaver Lake: in the wilderness area, pretty high up, 2 hour drive. But they let dogs. So… Maybe.
Oh my – now I am *really* homesick for California! Thacher, Los Padres, golden hills (ahem, golden, not “parched”), sequoias . . . I’m so glad you’re there & having a fabulous time!
Indeed! Golden is way better than ‘parched’!
I am so confused where is Jon staying? Is he traveling with you? Those trees were fantastic !
Jon is living in the park in a house shared with other employees. I did not get to see it. He has his own room. He is working at the park so he is not with me. He came to see me each evening at the hotel, we had dinner, and he finished his final papers for his masters.