Day Hike in Sequoia National Park

Greetings from Visalia, CA
       The Rawhide enjoyed a day off yesterday as we had just finished up a three game set with the Lancaster Jethawks.  We took all three games from the jethawks, which we should have, and rolled into the off day.  We are still in the playoff hunt, but with not gaining any ground over the last three games the trek is starting to get harder and harder, but we're not giving in yet.

       So, the off day.....WOW!  That's all that I can say about my adventure to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park with the Budrow's.  We took off early in the morning to get to the park to do some day hiking.  Of course we wanted to make sure we got to see General Sherman, the largest living tree by volume and weight, and then take to some trails and find some amazing wildlife and scenery.

       With no hesitation we accomplished all three of our goals for the day.  I have never been to such a play of grandeur!  I've been to plenty of state parks, and a few national parks, but the trip I was on yesterday takes the cake.  It is trips like this that make me realize how awesome nature is and what amazing things are out there to discover.  C'mon, getting to see wildlife (not at a zoo), playing in natural springs and streams (clear water), touching snow in August in California, and hiking trails through sequoias; what a great use of a day!
        This summer I have been really trying to utilize time to do things that further me as a person, i.e. not just sitting in front of a tv.  I've been reading more (books, articles, research, etc), playing the guitar more, getting out and exploring cities I'm in more, and trying to take more adventures.  To this point I'm pleased with my progress and I can't wait to see what else is in store for the summer.
        Without a doubt a lot of the places I get to go with baseball present a lot of opportunity for exploration that I normally wouldn't get to, so I am going to take full advantage.  I would encourage anyone to do the same, as it is not always that you get to have such opportunities more than once.  Not only speaking of going to national parks, or landmarks, but in general seizing the opportunity to do things that come your way.  How many times have you passed up on an adventure you didn't know if it was going to come back around or not, and your wishing you hadn't?  All I'm saying is Carpe Diem is a pretty powerful motto, and don't be afraid to seize that carp :-P

Happy Travels & enjoy this picture of the trail treasure I found yesterday!