Due to travel time constraints we decided to leave The Golden State coast after San Francisco and head towards the interior and south eastern areas of California. We have learned along our journey that it would not be feasible to see every amazing park, city, museum, restaurant, and activity recommended to us. We forged and followed our own path, including some suggestions from others, seeing as much as possible along the way. Ever since the beginning stages of this adventure Steve was determined to visit Jeff Runquist Wines outside of Sacramento so that would be our first stop. Upon advice from a favorite YouTuber the decision was made to skip Yosemite National Park and instead visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, which were amazing!
On the road again!
Jeff Runquist Wines, located in Plymouth, California (Sierra Foothills), had a very different vibe than the wineries in Napa. No reservations required! We quickly realized that our preference was for the unpretentious, peaceful, laid back, and personal experience at Runquist. Years ago Steve tried a Runquist Petite Sirah that was memorably delicious. Being able to visit the actual winery, taste other incredible wines with our knowledgeable and chatty hostess, devour olives from the property, and meeting Jeff’s wife Margie made this a favorite stop! More information here: https://www.jeffrunquistwines.com
Located in Amador County - The region’s rolling, sun-drenched hillsides, warm daytime temperatures, and volcanic, decomposed granite soils provide ideal conditions for producing top-quality wine grapes. Although we only had time to stop at Jeff Runquist Wines there were about about 40 wineries in the area to explore!
The next leg of our adventure landed us in Kings Canyon National Park and at one of the best free campgrounds - just outside the national park (inside Sequoia National Forest). If you are ever in the vicinity, and do not need hookups, we would highly recommend Convict Flat Campground. Our time there was relaxing, surrounded by sky scrapping granite rock and shrubby Yucca covered mountains. Each morning the sun would peek over the top and slowly heat up our calm cool basin oasis. The still morning skies were cloudless and brilliantly blue. Sounds included just a few squeaking birds and infrequent cars passing by on the upper roadway.
Convict Flat Campground - Sequoia National Forest
Staying at Convict Flats made it incredibly convenient to visit Kings Canyon National Park. Once again the immense beauty provided ample photo opportunities of huge mountains and deep canyons formed by glaciers. Located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas we were able to experience the magnificent mountain views (and fewer crowds) without going to Yosemite.
Guten Morgan!
Stopping for a cup of morning coffee on our way out of the canyon.
Kings Canyon National Park is also home to some of the world's largest stands of giant sequoia trees, primarily located in Grant Grove. We had to check them out!
Steve and I both decided we had not had enough of big trees, so next stop was Sequoia National Park! I had to look up the difference between redwoods and sequoias, both seemingly having the same qualities. Redwoods are the world's tallest tree with more slender trunks and live on the coast. The giant sequoia, growing in subalpine region of California, is the largest tree in the world by volume and has an immense trunk with a very slight taper.
Free camping on public land - Sequoia National Forest
Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume. The General Sherman tree grows in the Giant Forest which contains five of the ten largest trees in the world!
You can see in the background remnants of recent forest fire. Unplanned fires cause immense devastation, while controlled fires are created to nurture positive regrowth. Periodic fire produces a healthy grove.
Our first hike in the park had inspiring views!
Our second hike of the day was a bit more adventurous. At first I said, “NO WAY!” After gathering up a bit of “ when would we ever be back here again” and combining that with encouragement from a hiker just returning from the summit we decided to go for it. We both made the right decision, hiking the Moro Rock Trail. A concrete and stone stairway leads over 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock, in total only about .5 mile. Definitely not for anyone with a fear of heights. The panoramic views were stunning!
After a hike back to our car, and a little rest, it was time to see more giant sequoias! We visited the Giant Forest Museum and had to get pictures of some pretty impressive tree roots alongside the road. I final hike for the day took us to see General Sherman, the world's largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet tall, and is over 36 feet in diameter at the base!
Giant Forest Museum
General Sherman and a final few memories of our time amongst the giants!
This was the final installation of the California story. Big State = Big Blog. We are headed towards Nevada! Love and hugs to all our family and friends - we miss you <3
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination.“
“Kings Canyon is a rival to Yosemite.” -John Muir
“A grove of giant redwood or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Link to Steve’s music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fW5lsWiZG5TcOlhukK4pu?si=2NngXMjoR7mUJLreexbIAw&utm_source=native-share-menu (Let me know if you are interested in purchasing a CD/$10.)