We reached Big Tree, which is one of the biggest trees in the park.  This tree is 304 feet tall, 22.5 feet in diameter, and is over 1,500 years old.  All we could do was laugh when we sized ourselves up next to this tree.  After driving a few more miles south, we finally reached the gate to Tall Trees Grove.  This forest, which contains bears, mountain lions and elk is also home to 7 of the tallest trees in the world.  Stratosphere, a 370.5 foot tall tree was once thought to be the world's tallest.  However, last year California researchers found 3 trees taller than 370 feet, with the tallest topping out at 379.5 feet.  The researchers, however, have not yet disclosed the location of these trees so we were left to admire the mere 4th largest tree in the world, Stratosphere.  

The Tall Trees Grove hiking trail featured dozens of trees that were easily over 300 feet.  As they only grant 50 permits a day for this trail, we were in seclusion, walking in an enchanted forest with living giants.  As with any photograph, it is difficult to understand just how large these trees are without experiencing it firsthand.  Anyway, along the way, we also saw giant slugs, snails, the occasional giant millipede, and a frog.  Numerous wildflowers also exist in this forest, which was unlike any we had ever seen.

After leaving the park in the south, we made a 5 hour journey to San Francisco.  We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge at night, which is majestic even in the dark, before passing through Lombard Street to the financial district.  We stayed with Alon's friend Natalie, who lives right next to the Pyramid building.  See you tomorrow at AT & T Park, and also get ready for the arrival of Alon's sister, Sivanne.