California-Oregon National Parks Trip: Afterthoughts
I could think of no better way to feature the scope of my trip to the California and Oregon national parks than to use the GPS map generated by Piwigo of the photos I uploaded to the app. All of those photos are accessible at https://singin1.click/piwigo/index.php?/category/10. I try to learn from each trip, the things that go really well–sometimes despite me, I admit–and the things that don’t go well. Some of this is to set into writing for my own recollection, and some is for those of you who share in my adventures. Let’s get the not-so-good stuff done first. On One Hand,… I had purchased the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, honestly, to save money using a mode of transportation I usually enjoy using. I used my pass for the Washington to Chicago and the entire Portland to Washington trips (see the blue-marked routes on the map to the right).…
California-Oregon NPs-Sequoia and Kings Canyon-042426
Several times I have mentioned the absence of my usual backups for GPS and other information available via Wi-Fi access and my concern that I would experience consequences in time. This day was that time. Sequoia National Park The pattern already established during this trip of getting a fairly early start continued, completing the more than six-hour drive from Death Valley NP to Sequoia National Park‘s entrance. The Shaka Guide audio agreed with my assessment that the park entrance sign reflected a negative image of what I’m hoping is a bygone day. The transition from the desert topography of Death Valley to the lush, mountainous greenery of Sequoia was striking. I made my usual stop at the visitor center and made sure I was fully tanked up and had plenty of food and water. Initially, I didn’t see any of the giant trees I expected, but the audio guide explained…