Terrible Toilets + Trees

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Friday February 18th
Horse Creek Campground

    I'll have to admit, I think this campground was definitely one of the most memorable places we've stayed on our journey so far... 
    When we first arrived, it looked like a wonderful, small campground with absolutely breathtaking views. We picked a perfect spot, and everything was going to plan! Their website promised good, working bathrooms and warm showers, but that's not exactly what we got.
    The campsite was pretty full, and there was only one set of working bathrooms, which included 4 rooms with a toilet and a shower each. So, four bathrooms for approximately 100 or so people. On top of this, at least one of the bathrooms was out of order for the entire time we were there. 
    So, 3 grimy bathrooms (2 of them without soap or lights), usually a 20 minute line to get to them, and a  shower that was essentially a pressure washer. Fun times!

    Now that I'm done complaining, here's a few fantastic things about the campsite and our experience. First off, the view was beautiful! We overlooked a meadow and mountains with many wildflowers and a stream. Also, the whole area was open to everyone, so we went on a walk around the area. 
    At our site specifically, there was plenty of room for everyone to run around, and it was pretty private while also being close to the aforementioned restrooms. 
    We were also very close to Sequoia National Park!

(Gorgeous campground)

(E enjoying the scenery)

Saturday, February 19th - Monday, 21st
Sequoia National Park

    Looking back, it was definitely a mistake to go to Sequoia on a Saturday. It was incredibly busy, and we couldn't find anywhere to park! We got out once at a little alcove and took pictures with the trees, though.

    Getting up to the top of the mountains where the trees were was an experience. The start of the park is at the bottom of the mountain, at about the level of the rest of the town. Then, you drive about 20 miles on narrow switch-back roads to get to the top. We climbed from an elevation of about 1,500 ft to 8,000 ft, and it took an hour to do it! Getting to the top, though, is worth it. The trees are so massively tall, it's awe-inspiring to see.

    We visited the park twice, once on Saturday and then again on Monday because it had been so busy. On Monday, though, we came prepared, and brought snow clothes and sleds with us. We didn't know this before, but Sequoia has a snow play area where people come for excellent sledding hills. It was a lot of fun, and I definitely want to visit Sequoia again sometime!

(Driving up the mountain)


(Banana for scale)




(S sledding)

    On our second visit, we saw the General Sherman tree. It's the biggest tree in the world, by volume, and looking at it was awe-inspiring!



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