We made our way back into southern Yosemite today, headed for Mariposa Grove, home of the great Sequoia trees. Our tram ride was idyllic – an open air transport through the upper and lower groves with a narrated audio tour as we drove. It’s hard to describe the grove, comprised of many species of tree including oak, pine and dogwood, interspersed among the giants of the forest. The Sequoias are unique in many ways. They reach heights of 250-300 feet. They have trunks up to 38 feet in diameter. Their bark is reddish and furry. They loom large overhead, with branches and needles only appearing toward the very top. They are curiosities. Virtually immune to bug infestations, tree disease and root rot, they live until they topple over in storms, usually. And that can be for
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