Why visit national parks?
Since we moved to California about 10 years ago we have been fascinated by local national parks. We started with Joshua Tree National park. And we’ve been hooked ever since. California is lucky to have 9 national parks and each park is so different. Well at least the ones we visited so far. Best part? Honestly, the convenience of it. Just by driving for a few hours, the scenery dramatically changes. The driving distance is juuust enough for my daughter to enjoy the road trip but not get bored. (Are we there yet moooom?)
We chose Sequoia and Kings Canyon National park because my daughter did a presentation on it at school. I heard the confidence in my daughter’s voice when she shared Kings Canyon facts to us. Connecting the dots outside the classroom like that felt special.
BIG, TALL and EASY
Our whole car window turned brown as we passed by the sequoia trees. That’s how BIG everything was there. Then a whoosh of uniquely sweet smell hit us. The 7am drive through the park definitely woke up all of our senses.
We parked at the Giant Forest museum parking lot. When we got out of the car we finally saw how TALL the trees were. We stood still for a bit. Mouth slightly open. Gazed up. I thought I had become desensitized to tall trees from visiting Mariposa Grove in Yosemite national park but I was wrong. These trees were BIG and TALL.
Best part? Again, the convenience. I injured my leg recenctly so I moved around with a walking cast and a leg scooter. I was worried. Every bump, cracks and any debris would be dangerous. But I was impressed with how well paved the trails were. Taking the bus was a fantastic decision. Getting in and out of it was easier than having to fold and pack the scooter in the trunk of the car. We didn’t have to think about parking. Bus came every 15 minutes so we didn’t wait long. And it was always well air conditioned and my daughter had the best power naps. I highly recommend parking at the Giant Forest museum even without an injured leg.
Waiting for an Inspiration
There were still some things I had to miss because of my leg. Moro Rock required 30 minutes of climbing up the steps. Some meadow trails were too rough and bumpy. I couldn’t swim in Hume lake. But that’s how it’s supposed to be! It’s nature! I was bummed. But I ended up enjoying sketching and people watching while I waited. OH by the way there are so many poses to take pics with giant sequoias. I love nature but I love watching people just as much.
I’m not the type to be inspired by things I see. I don’t think I’m good at drawing scenes. Having an injured leg forced me to sit down and observe. I started to notice that the sequoia tree’s top branches looked up while the middle to bottom ones pointed sideways. I noticed teenagers secretly rolling their eyes when parents weren’t looking.
My life has been so much about go go go recently. I’m glad I slowed down. Nature teaches so much.
How to: Future Ranger
Being an honest mom here. My daughter loves nature but loves things she can take home more. A rock, sea shell, twig, leaf, sand. She was and still am the kid that stuffs her pocket with nature. But the national park doesn’t allow that. Rangers are geniuses because they have a Junior Park Ranger program. I like to believe that it was invented for kids like my daughter.
We picked up the booklet from a ranger and filled out at least 7 pages. The ranger went through the booklet and talked through every bit of it. Even quizzed on some. Then they pledged to protect nature. My daughter was so proud to wear her Junior Ranger badge for the rest of the trip.
Other things kids can collect at the park are
Stamps at visitor centers
Smashed pennies
Children’s books
Patches
Tokens
Stickers
What are you up to this summer? I would love to know :) You can always message me or leave a comment on this post. Whatever you’re up to, I hope you’re having a great summer <3