Visiting a natural giant

Wednesday, 20 August 2025

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. – Psalm 19:1

This past Monday my wife and I took a road trip to Kings Canyon National Park where we met friends who had traveled from Virginia to see some of the wonders of California. It was their first visit here. The weather was perfect, 70^o at noon, clear skies with just a hint of a breeze. Greetings at the visitor center was followed by lunch at the Columbine Picnic area. This redwood setting, and our meal, was wonderful, undiminished by the interruption of a few meat bees.

My family has a wanderlust gene that causes us to explore, always wanting an answer to the question, where does that road go? It is ingrained in us to visit the large and small grandeurs this country has to offer. My wife grew up in the Fresno area and for her family, camping in the high country, especially Yosemite, was routine. Shortly after we married, she introduced me to this magnificent area.

From Columbine we took the short drive to the Grant Grove. We walked through the Fallen Giant, a downed sequoia early settlers used as shelter. From there we continued up the trail where we had our first views of the General Grant tree. Walking alongside friends who had never seen these wonders was an experience in revelation. Seeing these magnificent trees, that were seedlings and saplings before Christ was born, through the eyes of first-time visitors initiated a rebirth of wonder, reminding me of my first. Observing and sharing their experience was a blessing. To stand next to them, see the amazement on their faces, hear their expressions of overwhelming awe was our privilege.

Gazing on these ancient wonders, I am reminded of Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “man cannot improve it.” God’s creation awaits, look and see, hear and listen, share the adventure. Thank you, Becky, Patrick and Katie, for sharing that time with us.