“Nature at its Best,” Yosemite National Park, CA

Yosemite is a natural wonder that takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Waterfalls, granite cliffs, and even the trees are taken to new heights.  In Yosemite resides the largest living thing on  earth! It is not an animal or beast, but a tree. The Giant Sequoia is among the tallest, widest, and has the longest life span of any organism! The Giant Sequoia that ranks in first place is named General Sherman with a height of 274.9 feet (83.8 m) and a circumference of 102.6 feet (31.3 m). Their astounding dimensions are enough to humble any human.

 

Mariposa Grove is an excellent foot trail to take if you desire to experience seeing the Giant Sequoias. There are 500 mature Giant Sequoias that grow in this area.

 

Hiking trails and roads provide more scenic views.

There is no price tag that can be placed on the beauty that is unleashed within Yosemite. We cannot even begin to put a number value on it. Currently it is being protected. It was the first land to be set aside in the United States for preservation. It was established October 1st, 1890. It’s popularity has grown to receive more than 3.7 million visitors annually. I wish we had this same respect and prestige for more of the forests and nature that make the US beautiful and unique.

Many of California’s state parks are facing the possibility of closing! Please check out the following sites and research how you can take action to save them.

http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/programs/protect-our-parks

http://www.savestateparks.org/

Traveling Tip: Check the weather, chances of wild fires, and rock falls when planning your trip.

Tour and Experience Lake Tahoe

 

Lake Tahoe is a majestic natural wonder.  The lake has remarkable clarity and it can appear to vary in color. The variety in colors, such as cobalt blue in the center of Lake Tahoe, occurs as light penetrates the lake and the water molecules absorb various colors. The lakes pureness is an attractive feature and it has been declared as one of the purest lakes in the world. It is currently protected as an Outstanding National Resource Water and under the Federal Clean Water Act. This protection is deemed important when you consider that it has lost about 1/3 of its world-renowned clarity since 1968. Contributing factors have been development impacted watershed, vehicle exhaust, pollution from urban areas and phosphorus.

The Tahoe Gal has daily cruises along with food, appetizers, or drinks. http://www.tahoegal.com/ The Tahoe Gal has made improvements to help keep the environment healthy. They have upgraded to low-emission, fuel-efficient engines.

Lake Tahoe is positioned on the border of California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails that make an excellent spot for hikers to gear up.

 

The area near Lake Tahoe is home to a variety of animals. This Stellar Jay is observing its surroundings. Besides animals, a  variety of trees play their part as well in creating this peaceful scene. Vegetation in the Basin mainly consists of Jeffrey Pine, Lodgepole Pine, White Fir, and Red Fir. All of which are conifers.

The Kayaker appear small in comparison to the spacious mountains and trees.

 

   Nestled in the trees is the Vikingsholm castle.

The Vikingsholm castle is at the head of Emerald Bay, California. The 38 room structure is open 7 days a week.  It can be reached by bus or private boat. The surroundings provide a scenic views. The castle itself exhibits Scandinavian architecture with a rich history. http://www.vikingsholm.org/ 

View of Caples Lake.

   

The Nevada side offers a different perspective.

      

Trails provide a chance to experience the beauty of Nevada.

The closing photo is the monument that represents the 1960 winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. It was the 1st game held in Western U.S.      

Closing thought from Psalm 121

I look to the mountains; where will my help come from?  My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake. The protector of Israel never dozes or sleeps. The Lord will guard you; he is by your side to protect you. The sun will not hurt you during the day, nor the moon during the night. The Lord will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe. He will protect you as you come and go now and forever. 

Websites I found helpful during research.

http://www.tahoefund.org/about-tahoe/recreational-paradise/ 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Tahoe