The Giants of Mariposa
That they are old is not enough. Age is an effortless achievement -just ask any woman over forty. But here also is grace. A simple yet steadfast strength. The presence of a peace that expands from within one’s own self to embrace the very sanctuary that seems to call it forth.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias provides perspective on a grand scale. One of three protected sequoia groves within Yosemite, Mariposa at the south-western edge of the park is the largest and most visited. Unlike the coastal redwoods of Muir Woods, these Sequoias are more solitary. The drier inland zone results in less undergrowth and clustering, making it easier to imagine unique personas for the individually named trees.
Walking through, the sensation is similar to being in the presence of unfailing and almost timeless heroes. Some will fall, but even the decay of the fallen is deliberate due to the bacteria suppressing qualities of tannic acid in the wood. The “Fallen Monarch” (pictured at right) has lain in state for centuries, and the trees around it will grow for centuries more.
The “Fallen Monarch” has lain in state for centuries…
Wow!! It is amazing.
These would be something to see, that’s for sure. The first time I saw the giant redwoods I was blown away!
Your description was wonderful Heather!
Super post with beautiful imagery and great photos!!! You have a connection with nature that nourishes the soul.
Hugs, Nancy/JJ
Sequoias are so majestic and so filled with energy. These pix are wonderful.
Colossal trees; just beautiful.
I love forests. They are so restful and smell so good. There’s something about the fact that the sun can barely reach the forest floor that makes it private and secretive and mysterious.
It is really something sacred to be among these giants, isn’t it??
What a beautiful post! I want to do this hike
The scale of these trees and the peacefulness of the redwoods around Yosemite blew me away. What majestic giants.
Your descriptions are always so poetic and evocative. I’m sad to say I have never stood beside a redwood. My daughter is living in California now, so I know the time is drawing near.
Rainfield: That kind of grabbed my imagination a bit too. It seems fitting that those mammoth trees would not disappear quickly.
One of the Guys: Reverence seems almost automatic to people as they walk into those groves. I remember being struck by the quiet of even smaller children when I was at Muir Woods the last time.
JJ: As do you! Thanks.
&nbps;
Thank you Fly Girl! More photos to come.
Hi Graham! They really are breathtaking. I keep thinking I’d like to see those amazing waterfalls you photographed on your trip to Iceland!
Suzanne: You’re right! That element of privacy and sense of secreting one’s self can make a woods walk feel like a personal retreat of sorts.
Amy: “Sacred” covers it well.
The Fashionable Traveler: I hope you get the chance! I’d like to go back and see even more of Yosemite myself!
Mark: You almost have to see a person in front of one of those trees to truly get how massive they are.
NothingProfound: Sounds like redwoods and sequoias are in your very near future! I hope you get to visit your daughter often.