Tall Trees, Connected Roots

[I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to get pictures to load. Hopefully, I will eventually be successful. Otherwise, we'll have photos on facebook after we return.]

A good time was had by all in Vegas and I'd love to write more about it, but, as you know, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas," so we'll move along.

From Vegas, we traveled to Sequoia National park, home of some of the world's largest trees. However, before we arrived we experienced our first Wallyworld moment of the trip. As you recall from Summer Vacation, the Griswald family is on a vacation much like ours, with Clark constantly talking about how exciting it will be to reach Wallyworld. Of course, when they arrive, Wallyworld is closed for the season.

For us the adventure involved a wrong turn or two (or twenty-seven). As we approached Sequoia (perhaps an hour and a half away), our GPS indicated that we needed to turn right at Bella Terra, CA. That right turn then took us on a left that then went right and another left -- along a country road fit for a slasher movie. We checked to make sure we had adequate gas (We did) and drove until, an hour into the detour, the GPS indicated we needed to make a U-turn. So, upon closer review, the GPS had taken us right to the closest point in Sequoia National FOREST. As soon as I programmed in Sequoia National PARK, we made the U-turn and then retraced our steps to Bella Terra and continued on to Sequoia -- only 2+ hours spent off course.

Thank God, Sequoia wasn't closed when we arrived.

Though not the tallest, the columnar (versus conical) shape of the Sequoia pine's trunk makes for massive volume (and they are pretty darn tall). We visited the General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume) and numerous others that only grow at certain elevations, found mostly on the western side of the Sierra Nevadas. Interestingly, these massive trees grow very shallow roots (only 3-6 feet deep) so they must intertwine their roots with the roots of other trees for stability. Also, the bark on the tree grows very thick (6-12") but is very light; filled with air pockets to protect the tree in the event of forest fire. And, speaking of forest fires, they are necessary for the Sequoia to propagate, as the heat from the fire is needed for the tight cone to open and release new seeds. All very interesting information, yes?

Our trek from Sequoia took us north to Yosemite National Park, where we able to see the natural phenomenon in action. A forest fire was moving through a section of the park and we learned that officials no longer "fight" natural fires by trying to put them out. Instead, they work to "manage" them, letting the fire serve its purpose without harming life or property. It is a delicate (and sometimes controversial) practice. Despite the delay due to traffic, we were able to see Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and some of the other terrific Yosemite sights. We clearly had not allotted enough time for the California parks so I guess we'll have to return some time in the future.

On Monday, we left Yosemite and headed for Lake Tahoe. For me, it was a trip of reminiscence since I had worked at Tahoe during the summer of 1981. Here I was, returning to the scene 28 years later. It was a trip filled with anxiety and anticipation. The summer of '81 was a challenging one for me. My father had passed away the previous fall, my junior year of college was a hectic one (I had just changed my major and was playing a little catch up), and I had not really taken much time to ponder the loss. I suppose that I had more going on in my head and heart than I imagined (or remember) during that time. I'm not sure what value I added to the lives of others that summer, but the people I met at Tahoe saved my spirit in many ways -- more than they will ever remember. So, Monday night, we headed to the Holzers, where we would reminisce about the summer, laugh about the changes life had brought our way, and reconnect after nearly 3 decades apart. It could not have been a more joyous evening. I was proud to bring my family to meet the folks I had known as Ma and Pa for the summer. It was good for me to be reminded of that time and space, and the people who had been there for me. Some of the most authentic and generous people I have ever met. On my best days, I can only hope to embody 90% of the Graciousness they live every day (well, almost).

After dinner, we returned to our campsite and one of the kids remarked about how anxious they were to reach Grandpa and Nana's Montana retreat -- the next stop on the tour -- which we were expected to reach after a 12 hour drive on Tuesday. Instead, Darcy and I questioned whether we should just go ahead and hit the road. So, we broke camp and headed out of town. After a night of tag team driving, we were able to use the time gained for a stop at Craters of the Moon in Idaho (very cool stop if you are in the neighborhood) and an extra half day at the Jones' Montana ranch.

I'm confident that I cried when I left Lake Tahoe in August of 1981. I had weathered a trying time in my life, in a different place with its own set of challenges . . . and the people there had made it all possible. Runs in the Tahoe forests with Dan -- Conversations with Debbie and Donna about life -- Time spent tooling around in Dan's Datsun 280 ZX -- All added up to help me through this time of my life. I was grateful.

As I headed the van toward Reno after 10 o'clock Monday night, the family settled in and drifting off for a long night ride, I found tears again trickling down my cheeks. Our eight hours in Tahoe had been more than a dinner stop. More than a tourist respite in this much sought after location. It had been a homecoming. And a reminder that the trees may look tall, but their strength comes from the relationships, the others with whom their roots have connected. The fires had come into my life, as they have for all of us, and I had stood (even grown) through the interconnectedness.

I was reminded that family and friends, those with whom we are intertwined, make all the difference. And I am grateful