Today we went snowshoeing in the Mariposa Grove. Mariposa is a grove of giant sequoia trees just inside the south entrance to the park, which is a slightly epic drive from my neck of the woods, but totally worth it.
This was my first time seeing Giant Sequoias, and I’m pretty sure they’re the most humbling creatures I’ve yet to encounter on this Earth. They have such a presence, as one of the gals I was with put it, “When you press your hand onto a Giant Sequoia, you can feel it pressing back.” It couldn’t be more true, and, at the risk of anthropomorphizing to a ridiculous extent, in the grove I did feel a little bit watched over, observed, maybe even laughed at for being so ridiculous and small.
Here's me with the Three Graces:
And some group shots with the Fallen Monarch's roots:
Yosemite can be really overwhelming in terms of size - everything is so vast and commanding - and the Giant Sequoias are no exception. But the connection I felt to the trees in the grove was so refreshing. When I first arrived in Yosemite Valley, my reaction was really just disbelief; I could not wrap my brain around the commanding size of the granite walls and roaring waterfalls. Most of the time I still have to talk myself in to believing that the landscape I’m presented with is real. While that is exciting, it has made it difficult to feel really connected to this place. The other day Brenna presented me with the excellent metaphor that Yosemite is kind of like the really sexy, smart, perfect boyfriend who your friends and family love, but you just don’t feel that thrilled by. You know you should love him, but just can’t establish deep feelings for him. But after yesterday, I sure do like him a whole lot more.
1 comment:
Awesome photos and observations, dude! Can't wait to come exploring with you!
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