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by Astrid Sieger 

When I was a Junior in college my friends and I took our annual spring break trip to California. I love California, the people, the ocean, and the magnificent scenery brings me a lot of peace.  I know it’s funny because many people who visit or are even residents of the Golden State complain about pollution, traffic, and a hectic lifestyle.  I can see their point, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love it.  

This particular year we took a day out of our beach bumming to visit my friends grandparents who lived in Fresno.  She and I left L.A. early to make the 3 1/2 hour trip north.  It was, of course, a clear day.  We stopped along the way for a bite to eat at a little roadside cafe.  It was one of these quirky little Mexican places you probably only read about.  A television in the corner was projecting a soap opera in Spanish and we had fun making up a story for what was going on (since neither of us speak the language). 

Eventually we made it to Fresno.  I found it to be a rather dismal place.  We were happy to see the grandparents however, who I hadn’t seen since the wedding of our siblings at least 10 years prior.  I was informed that we would be taking a drive to Sequoia National Park, a couple of hours away.  (I was told that it was a tradition that her grandfather brought visitors to see the park).  

The three of us piled into my friends grandfathers old, roomy Mercedes for another scenic drive.  It was worth it.  Sequoia is truly a unique experience.  As we walked around the groves of Sequoia Trees it was amazing to stand next to these remarkable giants.  Not only did we spend time among the trees but I still have a photograph of me INSIDE of one! The atmosphere here is gentle, almost solemn.   I wish we could have spent more time at Sequoia but the seashore was calling and our day trip had to end. 

Grandpa passed away this past winter. When I heard the news the recollection of that day in Sequoia was the first thing that came to my mind.  What a wonderful gift and memory to give a visitor! 

 http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/sequoia.htm