US Trip: Sequoia Day 2

The second full day we spent at Sequoia Lake started of very rainy and wet.  We optimistically got ready to go on one of my dad's killer hikes, waiting until the 9:30 meeting time to make the call.  It was still raining then, but not super hard, so we decided to make a go of it anyway.  It sure beat being stuck inside the company on one of our few precious days there.
the calm before the storm
The rain didn't let up for quite awhile, but it was reasonably warm, we had decent jackets, and our hats kept the drops out of our eyes.  We took a route that started around the lake and then traveled up to Grant Grove.  By the time we got to the top it had stopped raining and we were happy we made the decision to go.  It was about 2.5 miles up, and then we turned around and started the 2.5 miles back to camp, returning just in time to scrounge some leftover cheese toasties for lunch.
Grant Grove - halfway through the hike
Totem Pole on the way back to camp
Family pic
In the afternoon it rained a bit more, but as some as it cleared up we took some kayaks out on the lake.  Individual kayaks of course - because if there's one thing we've learned about a successful marriage it's that you shouldn't share kayaks (nor toothpaste tubes, but that's another story).  It was pleasant out on the lake, and we paddled out to my usual locations - across to the tree stump sticking out of the water, then over to the rocks sticking out of the water.  Every year I've done the same thing since I've been able to manage rowing/paddling a boat.
Kayaking the lake
The camp had just recently installed a zip line, and so after dinner we went and watched people ride it across the lake.  My dad decided he wanted a turn, saying the last time he had riden a zip line it was a homemade one when Eisenhower was president.  I wasn't going to pass up the chance to witness that!  
My dad on the zip line
After the zip line we made our final trek around the lake.  The previous two nights we had done our walk right after dinner because we were exhausted, but the final night our walk was much later, right at that magic hour of light before sunset.  The lake looked absolutely beautiful at this time, and it was the perfect way to wish one of my favourite places farewell (until next time).
Pretty reflections
Silly tourists

There's always one in every family - 

Pretty panoramic 
Boats at sunset
The following morning we got packed up and made the four hour drive to Oakland.  We fit in a bit of shopping, a bowl of clam chowder, and the world's largest tri tip salad.  Seriously America, your portions are ridiculous!  We enjoyed having some foods we can't find in Australia though.  Then we caught up with some friends from Phil's old job before flying to Utah bright and early the following morning.
Unhappy horse dancing on the Oakland Freeway
So much salad!  And it was $8!
mmm clam chowder
The Boys










Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 28, 2015 at 8:58 PM

    Very good read. I was also at session 5 but have only been going for couple of years. Its such a magical place and can't wait to visit as it has became my favorite place to be. I'm happy to see that you we're able to visit after 5 years and to share your experience there.

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