Our first stop was at the map kiosk. We didn't want a repeat of our last sequoia hike. Connor insisted on getting his map in Japanese.
He got some strange looks, and his map wasn't very helpful, but it is a unique souvenir. Only Connor...
Once we picked up a map, we realized we were in for a 2.1 mile hike each way. Tate was not pleased. Our first stop was at The Fallen Mammoth. This tree has been there so long that there is a famous picture of the US Cavalry on horseback lined up along the trunk.
We also visited The Grizzly Giant, which was pretty amazing. You just can't capture its majesty.
About a mile into our hike, things started going south. Tatum realized that this was going to be a hard hike, and she would have to hike it back. Much whining ensued.
We eventually made it to the top, where we found a museum. Unfortunately, a certain member of our party, who shall remain nameless, threw a fit until we started back down, so we missed some of the best trees.
We met a Swiss couple that was lost on the trail and trying to make it back down. We gave them one of our extra maps (one of the English ones), and wished them luck. We were really glad we'd purchased maps this time!
Those kids were pretty tired on the way down. They had hiked about 4 miles by the time we reached the car. I think that, combined with the whitewater rafting from yesterday, made for an irritable crew.
To be honest, Justin and I weren't in the best of spirits either. We finally reached the car, and of course the gift shop had just closed. We'll have to find a penny souvenir in Yosemite Valley tomorrow.
We're back in camp now. We've been fed, have cleaned up camp and are ready for s'mores and our beds. Tomorrow promises to be a busy day.
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