Trees...really BIG trees

We traversed the Mojave desert to begin touring California. As we crossed the border between California and Nevado, we began a climb out of the Colorado River Valley. The temperature was 105 F and we were climbing a very gradual, but very long grade lugging our 16,000 lbs of house. When we noticed that the a/c was no longer functioning in the cab of the truck, we saw the gauges for the engine and transmission temperatures were climbing towards the red. We quickly rolled down the windows and slowed our speed. The transmission gauge responded favorably within a few miles and after cresting the first hill, the engine gauge finally began recovering to a more normal reading. Relieved to not find ourselves stuck on the side of the road in the desert, but also to turn back on the A/C, we gave thanks to God for the lesson we must learn and for His mercy. We have since learned from several more experienced RV travelers that it is common practice to turn OFF the a/c when climbing with you big load - especially on a very hot day. Hopefully, we'll retain this lesson so that we don't experience that anxiety again!

Arriving safely in Bakersfield, CA, we enjoyed seeing the variety of produce in the fields nearby. The land must be so fertile as it appears that anything receiving regular irrigation flourishes! We stayed at Bakersfield RV Resort and for a very reasonable rate enjoyed brand new facilities with nice roomy parking for the 5th wheel, a good sized and immaculate pool and hot tub, sparkling clean bath house and laundry room, and fresh baked cookies in the office at 3:00 pm daily. Cory really wanted to stay longer, but it's hard to see all of California from Bakersfield!

The Sequoia National Forest was first on our list of things to do. From the RV park, it was over 120 miles. We choose to make these drives with just the pickup rather than drag the big 5th wheel up steep inclines and through tight spaces at closer parks to the destination. The drive also gives us a chance to see more of the state. We, yet again, used our National Parks pass and began the drive up the Sierra Nevada mountains and through the forest. Our first sight was the raging Kaweah River in the foothills (around 1700 elevation), still being fed by snow melt from the much higher elevations. Mulitple signs warned of dangerous currents and it was not hard to see why. Inviting as the water looked, the huge boulders and white water rapids quickly convinced us to settle for close looks from the safety of the banks.

Continuing the climb on switchbacks, we were met with warnings for vehicles over 22' in length. Our truck measures within inches of 22 feet, so we proceeded carefully. We did not experience any difficulties, other than when we met a garbage truck and several CruiseAmerica rentals that did not seem to have nearly as much caution. We would strongly advise against renting a CruiseAmerica rental RV based on how we've seen people driving them. As we drove and climbed, the tree density and size increased and the temperature dropped 30 degrees from the base of the mountains to the forests above. When we reached the Giant Forest at elevation 6400, we stopped to see the museum and the Sentinal, identified as an 'average' sequioa. Similar to the Grand Canyon, there are some of God's creations that are so huge and so amazing that no camera can adequately capture them. We walked the dogs in the cool shade and took in the pleasure of the aroma and ambience of the forest.

Further along the drive, we visited the General Sherman. The largest living tree in the world, it is named after the Union commander under which conservationist John Muir served prior to exploring the area. Estimated to be 2200 years old, General Sherman grows enough new wood each year to make a 60 foot tall tree of usual proportions. While not the tallest, it is classified the largest via it's massive volume. Quite a sight to take in, especially for a west Texas native that grew up appreciating any little speck of shade from a thorny mesquite tree!

Working our way back down the mountain, we diverted from the drive once more to see a natural waterfall a short walk down a challenging path. Having absorbed all we could for one day, we set back to hot Bakersfield to perhaps return to this National Park another time as we only scratched the surface of several wonders within its boundary. Summer crowds are approaching as we can see from the massive number of parking spaces at the popular destinations within the park. We've much more of California to explore and likely will enjoy at least some of these places again in more of an off-season visit.