our-grand-americas-adventure

The last day on Yosemite took us to one of the few remaining Sequoia groves in the world. The trees were up 4000 years old! and the species has been with planet Earth for longer than we can imagine, pre-dating the dinosaurs. They only thrive at certain altitudes (around 2500 meters) with the right degree of moisture and sporadic fire. Without fire every 200 to 400 years, they would not be able to proliferate. The fire cracks the seeds open, and creates more light and healthy conditions for long-term growth. At up to 300 feet tall, and a girth to beat a Mc.Donalds addict, these trees are over-powering. One of them was carved open in the 1800's to allow coaches to pass through as a gimmick for tourists (see pic with Keean and Tamryn).