sequoias

A few years ago, when on another journey with our friends LB and David Norton, we talked about our bucket lists.  On David Norton’s was a trip to see the giant trees of California.  When we began to plan their visit here for my husband’s play, it occurred to me that this might be the golden opportunity to take them to Sequoia National Park.  The very day that the idea popped into my head, LB called and asked if it would be possible to add some days onto their visit to take that very same trip.  Great minds and compatible travelers!  Hold them close.

Unsure if my husband would be able to tear himself away from rewrites on Jane, we made reservations anyway.  As I hoped, the work he had to do was done, and all four of us journeyed north for two days in the primeval forest.  And the trees did not disappoint.  

The October days were crisp and sunny.  The huge conifers in their densest congregations were humbling.  In Parker Grove we could actually walk right up to them and touch their spongy bark and thump around on them to hear their hollow tones.  

We met Asians, Persians, Europeans, and Americans of all ages…all mesmerized by the scenes before them.  In this world of political and ethnic and racial divisions, one really must go spend time in Sequoia National Park.  The trees, with a lifespan going back to before the birth of Christ, don’t really care about your personal or political persuasions .  And neither does the community of people come to bear witness. 

Love, Liz