Scenic Highway into the Sierras!
I love the Sierras. Every time I drive to the California coast (five times in my life now) I always stop for a hike in the Sierras. Here are a few of my favorite photos from Devil’s Postpile National Monument, the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, Yosemite National Park and the Forest of the Ancients. So much to see on this awesome Earth!
The Devil’s Postpile. A columnar basalt formation surrounded by Sierra granite!
Dogs atop the Devil’s Postpile. Notice the hexagons! The neighboring ridge in the background is granite.
Dogs on the JMT!
Pacific Crest Trail, eastern California
Yosemite Granite! God I love those mountains!
Find the Climbers! El Capitan,Yosemite National Park. Hint: there are 6. One is wearing red. (Click to enlarge)
Yosemite Bobcat!
Yosemite Coyote!
Bristlecone Pine Tree. Forest of the Ancients, California
Two-headed dog overlooking Death Valley from the Forest of the Ancients
One of Earth’s most ancient creatures. Bristlecone pines in this grove have been measured at more than 4,000 years old. When these trees first sprouted there were 7 million people on Earth, written language was just being invented and agriculture was slowly spreading across the Middle East.
For more on the Yosemite Bobcat check out my previous (Freshly Pressed!) post: Crossing Paths, Bobcat! On to the California Coast!
Travels with the Blonde Coyote 
Lovely shots, you just burst my bubble, I always thought that the only place in the world to see hexagonal stone was here in Northern Ireland at the Giant’s Causeway http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant%27s_Causeway. It would appear after a google search that they appear throughout the world. You live and learn 🙂
Yep! There are a few places with hexagonal basalt. The Devil’s Postpile is known for having the longest, straightest columns. Your Causeway is definitely on my to see list! 🙂
Wow, love the pictures. I have to agree l love the hexagonal stone, l never thought that it would lay bare like that on the top. I always figured it would be covered by dirt. Instead it looks like a patio was laid out by God!
Yeah the top was scoured by glaciers- on some of the hexagons you can see glacial striations! Very cool.
What awesome pictures!!! I found 4 out of 6 of the climbers. lol
Geology. Amazing isn’t it?
Amen!
I just can’t find all the climbers. How fast are you traveling? Are you looking for anything in particular along the way? Yosemite is one of my personal dream-destination. I have to go once I visit the US again.
i just came over via luther pass, the sierras knock me out every time. still basking in the glow.. halleluia!
brilliant shots
Love following your trip and love the teardrop! We have hexagonal rocks in south-west B.C.
Are you passing through Vancouver, B.C. on your way to Alaska?
I think I’ll hit Vancouver on the way back south. I have big plans for the Canadian Rockies (Yoho/ Banff) on the way north!
If you would like a true west coast Canadian feast of wild BBQ salmon on the way back down through Vncouver, let us know by email. We would love to see the teardrop!
What fabulous country for hiking ! Thanks for sharing.
Trees older than the written word sure puts things in perspective. I never found the climbers- I tried really I did.
I found the 6 climbers, but only on the biggest version of the picture! It really shows the scale! I love your blog, it’s nice to know someone is living this life and enjoying it, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
The climbers on El Capitan really puts it’s size in perspective…..lovely shots!
The photo with the climbers blew me away!
Just wanted to say that I so enjoy your posts over here in Spain. They are a real insight into a different lifestyle on a different continent and Iwhich I learn a great deal from. Thanks
Lovely comment, thank you! America is an amazing place. I’ve never been to Spain, but it’s definitely on my list! 🙂
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Aaargh – gots to go back and find those climbers – super post as always !
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