Yosemite

we are fortunate enough to have some old friends, Anne Shane Nathan and Ella Barrow, who live just south of the Yosemite park entrance. so being as we were in the neighborhood, and being as they just moved into a very 'green' home that John designed for them we had to make a visit. and we are so glad we did!

Yosemite is such an amazing place. we have always enjoyed the time we have spent with the Barrow family there and the chance to view some of these amazing natural monuments. this trip we took a LONG hike into GIANT Sequoia territory. we expected to see some big trees, what we saw was head turning. these pictures do no justice to the majesty and size of these amazing ancient forest inhabitants. the picture of the kids sitting under twisted wood is actually of a fallen trees root bed, you can see how wide it once was. Shane shared a story or two about when they first discovered these trees. they cut down one of the biggest trees to send back east - so people could witness for themselves the size of these mammoths. the tree trunk had to be cut into fourths just to be squeezed onto a flatbed train car. people back east, for the most part, didn't believe it was for real. that chunk of tree served as flooring for a local pub after that and a few other establishments as well. there aren't any sequoias that big anymore, but really you have to see them for yourself, we would be happy to go with you - we really like it there.

we raced along the twisting roads and through tunnels to try and see the north eastern corner of the park, but evening fell fast and dark. John and I were so excited as we watched the sky change into surreal hues of pink, yellow, orange, indigo and finally the velvet purple of night. we rushed to a spot, that I am sure will be a long time favorite, to try and get a family shot before the light was gone, but as you can see it's only distant sunset that came out. still an appealing picture. enticing isn't it?