We left Reedley and cruised up to the southern entrance of Yosemite.
Just before the park entrance, we stopped for lunch and a ride on the Sugar Pine railroad. This was a restored narrow-gauge wood fired steam driven train.[flickr]http://www.flickr.com/photos/theule/5926339943[/flickr].

The kids also panned for gold. We learned how to tell the difference between fool’s gold ( 2 different kinds, mica and pyrite ) and real gold : density.[flickr]http://www.flickr.com/photos/theule/5926894690[/flickr]
We spent some time hiking in the Mariposa Sequoia Grove. The trail was very crowded, but we were able to catch up with a tour group led by a parks service ranger. He was very informative and entertaining. We saw the Grizzly Giant tree which is the largest sequoia in this grove at over 200 feet tall and 29 feet in diameter, but only the 25th largest in the world. The Grizzly Giant had branches that were over 6 feet in diameter.[flickr]http://www.flickr.com/photos/theule/5926343921[/flickr]
After the tour ended, we took a side trail back to the visitor’s center and experienced long periods of time of having the trail to ourselves. On the way into ‘the Valley’, we stopped at Tunnel View to see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall (and more) from one spot.[flickr]http://www.flickr.com/photos/theule/5926911878[/flickr]

Arriving at Evergreen Lodge was a treat. The camp is very well laid out, and has wonderful amenities for both kids and adults. This is going to be a great time with the Seal Family.