Monterey

The Art Of Mountain Biking

February 27, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mastering Mountain Biking At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

The art of Mountain Biking is a skill that enables you to take a very durable bike, built for cross country and/or trails, and ride off road over the roughest mountain terrain. It can be challenging, but is very rewarding. You can ride trails that are so rough that they are hardly trails. You can take off on your own with just a compass. You can climb mountains and see what most people can not even dream about. When you get off the beaten path or on trails that are barely trails, the vistas grow. What a way to see your world!

Enjoy the deep shade while biking along the trails among the California redwoods. These enormous old growth redwood trees provide a pleasant environment to enjoy mountain biking at it’s best. Monteray County provides some good good riding. Here you will find something for every level of mountain biker. There are many extremly rugged challenges for the experienced mountain biker. One example of this skill level is the trails around Fort Ord Public Lands. Here you will practice all your skills and them some. Beginners can ride the gentle paved trails of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Whatever your skill level, there is a trail just for you in Monterey County.

The Fort Ord National Monument has bike paths for every age group from families with younger children, to those who are in tip top shape. There are paved trails and rough trails, there are flat trails and mountain terran. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in the Fort Ord National Monument in Monteray County, California. It really is time to take to the hills.

Another popular ride is the ride at Pebble Beach. The trail goes all the way out to the Lone Cypress and back, One of the best part of the ride is that anyone can navigate it with ease. On your way out, keep the Ocean beaches on your right, and when you ride back they will be on your left.

A more traditional, and slightly more challenging bike route begins near Cannery Row on the Monterey Bay Coastal Bay Recreation Trail. You stay on the trail for a little more than a mile. The trail will then end. Then you can cycle through Pacific Grove and continue past Point Pinos. Then you will enter Sunset Drive just past Asilomar State Beach. It is here that you will see Pebble Beach for the first time and 17 Mile drive. Then you will continue on to Lone Cypress. What an amazing day!

Wherever you decide to go riding, you will find a good challenging ride for your skill level in Monteray County, California. Biking adventures are everywhere. Why not make this the year you discover the adventure of the California Redwoods.? What are you waiting for? Grab your bag and head on out to your favorite trail head for an enjoyable day of riding in the California Sun.

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Seafood Treasures From The Western Pacific

January 18, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Alaskan King Crab And SalmonAll the towns that dot the Pacific Ocean have one thing in comnon, they love seafood. Alaska is known world-wide for it’s spectacular seafood. As you leave Anchorage, Alaska and begin to travel the Inside Passage you are treated to many local Alaskan delicacies. Alaskan King Crab and wildcaught Alaskan Salmon are amazing! They almost melts in your mouth. Crab Legs are often refered to as the “King of Alaskan Seafood.”

Fresh Alaskan Salmon is cooked in every concievable way. You will find it baked, grilled, fried, and steamed. Salmon chowder is scrumptous. There is nothing like a bowl of chowder on a cold winter day. But of all the ways that Salmon is cooked, the most popular, are the Salmon Bakes. No matter if you are on a cruise ship, or just need to get out after a long winter, nothing tops the Salmon Bakes.

Alaskan King Crab is fished during the fall of the year off the coast of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The harvest is shipped throughout the world. Alaskan King Crab is also known as Red King Crab plus it has several other names known by different Alaskan Tribes.

Delicious Dungeness Crab In Bellingham, WashingtonDungeness crabs are very large, extremly meaty, and delicious to eat. This area of Washington has some of the best Dungeness Crab around. With two major seasons, winter and summer, you can generally find it served in most local resterants. While most often it is served as a main dish, Crab Louie Salads are also a local favorite. Like all coastal communities, fish is served in every concievable way.

Clam Chowder And Sour Dough Bread A Pacific Northwest FavoriteClam Chowder is one of the most recognized chowders found in the Pacific Northwest. Almost every town has a traditional recipe and each family has their own heirloom recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. There is nothing like going to one of the local chowder houses on a cold rainy Northwest day for a bowl of chowder.

Though Clam Chowder is perhaps the best loved of the chowders, one can not forget some of the others like Potato Chowder, Corn Chowder, or Salmon Chowder. In the Pacific Northwest there is a chowder for everyone. Chowder is almost always served with Sourdough Bread. Nothing tops keeping a fresh starter in the kitchen. Most restaurants always have Sourdough Bread on the menu.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company In Monterey, CaliforniaForrest Gump, a character in a 1994 comedy, was not the smartest, but you could not help but love him. A favorite quote from the movie was: My momma always said, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” This turned out to be so true. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is an American seafood chain of restaurants that were inspired by the film.

Crab Cakes On Southern California BeachCan it get any better than Crab Cakes on the beach? Delicious and usually served with sauted vegetables, they are the perfect fare for lunch or dinner. However, if you would prefer to have Crab Cake Egg Benedict you will find it all over the city. This delightful quiche is a Southern California treasure. There is no better way to start the day.

Mid-day, as you tire from combing the famous Southern California Beaches, why not catch a bite of lunch and taste another favorite, the Crab Louie Salad. It’s a mouthwatering lunchen treat.

Sweet Creamy Sea Urchin Delicacy At The San Diego PierOne of the mysteries of the sea are these gorgeous Sea Urchins. Eat them fresh in the little seafood shacks on the pier or have them served as a creamy main dish in one of the major waterfront restaurants. People come to San Diego from all over the world just to eat Sea Urchin. The Sea Urchin is another one of the delicacies of the sea.

Discover the beaches and towns along the Western PacificThe Pacific Ocean with it’s towns, cities, and beaches is the perfect American getaway. Savor the many treasures of the sea. You will eat well while you discover the beach. You will find beaches with agates, shells, and huge rocks. You may see rainy days or days filled with sunshine. No matter what the beach, or the weather, you will see many treasures on the menu.

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Exploring Monterey, California

July 11, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com 2 Comments

Carmel by the Sea

Relaxing on the white sand beaches of beautiful Carmel by the Sea in Monterey is breathtaking. The sand is white and pure. It is so fine that it feels like silk between your toes. What a perfect place to relax from the stresses of the work week. The weather is perfect. The waves are the spectacular. There is nothing like Monterey, California for unsurpassed beauty, and a serene beach getaway. No work. No stress. It is all about relaxation and fun, at Monterey. Carmel by the Sea is just one of the many spectacular beach communities on this amazing peninsula. Grab your hat and sunscreen……it is time to explore Monterey!

Carmel by the Sea is a small quaint beach town on California’s Monterey Peninsula. It’s beauty surpasses words. It has many different museums throughout the area. It is famous for its fabulous library of Historic Carmel Mission. The center of this small village is filled with fairy tale cottages. It is home to many artists and includes many impressive art galleries. While at Carmel by the Sea you can get a feel for the peninsula and its history.

For the adventurous, there is the Scenic Bluff Path. It goes all the way from the surf’s edge to the unforgettable Carmel River State Beach. Here you can enjoy the vast number of bird species that call this beach home. There is also a scuba entry point for the divers among you. If that wasn’t enough, there are sea animals and vistas just waiting to be discovered. You will find one of the most fantastic whaling museums on the West Coast at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Spend the day or several days, there is much to see on the Monterey Peninsula.

Tor House and Hawk Tower are two of the historical buildings in the village of Carmel by the Sea. They were built by the poet, Robinson Jeffers. Robinson discovered the unspoiled beauty of the Big Sur Coast and Monterey in 1914. Over the next ten years he built Tor House and Hawk Tower as a home and refuge for his family. Located on a windswept barren cape, he began to build their dream home. He gathered granite stones from Carmel Bay and this amazing structure still stands today. Tours of these historical buildings are offered daily.

Carmel by the Sea has hotels, Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Spas, Restaurants, and wineries. These accommodations will provide all the necessary services you may desire. While in this storybook village you will be carried back to a former time. You will find Carmel both casual and comfortable. Restaurants vary from beachy casual to the fine dining experience that Carmel is also known for. The Monterey journey begins the moment you arrive in the village. Welcome to the Monterey Peninsula!

Exploring Historic Cannery Row

Another piece of exciting history in Monterey is the Historic Cannery Row. Your journey begins when you board the first all-electric trolley without wires. The unique draw of this historical street is fascinating. Cannery Row is one of the top vacation destinations on the Central Coast of California. It is a street of now deserted sardine canneries. It has been the stage of several poems, songs, and books throughout the years. You will find high-end waterfront hotels with all the luxury you could possibly dream of. The vast variety of enticing restaurants just wait to be discovered. There are quaint and captivating boutiques for those who desire to shop. In Cannery Row, you will find living history and a unique cultural experience. You will see signs of the Monterey that Steinbeck wrote about in Cannery Row, but the people of Monterey are far from emotionally hungry. A lot has happened since 1945. Take time to experience the magnificent beauty of Monterey Bay, while you take a few moments to remember it’s exciting past. This journey begins when you board the trolley!

Monterey Canning Co.

The advent of the Sardine fishing explosion at the turn of the century was swift. It gave birth to this famous street of canneries. Cannery Row was born and the area quickly grew. The canneries exploded during World War I with the huge demand for canned sardines. Then it slowed after the war during the Great Depression. A few years later, World War II ushered in the next boon for these canneries. Then after World War II we saw the complete collapse of the canning industry in Monterey. Cannery Row lay forgotten until 1968, when revival began once again on this famous street. Now it is a resort with a history. It is the number one destination for visitors coming to Monterey. The buildings have been restored. Some have been restored to their original purpose, and others repurposed into restaurants and shops. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants at The Canning Co. You will find food that is excellent and the original historic buildings adds to its uniqueness.

Explore the many shops that now have made Cannery Row their home. Here you will find those unique and one of a kind treasures to take home. Cannery Inn sits at the entrance to this historical district.At the inn you will find high quality accommodations in a causel atnosphere. Tour the canneries, enjoy a meal, and discover the roots of Monterey. It all begins as you arrive on Cannery Row!

Cannery Row Inn
200 Foam St, Monterey
CA 93940
(831) 649-8580

Monterey Canning Company
711 Cannery Row,
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Another fun activity while at Canary Row is a Canary Row Kayaking Experience. Kayaking is one of the amazing ways to see the bay. It is a wonderful way to see Canary Row Bay from the water. There are several different sizes of kayaks and paddle boats for rent. You can also book an exciting tour at the Adventures by the Sea. This is an amazing adventure has it’s beginning in the center of the spectacular Cannery Row Kelp Forests. What amazing opportunities to see the marine wildlife calling this bay home. Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, and Sea Lions are just some of the marine residences living in the bay.

Another exciting event is to scuba dive at beautiful San Carlos State Beach. You will find this beach at the end of Cannery Row. It is one of the popular spots for divers of all ages and levels. San Carlos State Beach has become a popular launching point for scuba divers of all levels of experience. Here you will find a little piece of paradise as you relax and enjoy this peaceful spot. If you’ve never scuba dived before, today is a great day to learn the basics. The bay has a clear sandy bottom with an abundance of marine life. It is this magnificent environment that makes this an excellent and fun place to learn.

Another fun activity while at Cannery Row is Whale watching. California is one of the worlds best places to see Whales from the shore. They can be observed year around, though April to mid December is the best time to see Humpback and Blue Whales. The depth of the bay allows you to spot the whales from the shore with the naked eye. Mid-December to March is best time of the year to see spectacular Dolphins and Grey Whales. It is always a good time to go Whale watching at Cannery Row.

Those who enjoy biking will enjoy the The Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail. This trail is just above the shoreline of Cannery Row and winds along the California coast to Lover’s Point. At Lover’s Point you can access a bike lane that travels along the Pacific Grove Coastline. There are several different paths and trails available. The journey can be easy to difficult, the choice is yours. Bikes are available for rent at Adventures by the Sea.

For those with the desire to walk on water, renting a paddle board is just the adventure. You will find stand-up-paddleboards for rent at Adventures by the Sea. Need a little help getting those sea legs working? Lessons are offered for those who desire. What an invigorating way to enjoy the bay!

If you are ready to discover Monterey Peninsula, then grab the family and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime. There is plenty to see and do on this beautiful bay. Today is a great day to discover your own back yard.

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Tasty West Coast Temptations

July 4, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Hungry And Happy In Mexico

Our first stop is Mexico, and we are looking for tasty temptations. We visit an authentic Mexican restaurant for a delightful South of the Border speciality. Authentic Mexican Beef Arrachera with Guacamole is the perfect dinner after a day of exploring. Arrachera beef is a savory Mexican specialty made from flank steak. The flank steak comes from the diaphragm of the cow. This meat is quite thick and can be a little bit tougher than other cuts, if not prepared correctly. It has a very strong flavor and is quite juicy. The secret of a delightful arrachera is in the marinade.

Beef Arrachera is never served alone on the plate. It will always be served with one or more garnishes. A favorite and maybe the most common is Guacamole. It is also served with grilled spring onions, roasted nopal, mixed salad, quesadillas, refried beans, Mexican rice, or fought chilies. Often onions and chilies are mixed in with the beef and the Guacamole is served on the side.

Throughout Mexico, Beef Arrachera is a favorite to throw on the grill when gathering together with family and friends. On your next trip to Mexico, be sure to sample an authentic and sumptuous Beef Arrachera. It is delicious! It will be one of the highlights of any trip, South of the Border.

Crab Cakes On The Beach

Traveling north, we find ourselves on the beaches of Southern California. Almost every fish shack has the most tempting Crab Cakes. Some even serve Kosher Crab Cakes made from from artificial Crab. These delicious Cakes are made from fresh fish and certified Kosher. If you eat nothing else from the fish shacks, you must try the crab cakes. Once you’ve tried the crab cakes you will want to keep coming back for more. San Diego Crab Cakes are pretty much the most famous in the world. San Diego is notorious for its crab. These terrific Crab Cakes more than live up to all of their publicity. They are an international favorite. They are fresh. These tasty temptations are delicious!

San Diego’s Sea Urchin

Sea Urchins are generally served fresh and raw on the shell. They are freshly caught and still moving! They taste almost like a buttery custard, Most importantly, they are extremely fresh. Visually, this beautiful Sea Urchin can look a bit overwhelming for a novice. It is worth the effort to try this San Diego delicacy. The flavor is unlike anything else you have ever tasted. It’s nutty, buttery, and salty, all at once. The divers go out each morning to find the very best Sea Urchin. People come from all over the world, to eat the Sea Urchin when in season.

Oysters On The Half Shell

Whether you are at a fish shack on the beach, at the Fish Market, or at a Farmers Market, Oysters are a favorite West Coast delicacy. From the Southern California beaches all the way to Canada, Oysters are a sea food treasure. They are often served raw and to the novice appear a little slimy, but they taste delicious. If you are looking for fresh Pacific sea food, oysters are at the head of the line.

By far the raw oysters that are served on the half shell are the greatest all stars. But oysters are served several different ways. Oyster chowder is another star of the menu, especially in the Northwest. It can be called Oyster Stew or Oyster Chowder, but it is delightful on a cold windy day.

Another way to enjoy this fresh Pacific treasure is fried. Fried Oysters served with fresh lemon are another favorite Pacific Northwest treat. Often this is paired with cole slaw and fresh baked french bread.(photos/poppas-fresh-fish-company-san-diego)

Time For BBQ

BBQ is an all time favorite on the West Coast USA. Any reason is good enough to dig out the grill. There is never a wrong time to grill hot dogs with different relishes. Some serve them on a stick and others in a bun, but everyone loves a good grilled hotdog. Major holidays, like the Fourth of July, are all time favorites for grilling some burgers and hotdogs. Usually they are served with chips, baked beans, and potato salad. Any day is a grilling day on the West Coast USA.

Grilled Shrimp In Monterey

On the Monterey Peninsula it is all about shrimp. You will find fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, and even coconut shrimp. They love their shrimp in Monterey!

The first Bubba Gump Restaurant opened in Monterey, California. It was the year 1996, just after the successful movie came out titled “Forest Gump.” The Bubba Gump restaurant is named after the film’s characters Bubba and Forrest. In the film, Bubba desired to get into the shrimping business. Forrest carried out his dream after Bubba’s death.

The Bubba Gump Restaurant is a fun place to have lunch or dinner. Taste and see how many different ways you can cook this tasty temptation!

The Monterey Peninsula

As you travel on North to Oregon and Washington, the weather has changed. Nine months a year can bring cool and rainy days and the nights are quite brisk. Here in the Northwest the need to warm up, makes chowder the star of the menu.

Chowder And Sour Dough Bread

The farther north you go, the more varieties of chowder that appear on the menu. By the time you get to Seattle, you will see them all. Some of the favorites are Clam Chowder, Salmon Chowder, Corn Chowder, and Potato Chowder. On a cold rainy Northwest day, nothing beats a good bowl of Chowder.

A favorite destination in Seattle is Pikes Place Market. Within the market are fish markets, farmers markets , and lots of chowder cafes. Whether you come to the market to get your own makings for your favorite chowder, or drop by for a bowl, you will love the chowder houses throughout the market.

If you are looking for adventure, you need look no farther than your own back door. The coastal communities of the Pacific welcome you to join them for a regional favorite. So grab the family and head for the closest beach. Your lunch is waiting!

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Exploring Southern California

June 29, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Southern California

Leaving the beautiful beaches of San Diego, California and heading north…..we are on the road again! The months in sunny California have been a delight. With amazing beaches, a spectacular zoo, and fabulous weather, it has been a winters dream. Beautiful days spent at the beach, walking the white sand beaches come to memory. Side trips to enjoy the wonderful adventures in the surf spring to mind. This is a surfers paradise, and a beachcombers delight. And don’t forget the spectacular San Diego Zoo and Safari. Here at the San Diego zoo, animal health and welfare is a priority. What fun! Whatever you want to do, the weather is perfect. Even the hot days, are awesome, with a gentle breeze. What a refreshing place to be! Until next time, San Diego, we are on the road again. Out to discover this amazing State!

Beautiful Oceanside

Getting off to a late start, saw the team only getting as far as Oceanside. Oceanside is a major surfers destination. Here we can see one of the locals catching some waves. The waves are indeed just waiting to be caught. These waves are some of the best in the world. Clear skies and deep blue water seem to mesh seamlessly. A spectacular community spreads up and down the coastline. Oceanside is another one of the amazing destinations in Southern California. If you have never experienced Oceanside, you need to add it to your bucket list of places to see. It is a fantastic adventure!

Do You Have Anything To Eat?

A theme in adventure travel is to always mingle with the locals! Like most locals, this hungry Pelican was more than happy to mingle with the adventure bound guests. What a beautiful and well dressed Pelican! His manner was gentle and friendly, as he waited patiently, for a handout from all those on the beach. This is a protected species, so feeding them is restricted to the rescue agencies working in the area. These beautiful brown pelicans have also just spent a pleasant winter in sunny California, which is their breeding grounds. Now it is time to migrate north. Many of these babies somehow got left behind and are now starving. This little fellow just wants, a bite to eat!

Gateway to the Sequoia National Park

Lake Kaweah, is the Southern gateway to the Sequoia National Park. This spectacular treasure is in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, just east of Visalia, California. Lake Kaweah is nestled among the foothills of the majestic Sequoia Mountains. This is a wonderful adventure site with several camping locations and cabins close by to rent. These magnificent Sequoias are stately and stunning. Lake Kaweah is beautiful and a marvelous entrance into these beautiful old growth forests. Grab the canoe and enjoy the lake at it’s best. Wildlife is everywhere! Peaceful days await! Join us at the lake. Excitement is in the air!

‎ Wuksachi‬ Lodge

‎Wuksachi Lodge, is in the heart ‪the Sequoia National Park in California. It is the only lodge located within the park. Premium first class lodging in the midst of Sequoia National Park includes the Wuksachi Lodge. Wuksachi Lodge has a full service restaurant, lounge, several shops, and is right in the heart of the national park.

Wuksachi Lodge
855-584-5292 (Phone)

Kaweah Park Resort is one of at least four or more exciting camping spots in the area. Here you can enjoy many activities in nature, like swimming, hiking, or fishing. If you are looking for that perfect out-of -the-way retreat, then you will enjoy Kaweah Park Resort. You will find river-front camping on the Three Rivers, nice cabins to rent, and even plenty of space for tents and RV’s. You can make advance reservations on their website.

Kaweah Park Resort
40457 Sierra Drive
P. O. Box 1092
Three Rivers, Ca. 93271
http://www.kaweahparkresort.com

Horse Creek Campground is located on the Kaweah River. This is a primitive site for tent camping and self-contained units. There are restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Just three miles away to the east is the Terminus Dam. It is located on Lake Kaweah. Lake Kaweah offers a pleasant place to take out the boat, water ski, or take your sail boat out for a run. Fisherman will enjoy the abundant supply of fish. Both the lake and the river have crappie, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout. Relax by the bank. Fish off the boat. You are sure to bring home all you need….. for a good fish fry.

Horse Creek Recreation Area
BOX 44270
Lemon Cove, CA 93244
(877) 444-6777

Kaweah Oaks Campground is the perfect place for all those bicycle adventure riders. The campground is located close to several bike trails. There are miles of exploration in the Sequoia National Park. It is also the perfect stop for those doing a valley run. This campground has fire pits, restrooms, fire-rings and even bicycle work stations. It is close to several shops and cafes. This is a tent camping only site.

Kaweah Oaks Campground
42362 Sierra Dr
Three Rivers, CA 93271
http://www.kaweahoakscampground.com (559) 561-3602

Three Rivers Hideaway is a full service campground for RV’s of all sizes. Tent camping is allowed. There are also cabins which are spacious and can be rented by the day. The campground is only three miles from the entrance to the Sequoia National Park and a little less than 5 miles to Lake Kaweah. Here you will find pleasant sites with plenty of shade on the banks of the Kaweah River. It is located in Three Rivers and shopping is close-by.

Three Rivers Hideaway
43365 Sierra Dr
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 561-4413

General Sherman Giant Sequoia

General ‪Sherman, a Giant Sequoia is the largest living tree on Earth!‪ It towers to almost 275 feet and can be found in the Sequoia National Park in California. If you have never seen this giant Sequoia, then you are in for a treat. General Sherman is just one of the many exciting sights waiting for you in the Sequoia National Forest.

The beautiful Sarcodes

One of the many beautiful wildflowers in the park. The Sarcodes are rarely seen, even in the park. When you see a Sarcodes, you have just seen one of the rarest flowers in the world.

Elephant Seals

As we continue on our adventure bound journey, we come to the area of San Simeon. The northern elephant seal is an amazing and extraordinary marine mammal. Eight to ten months each year these seals spend out in the open sea. Then they come home to Central California to breed. There are several viewing areas located throughout the way for you to get a really close look.

Viewing areas are located:

90 miles south of Monterey

5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon

1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas.

If traveling through this area, be sure to stop and watch these magnificent Elephant Seals. This is another piece of the exciting State of California. A stop in San Simeon is an adventure. Come on and join us. The Elephant Seals are calling!

Hiking To Crystal Cave

Returning back to the Sequoia National Park we get ready for another day trip going the other direction.This time we will drive about an hour to one of the many caves in the park. Crystal cave is astonishing and there are several different tours available. You will want to choose your tour depending on your fitness level, the time you have, and the age of the hikers. No matter which tour you choose, get ready to be amazed. This is nature at it’s best!

Just when you think that all the treasures of The Sequoia National Park are under the sun, you find a treasure far under the ground. Crystal Cave is an astonishing sight with some of some of the finest marble on earth. The marble is magnificent and there is even a little quartz in places. The walk to the cave is as interesting as the cave. It is spectacular! Crystal Cave is one of 240 known caves within Sequoia National Park.

Cool Wet Formations

The cave is filled with many cool and wet formations. It is complete with exciting and delicate treasures. Experience periods of total darkness. The silence is complete except for the sound of dripping water and other natural occurrences. This is one of the most spectacular caves that we have experienced.

Quartz Adorns The Marble Stream

Quartz adorns the polished marble stream in Crystal Cave at the Sequoia National Park. The polished marble is unbelievable and the quartz sparkles in the sun. This is an amazing stream. Expect to leave the cave with many great memories. You will have a lot of new knowledge and a deeper insight on how caves of this kind are formed. All this may be intermingled with a few sore muscles, depending on your fitness level.

If you are staying in one of the cabins in the park, allow about an hour to get to the cave parking lot. Reservations should be made ahead and since these are group tours, it is important to be on time. The road to the cave often has construction, so it is good to allow a little extra time. The roads are narrow, winding, and steep. Drive slow and careful. The tours meet in the cave parking lot. It is recommended that you use the restroom before meeting up with your tour. There are no restrooms after you leave the parking lot. The temperature of the cave remains around 50 degrees and a jacket is useful. The climb is quit strenuous at times and there is no water, so be sure to bring your own. This is a fun hike and one to be remembered.

Land Of Towering Giants

Sequoia National Park, in California, is the land of towering giants! What a privilege it is to walk among these ancient trees. Giant Sequoias can live to be over 3,000 years old. Their roots are really quite shallow, but they spread out to the side as far as 50 feet. As they spread, they intertwine with neighboring giants and they all stand strong.

These giants even have a built-in protection against damage from fire and extreme heat. The bark is extremely thick and acts as an insulator. Thus the periodic fires that trouble the forest, are less of a burden on Sequoias.

Unlike it’s cousin, the Coastal Redwood, the Giant Sequoia can only propagate from seed. The Coastal Redwoods can sprout from the stump and the root. But the Giant Sequoia sprouts only from the tiniest of seeds. It takes approximately 91,000 sequoia seeds to weigh just 1 pound. These tiny seeds, in turn, produce the giants of the forest.

The General Sherman Tree, one of the giants of the Sequoia National Forest, is the largest in the world at 52,508 cubic feet. The General Grant Tree, which is also in the Sequoia National Forest, is the second largest at 46,608 cubic feet. These are large massive trees!

Beautiful Sequoia

The grand beauty and spectacular fragrance of the cinnamon-colored bark of a Giant Sequoia in California is amazing. If you have never just sat quietly in this old growth forest and slowly taken in the sights, you have missed something. Imagine sitting with a small group of elders on a remote island. What would you think? These giants can be up to 3,000 years old. They are older than the oldest elder. Think of the stories that each tree could tell. If you are looking at a tree of 3,000 years, what do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear? If you have the time, just spend a few days and really learn what makes this forest different from the others. Take time to walk the paths through the forest. Take time to breathe the fresh air. There is absolutely nothing that compares to the smell of many giant Sequoias.

As our team prepares to leave the Sequoia National Forest, they have seen many amazing sights. Their journey is just beginning, as there is much to see in California. This is living proof that there are many spectacular destinations, right in your own back yard. We are adventure bound!

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