Yosemite: Mariposa Grove, General Sherman, Moro Rock & Crystal Cave

Man, I really need to get better at writing right after my adventures. I don't remember much by way of details anymore, but it's a good thing I have pictures, right? So here are pictures from Mariposa Grove, General Sherman, Moro Rock, and Crystal Cave.

We paid a visit to Mariposa Grove before heading out of Yosemite for Sequoia National Park. We decided to hike instead of taking their shuttle around the area.

Even the parking lot is surrounded by trees!

You definitely have to get there early to find a parking spot. The spots fill up very fast and the rangers close off the lot once it is full.

The roots of a fallen tree.
That kid in the leopard print though...hahaha!

The Grizzly Giant!

I don't think this tree had a name, but it was still huge!

The Tunnel Tree.

We found this little guy enthusiastically munching away on the pine cone.

Twinsies!

Such a beautiful little grove.

We got to the Mariposa Grove Museum and this nice, old lady was explaining how the trees reproduce and spread their seeds.

Mariposa Grove Museum.

After leaving Yosemite, we went straight to Sequoia National Park to set up camp. The visitor center was about closing up when we arrived, but we got good information on what to do around the area. On the following day, we ended up using their free shuttle service to get around so we didn't have to worry about parking and such.

First stop: General Sherman.

There is just no way to have the whole tree in one shot. It's way too big!

Top of General Sherman.

At the base of General Sherman.

Next stop: Moro Rock

It says trail here, but I just remember it being a whole bunch of stairs that kicked my butt!

Another one of those placards that tell you which mountain is what.

Here are the mountains.

Like I said, stairs.

And sometimes going through little spaces like this.

Finally at the top!

And a pretty encouraging sign. :)

Yay us!

Lastly: Crystal Cave Tour

We were there early so we got to hang around and browse their little store.

No, really, it was a really small store.

Our cave tour guide.

After being briefed and disinfected our shoes, we headed down the trail to the cave.

The entrance to the cave.

Everyone was given a flashlight to use while in the cave, but the moment the guide turned on the light for the entire cave, it was magnificent!

At one point during the tour when we were all in a big chamber of the cave, the guide told us to turn off all our lights and experience total darkness in silence for a moment. It can't really be compared to anything I've ever felt before. You've never been in total darkness until you've been in a cave.

Overall, this trip was wonderful and I can't wait to visit again!