I was a little unsure of this hike, at least with regards to what I should expect. The well cut, but stony trail descends to an area along a peaceful creek. At the base of the trail is a water carved cave of magnificent proportions. There is a shallow pool underneath a stalactite-covered roof. In total it is the size of an average swimming pool. At the far end, is a water carved tunnel about ten feet in diameter.
I watch as some adventurers use flotation rafts to explore further into the tunnel. I am very envious that I didn’t bring such an object, as this appears to be quite exhilarating. I will return here someday with the proper gear.
That wonderful, wet cave smell fills the air and the water is as clean and cold as any other spring water that I have ever touched.
Just a few yards downstream is an area that has a floor of what I believe to be marble. It is smooth to the touch and contains the beautiful dark strand patterns that we are all familiar with. This quiet stream has fashioned a canal through the marble over time. It appears now, so perfect as to make one think that it was designed this way. Small minnow have found a place in this canal to call home and dart off as I dip my hand in the cool, refreshing water.
While, as I said, I didn’t know what to expect of this trail, it turned out to be an extremely enjoyable experience.
I think that I shall never see anything so lovely as a tree, or so LARGE! As I write this, I am setting on a log under the shadow of the Agassiz Tree, the tenth largest living thing on Earth. This tree measures 250 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter. It is burnt out from its trunk to about 75 feet up, but this doesn’t keep this granddad of the forest from living on. This one is only an example of how these behemoths can survive forest fires century after century, millennia after millennia.
The feeling of being watched by very ancient things filled me as I followed a well-cut trail to this place. This place feels old; much older than anyplace I have ever seen.
The Sequoias themselves are relatively sparse in this grove, but they are unmistakable. A few adolescent examples make the observer take note, but thirty or so giants demand one’s attention. They make a soul feel diminutive in comparison. The things these grand old keepers of time must have seen!
It is good to note that the U.S. Forest Service has a sense of humor. One burnt out trunk near here is labeled the “Palace Hotel” and rightfully so. This titan of a tree has an area the size of a single-car garage hallowed out by fire. This would make reasonably comfortable living quarters for a man and even comes complete with windows.
I somehow feel that I have become a part of something, which is frozen in time by visiting this place. This experience will not soon be forgotten.
