Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, we had been dreaming of returning to the Sierra for a backpacking trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI). We invited our son Chris and our friend Darrell. The pandemic caused the parks to close for a while and we thought our trip was not going to happen. However, in May, the National Parks reopened the backcountry. After much deliberation over travel risks, we applied for and received a mid-July backpacking permit entering at Roads Ends near Cedar Grove and hike up Bubbs Creek. Unfortunately, our friend Darrell was a last-minute cancellation.
While in California, were also very excited to see family but for everyone’s safety, we rented a car and stayed at a hotel when we arrived and maintained social distancing while visiting outdoors. The next day, we drove the six hours to Giant Sequoia National Monument where we walked around the giant trees in Grant Grove. These Sequoia trees are as big as buildings! We then continued down the road and car-camped in the Princess National Forest Campground that first night.
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 