The Loneliest Tree In Sequoia National Forest

July 5^th

            After being immersed in such awe and beauty for several weeks now, finally came the moment I had been awaiting with a sort of morbid curiosity. It was an experience that I knew would unsettle me and give much pause when thinking about the region I inhabit for the Summer. Converse Basin - one of those dark, tragic stains upon the history of this holy land. If you look on a map of Sequoia National Forest/Monument, all you will see are the words “Converse Basin”, or “Boole Tree”, or “Chicago Stump”, perhaps. But if you have read your history and know what took place here, these words will conjure up some very old demons from American history.

The Freest Free (Thoughts on Independence Day)

July 4th, 2012

            First view of Kings Canyon, California. A hearty "wow!" is appropriate. For a pseudo-Southwest boy, my awe at this most marvelous of West Coast canyons was profound on this Independence Day. The mighty Rio de los Reyes Santos cutting through its heart was considerably smaller due to the absence of snow this year, but still mighty. I miss the canyons. There is something remarkably comforting about gazing down into their depths, or staring up at their heights. They seem to carry this sense of freedom, escape, protection. Canyons call out to you, inviting you in, offering you silent bursts of understanding.

More Mr. Muir (and why hiking down is far worse than hiking up)

June 28

            I went into the “Giant Forest” in Sequoia National Park for the first time on this day. By the end of the day I had seen and experienced more sights and sounds, and been filled with more awe than any previous day yet here in Inyo (as well as tweeking my knee after forgetting my Summer mantra – Don’t Rush Anywhere. Ever.) It was on this day that I finally felt immersed. Deep in it. This grove was one spot in the Sierras that captured brother Muir’s full attention back when he wandered freely about, soaking in every tiny detail of these vast mountains and valleys. After exploring this massive grove, Muir dubbed it aptly “The Giant Forest” because it was and is exactly that, in every sense of the word. They say that nowadays this is one of the most “touristy” of all the places in the park, so I guess I had my doubts as to its current condition. But anything that Muir spoke of with such eloquence draws me, so off I went.

All in the Details

June 27

            A remarkable night stargazing by Emerald Lake in the high Sierras. I have to remind myself and be grateful that I do indeed get to do this all Summer; it’s not just a little two-day getaway. Why we wait to take these journeys when we have the privilege to do so baffles me more each day. So many of our brothers and sisters will never have the chance. With this in mind, I travel, observe and learn from these places. Tonight, I am staring at the heavens under an absolutely radiant night sky high in the mountains… Ursa Major. North Star. Ursa Minor. Draco. Corona Borealis. Bootes. I suppose there is some ancient instinct in us to simply gaze into the night sky and ponder things. This was perhaps the best night to date that I have observed the estrellas. It is easy to do at this altitude with such brilliant celestial light! I can only hope for many more such alpine nights.

Ice Cold Energy

June 26

            Glacier ice and fresh snowmelt draining slowly down the mountains… thus is origin of the water in the thousands of glacial lakes in the Sierra high country. Getting to know a handful of them as I begin my backcountry wandering, I’m fairly certain that I have tasted the freshest water on planet Earth. Clear, delicious, pure and ice cold. It must be a thousand times better for mind, body and spirit than any city sludge.