The Coast Redwoods are the tallest living trees and among the oldest living things on Earth. The tallest of the Coast Redwoods is 379.1 feet, about 37 stories high. They are a member of the sequoia tree species. The giant sequoias, which we saw at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the biggest, by overall size, trees in the world.
The Sierra Nevada mountain range was just stunning after heavy winter storms dumped a lot of snow. Even though snow was badly needed, it closed roads to attractions like the ghost town of Bodie, California.
Pahrump is in southern Nevada and only an hour drive from either Death Valley or Las Vegas. The town is known for it’s legal brothels and for electing a deceased brothel owner, Dennis Hof, to the state legislature. Hof wanted legislation that would bring the federal government into talks with Nevada to negotiate solutions to Pahrump’s water situation. Years of nuclear testing contaminated their local water supply.
Death Valley was a great opportunity to get out of the Central Valley California winter storms and enjoy some warmer weather and sunshine.
The Central Valley extends from Bakersfield in southern California to Redding in northern California. Its one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world producing more than half of the United States fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Yosemite National Park anytime of the year, especially in the winter, is breathtaking. Our access was limited because of road closures and back to back winter storms. We were fortunate to get an hour of blue skies our entire stay.
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