Hi all– Just back from 5 days with family at Sequoia National Park. Growing up, every summer, my Mom and Dad would stash 4 kids and piles of camping gear in the station wagon, and head up the interstate to Sequoia. So it was big fun to do it again with my Sis and some of our kids!!
We set out one morning to hike our way around bright and brilliant Crescent Meadow (an old favorite for me and my Sis, Lulu!)
Midway around the meadow, we found a quiet spot to stop for lunch and a chance to rest our hiking feet! And then on we trekked…
We finally arrived at Tharpe’s Log– a fallen redwood tree that became the home to the first settler in that area, who raised sheep in the adjacent meadow.
It was a fine full day–and being immersed in such beauty filled my soul. I was thanking God for the glorious views all around me.
Thanks bunches to Charlotte, Micah, Jodi, Maryann, Larry, Jobay, Laurel & John (and Ted & Lu!) for being the best adventurous, intrepid hiking buddies. Let’s do it again!!
The Thankful Heart 
Beautiful pictures!
Thanks! Good to hear from you!
Looks like a beautiful time…what could be better than family and nature…❤️
Hi Debi!! It was so much fun– (love Sequoia) but I have to admit I was happy to get back to s real shower!! Saw your girls are back in school! Hope it’s a great year for them… xox
Most gorgeous !!!!
Thanks Luda– loved your hummingbird post– Amazing photos!!
Exhilarating!
Lovely photos & family. How were the fires & the heat?
Hey Cindy– The air was hazing looking off across the valleys, but it didn’t feel smokey where we were. So much beauty– have you camped there?? xo
What an amazing time!!! I am dying to go to Sequoia! I have done a couple Big Basin hikes in Saratoga/Los gatos recently, but Sequoia is as good as it gets! This is definitely a trip your family will never forget 🙂
Hey Mackenzie! It’s really beautiful– especially the redwoods around Crescent Meadow. Have to say I loved your SF Bucket List!! So many fun ideas– thanks!! xox
No, thank YOUUUU! So excited to try out your suggestions!<3 ❤
I feel like I just have to take my kids there. I’ve never been but have always wanted. Looks unreal, and your photos are spectacular.
Thanks Lacey — it is a great kid place (if you don’t mind dusty children)!! hugs!
Dusty children are kinda my thing, don’t mind at all.
ha ha ha! Our 7 year old Jobay got fleece unicorn pajamas for her birthday on the trip and she wore them all day– SO dusty by days end– but she was thrilled! Are you about ready for another birthday party?? xox
Lol I LOVE that. Yes mam I think so. It’s Saturday. It won’t be fancy, but it will be fun!
Saw the photos!! Looked like a sweet time– was there are cool Splashpad in the backgrond?? xoxo
There was! It’s a big one shaped like a pirate ship with water slides coming off of it.
Looks cool! xo
Beautiful photos, what a fantastic trip
Thanks Deb!! It was so fun and John took so many amazing photos! We’ll go again– you’ll have to come out and hike it all with us! xo
Beautiful pics and how nice to recreate some of your childhood memories with your family! I hadn’t heard of Tharp’s – that’s kind of amazing!
It was the best time– My sis and I are planning for next year…
Reminds me of my growing up years too. That’s where we camped went every summer. Those were my best memories of growing up. Crescent meadow, etc etc. Ahhhhh…:)
Me too Brena! We’d camp at Dorst campground with a bunch of church families every summer. So good to do it again. Loved your year in review post– you are so amazing with the variety of your ministry there… Blessings! xo
What wonderful family time! All the pictures are gorgeous, like paintings!
Hi Marcia– love Sequoia But I think I’d love more deciduous east coast forests too!! Do you all ever camp?? hugs friend!
We used to camp now and then, mostly up in the White Mountains of NH. Now I think I’d need a very thick air mattress and a few other conveniences. Years ago, my girlfriends and I had a couple of long camping trips on Prince Edward Island, those were the days!
Would love to make it to New Hampshire one day– especially in the fall! You live in such a beautiful part of the country Marcia! xo
Great fun! Memories to last a lifetime. What is the length of the hike the way you did it? How much time did you take? Great photos, as always.
Hi Paul!! Fun to hear from you! The hike is just 1.7 miles, but we managed to stretch it out into a couple hours or more! Lots of log walking and photo stops! Have you and Sue been up there??
What a great family trip! Your photos captured all the fun moments – the hike, the views, and interactions! xox
Hi Miriam! It was lots of fun! You know how much we love time with our kids! I just now bought tickets to head up to SF to wait with Ani for baby #2!! I think we are on a similar schedule! xox friend!
When is her due date? Yes, you and I spend retirement time with the kids and grand kids. I love it! Mercy said, the doctor said wait for 18 months, so 6 more months before they do it again!
Hey Miriam– Ani’s due September 2nd. But Lois was 10 days early so I’m going up next Saturday Lois turns 2 mid October, so they will be close. Hugs hugs!
When Mercy was due, I was there 5 weeks, before and after. Ani will be glad to have you there early. Two years apart makes good playmates. ❤ 🙂
See you when we both get back Miriam!! xox
I’ll be here for the first 2 weeks of Bible study. I’m leaving on 9/26 and coming back on Wednesday the following week.
Oh!! So we’ll cross paths Miriam!! I thought you were leaving earlier! So glad! xox
Yes, I’ll see you when I see you!!
What a beautiful location.
Isnt’ it??! One of my favorite places on earth. xo
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Absolutely beautiful! Would love to go for a hike there!💚
Isn’t it pretty??! I’m guessing you’ve hiked in some beautiful places in Switzerland!! so good when we can get away!! xox