Michael's Birthday (Sequoia's and San Francisco)

When we woke up, we grabbed some breakfast and headed back into Yosemite. It was only about a 20 minute drive back up the mountain to get to Mariposa Grove. When we arrived we got tickets and boarded an open air tour truck that took us all around the grove to see the many Sequoia's. It was spectacular to see the humongous trees that had been living for literally thousands of years.

We learned that fire is a vitally important occurrence to the forest and the Sequoia trees in particular. The huge trees are resilient and actually heal themselves when they are brunt. The heat of the fires allow for the closed tree cones to sprout new seedlings along with flushing out the brush that can start the massive fires that can devastate a forest. We also learned that the reason why these trees only grow in the Sierra Nevada's is because of the temperature as well as the large amount of water that can be found on the surface and in underground streams throughout this section of the park.

The fires had made many different marks on the trees including sometimes creating holes or carving out the heart wood or center of the trees. One tree called Telescope Tree is completely hollowed out. You can see straight up through the center. Other trees like the California Tunnel Tree were carved by humans to make a pass through for tourists.

And we saw and took a picture of a squirel for Natasha :)

After the tour we said to good bye to Yosemite and headed across the Central Valley to the Bay Area. Along the way way we passed through many farmlands and prairies, as well as a Wind Farm when we went over on of the ridges entering the bay area.

We checked into the hotel and got ready for Michael's birthday dinner in Downtown San Francisco. Jacqueline made reservations at House of Prime Rib. It was the best prime rib we have ever eaten. our waiter and at table chef were great and they all sang Happy Birthday. Once we finished eating we headed over to the Golden Gate Bridge to see bridge at night. It was a fitting end to a great day and to Michael's 24th Birthday.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Especially Dana's "in-spirit" balloons, texts, emails, and phone calls. hahahaha. Miss you all. Talk to you tomorrow.