Sequoia NF, CA

I've had this longing for a trip and was debating between Yosemite or Sequoia National Park. After much deliberation and taking into consideration of our pup, we've decided on the Sequoia National Forest, instead. Why? Pets have limited access inside National Parks and National Forest was more forgiving on that rule. We decided to rent a care for the roadtrip. We also took a look at AirBnB to find a quiet little spot just outside of the forest - California Hot Springs.

We booked a rustic, but modern, cabin up in the mountains that was close to an hour away from the city. Packing extra food and snacks along with making sure your gas tank was full is a must before heading up! We didn't have any cell-phone reception, so studying a map before going is ideal.

While driving through Bakersfield, we started to get a bit hungry. Because I jotted down a few places ahead of time, I knew just the spot to go. We stopped by Moo Creamery. Looking online, it seemed to be a favorite of the locals - and dog friendly! We sat on the patio away from the crowed and enjoyed our lunch there (Veggie Burger, Mushroom & Aged Provolone Burger, Organic Sweet Potato Fries and Spicy Garlic Fries).

As we made our way into California Hot Springs, the farmiliarity of a city faded and it was became rural and quiet. All of the roads seemed empty and there wasn't a person in sight. We came across a convienent store called Seven Oaks Market. It's a family-owned shop that carries items similar to what you would find at a 7-Eleven with dogs running around and friendly people. We did stop by during the trip for some TP! Once we got up to our cabin, we settled in, took a nap and made dinner.

The following morning, we had planned to head further up the mountains to Long Meadow Grove to explore Trail of a Hundred Giants. There lies over 120 Giant Sequioa trees at 6,400' elevation! It has an easy 30-minute paved hiking trail that loops around. You're free to explore this place all on your own, but keep your pets leashed and pick up after them!

The drive up had amazing views and fresh scents of the trees. There were a lot of free-range cows along the road, so we had to drive extra careful. Once we got to our destination, there's a campground across the way called Redwood Meadow Campground. We parked there and paid a small fee of $5. We spent some time getting to know the park ranger there before heading across the way.

Let me tell you, I have never seen trees this big in my entire life! I was filled with awe and amazement staring at these magical Sequioas. I thought to myself, how could I have been back home thinking my problems were bigger than the size of these trees? How could I have thought that things I had no control over be worth my energy?

I drowned myself in the noise of this forest. The photos are merely a crumb of what it really felt like being there in person. We put down the phone and the camera, walked on top of the fallen trunk near the bridge, sat down on a stump and ate our lunch. It was really beautiful, especially when we allowed ourselves to embrace the surroundings.

Just as fast as the afternoon came, so did the crowd, and it became more difficult to explore the popular attractions inside the grove. We decided to head back to the cabin. On our drive down, we stopped by an abandoned bridge that we saw heading up to do some extra exploring. All you could hear was the trees rustling against the breeze and the stream beneath the bridge.

Later that evening, we relaxed outside, saw some deers and watch the colors of the sky fade from pink to indigo. We laid on the benches and watched the billions of stars light up the sky. It was incredible and something I've never experienced before. The feeling I felt was a familiar feeling. The only way to describe it is the feeling of "home".

- Jules