Fresh-picked oranges, giant trees, and a lesson

We knew it was citrus season in California.  But nearly two weeks in California and we hadn't seen any to buy straight from the grower.

However, as we were nearing our campsite outside of Sequoia national Park, we found a gem!

Over the new few days, we ate nearly 40 lbs of freshly picked oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit.  It was incredible.

We stayed along a reservoir with very nice mountain views.

Lesson: just because a campground has bathrooms and hot showers, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be in a usable condition.  This place was really full of tent campers over the weekend, and the bathrooms were the worst I've ever seen... We ended up leaving early. 😩

Our first morning here, we drove the 15 miles into Sequoia National Park.  We waited in line to get into the park. We hadn't realized that weekends were so busy at the park this early in the season.

The drive up the mountain was certainly exciting.  Switch backs, drop offs, and a 7,000 ft climb!  

The park was so full there was no parking anywhere.  We did find that there was a fantastic snow play area at the top of the mountain.  Sadly, we hadn't brought our snow gear or a sled. 

We did find a small pull off on the way back down, so we did get to enjoy the trees close-up.

with no place to park, running low on fuel, and cold, wet feet, we called it a day rather early.

On Monday, me and the kids headed back up the mountain, ready with snow gear and an earlier start to the day.

It was a cool 20 degrees at the top, but we all enjoyed the sledding!

We also found a parking spot to visit the biggest tree in the world (by volume--says the sign).

Many of these trees were standing when Jesus walked the earth...

We were all sobered a bit by the size and age, and in awe of the wonders of this earth.

I think Sequoia will always be one of my favorite places.