Hey noodle what did you do today?

Well I woke up a few times throughout the night, worried about bears...But no bears! Eventually I roused myself up as the Sun was rising around 7:20, so I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, then waited about 20 minutes with others to get inside the station. I got in there and bought some stuff, then bought a ticket to a 10 AM tour through Crystal Cave!

I headed out, navigating the horrible and winding roads, eventually parking in front of the gate to the cave. It opened at 9, then I got to deal with more roads. Gah! The road did end however, and I parked and waited. I got my shoes sprayed with an alcohol solution to avoid White Nose Syndrome, then at 10 we were allowed to walk across a mat that cleaned the bottoms of our shoes. Also I used an alcohol wipe on my phone and glasses.

We headed down to the cave's entrance, which passed over waterfalls and beside cliffs, then the ranger asked if anyone wanted to be the caboose...They got to use a flashlight, which let her know when everyone was in the same room as her. Of course I volunteered!

We went inside the cave, which was named Crystal Cave, and given a smol tour. It was super pretty and sparkly and I got to chat with this cool guy while down there. After the tour I hung with him for some of the hike back up, but the elevation was too great and I had to rest. I bid them adieu, and eventually made my way back up.

More bad roads, then the museum. I had to park in overflow, but I got to see a beautiful sight of the mountains. This is where I first saw a biiiiig sequoia, and I must admit, I had a few tears. It was just so beautiful! I got a photo in front of it! C:

I headed back to my car, but called mum and grandma atop that mountain view point. Mum didn't answer but grandma did, so I chatted with her and assured her of my safety. After that I headed to the Tharp's Log trail, but because I forgot to take my water I only did the chimney log, which was .3 miles instead of .5. That elevation!

I passed by some beautiful golden fields and smelled some sweet pine pollen. Wonderful! I got to the log, which was a tree that had been burnt out and was still standing. I took some photos, then headed back to my car. I drove to General Sherman and walked down the hill...

...And you guys? It's amazing. It's so big. It's almost magic! ;-;

Such an old tree and so big and so round. After circling around that sacred being once, I headed to one that had been felled (A cross section), and felt a sense of sadness. I did get a photo, then walked between two big boys and headed back up the hill. It was strenuous, but I did it!

By then I was fighting both the clock and gas gauge, but after meandering down more horrible roads I got to a gas station that required me to prepay. I got $40, then continued on to King's Canyon.

I made it and went to the gift shop, but found out that wasn't the visitor's station, so I briskly walked to the actual building. I stamped my passport and managed to get a pin just 10 minutes before they closed. Truth be told. King's Canyon is a different park than Sequoia, but both started as monuments to protecc the sequoia, and as time went on and both grew, they became so similar that they have the same map.

Since there was no cell service I asked a ranger how to get Yosemite, and she pointed me in the right direction. I followed the roads down and by the time I got to 2000 feet above sea level, my water bottle looked crushed due to the pressures. When I got around Yosemite I called mum and dad, and they were on the lake. I chatted with them, then found a campground outside the park. I had to wind my way through some seriously janky gravel roads, but when I got there It was an enchanted forest!

I parked my car and set up my sleeping bag (So nice out I dun want a tent) and helped Draika name a new fursuit (Theodore Breadsworth) and called my sis to congratulate her on her new house (She was falling asleep tho...Timezones!) As I fell asleep in Lone Sequoia campground, the full moon rose on Friday the 13th and kept me company! <3

I hope everyone has a Sequoia and King's Canyon day! <333