California
Who: Don and Vanda Edington of Cheyenne
Where: Sequoia National Park, The General Sherman Tree, which is reached by an invigorating walk about 1/2 mile from the parking lot, on newly restored paths. This is the largest tree in the world (by volume), standing as tall as a 26-story building and measuring 36.5 feet in diameter at the base.
Best meal: We needed a quick dinner and found a local cafe at Taqueria Don Taco, 1901 E. Shields Ave., Fresno. Fast, tasty, localized Mexican food. Start with a serve-yourself chip bar with all the salsas mild to HOT. Under $20 for two.
Best deal: A short adventure awaits with last-minute, inexpensive airfare for unique destinations. Then do a quick search of the Internet for a hotel and a car and away you go. The National Park Service sells a one-year pass, good for all national parks, for just $50. Combine the elements and take time to explore the country over three-day weekends.
Best time to go: Veteran’s Day was a bit foggy as the day began driving from Fresno; however, we found the park bright and sunny and a lot less crowded than in the peak summer months. You might miss driving through a sequoia tree, but there is plenty to see and do at the museum, the Giant Forest, the hike to the General Sherman tree and the interpretative walk at the General Grant’s tree in the Sequoia National Forest.
Best travel tip: Geocaching. A new hobby that compliments travel with finding caches along the way, off the beaten path. Visit geocaching.org, which explains how to use the Internet listings and a handheld GPS to find hidden caches.
