Tips From Our Experience of Summer at The Sequoias

Make no mistake about going to The Sequoias in the summer; it is very hot.  Even at high elevation, it will fluctuate between the high 80's-100's degrees. 

Be sure you have water--preferably from a reusable bottle--and if you find a way to make and keep it ice cold, you will appreciate it once you start exploring the different areas of the National Park. Bring snacks if you feel so inclined or just eat a filling, nourishing breakfast before you start your day.

Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothes made for warm to hot weather. 

Bring and apply good and effective sunscreen. Sunglasses 😎 or a good sun hat are great accessories to also have. 

If you love taking pictures, definitely take a camera because there are many scenic photo spots: majestic trees, rivers, massive rocks, canyons and ravines. 

 

Hiking is plentiful with varying degrees of length and difficulty. Definitely do your research so you can find the ones that suit your fitness level. Here's an example of an article guide with some suggestions on hiking trails:

Hiking Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

There are many more hikes that exist at the National Park that isn't covered in this article so if you don't find one to your liking, keep looking around for others that you may find more desirable. 

If you are, in any way, prone to motion sickness, you MUST do yourself a favor and get some kind of relief for that.  We chose a  CVS medication comparable to Dramamine (found right next to it on the shelf). The roads are incredibly winding up and down the mountain. As someone that has experienced severe symptoms of motion sickness and am aware of my triggers, I KNOW that if I didn't prepare for it, I would have been sick the whole vacation time. But I found a way--a wonderous tiny pill-- that works for me. If you suffer the same issues, I hope you find yours. 😉

There is a relatively low entrance fee to the park that is valid for one week.  There are also different kinds of passes that offer discounts especially if you plan on visiting more National Parks throughout the year. Make sure you research and check out which passes may work best for you. 

The Parks are teeming with trees and plant-life. Without preparation, the experience can be harsh with the heat and the challenges of the terrain whether driving or walking. But overall, it is incredibly beautiful and the sights, sounds and vibes are meant to bring anyone seeking it, serenity and peace. We certainly found those moments.

 

The Anxiety of the Passing Lane

We have many joyful memories involving road trips our family has taken over the years. I cherish and love spending time with The Huz and the Boys. It's the summer, so we were off again to new adventures. 

We found ourselves on a two-lane CA-Highway that required us to turn on our headlights so that oncoming cars could see us if they wanted to pass or if we passed them using their opposite (to us) lane. When following a super slow vehicle, it feels absolutely necessary to make this move. But for me, a self described no-shame scaredy cat, I was filled with adrenaline when we had to go for it and go on the opposite lane to pass a slow vehicle. The Huz was always careful and made sure to follow the rules of the road, only passing on the broken lines and making sure he didn't see any oncoming vehicles. It can get super tricky because the road curves and visibility can be impeded. I think on the way there and back, he only used the passing method a total of 3 times. He never made any particularly crazy moves even when he had to pass multiple slow vehicles. I have great faith in the Huz' driving ability and that is never in question.

But yes, I was filled with much anxiety about the whole process. I wish they had a proper passing lane every once in a while instead of the idea of going on the opposite direction. But also, it has been like this forever, I'm sure, & because most drivers are careful, I'm sure there aren't any more accidents than there would be on any normal freeway. So, it works. I know this.Was I still nervous? Absolutely!

I clutched my St. Christopher Medal to cope and closed my eyes the very few times I felt I needed to. It's just like everything else we need to deal with--just gotta find your coping method and power through it. I've always been a big worry-wart and I find that it seems to be getting worse as I get older. So, it's something I want to work on. And now, reflecting on our experience with this particular road that many people travel every day, I'm even more aware of the difference between being scared and being careful so that the fear is unnecessary.  That's the difference I need to work on.  Sending light & love out into the Universe! 😘

 

The Tallest, Fastest, & Longest Dive Roller Coaster in California

 The "Emperor" in Sea World San Diego is their newest thrill coaster offering and according to USA Today was one of "the most anticipated rides of 2022". Since it's been a couple of years since the guys, my favorite roller coaster fans, have ridden one, I thought I'd document their experience and find out if this rates high among their favorites. 

They were able to ride it several times since they chose it as their "rope drop" coaster and the crowds hadn't arrived yet. Loose articles and clothing are not permitted on the ride--that includes hats, scarves, glasses, keys, etc.  The Huz witnessed a guy lose his ear pods just (maybe roughly) taking it out of his pocket and inadvertently landing on the tracks. His look of horror and disbelief sums it all up.  Be mindful and careful of your personal belongings. Also, I've witnessed people's hats, scarves and even cell phones fly off during a sharp coaster turn, so bear that in mind as well. There are ride restrictions: you must be no shorter than 52" and no taller than 78".

The"Emperor" itself was rated by the guys (on a consensus) with a 7 out of 10 (10 being best--The Hulk at Islands of Adventure in Florida is the only coaster they have ever rated at the coveted 10). The ride is fast and smooth and they loved the take-off and drop. The exhilarating screams from riders right before that drop was enjoyable to hear. Unfortunately, the ride is too short. Before you can even enjoy it and get your adrenaline really pumping, the ride is over. 😑

**The boys actually liked another coaster called the "Electric Eel" better, although the First-Born did complain of a slight feeling of motion sickness (which went away fairly quickly for him but if you're prone to that I feel like you should be warned). 

Wishing big greetings to all thrill seekers! ☮ Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

    

Our Neutral Customer Service Experience

We found ourselves having to do some business at City Hall and as usual, we experienced our own brand of adventures. Navigating any downtown city can be challenging in general, but fortunately and lucky for us, our city is not that bad. There are "free for two hours" structures around--you just have to be prepared to do some walking, but overall, it's not that bad. The Huz and I ended up walking an extra eight blocks though because we went the opposite way we needed to go. That's okay and pretty on par with our "trial & error" way-of-life😂--but the positives are, more exercise and steps in. 😊

We finally found where we needed to be and we were pleased to find it wasn't busy. We just had to pull out a ticket from a kiosk and wait for our number to be called.  There was no line so we knew, or at least hoped, it wasn't going to take very long. When our number was called and I explained what brought us here this day, the lady at our window told us to step back and she would get the correct department to help us. The Huz joked that it would be hilarious if the same lady put on a different hat or name tag and it was still her that helped us (it's been portrayed in small town scenes on television).  We had a good laugh at that and I couldn't help but want it to actually happen. LOL! 

A few minutes later, a gentleman came out and called us to his window. I explained to him what we needed and he pointed to the tray for me to put the materials into it. He grabbed the materials and went to the back.  Didn't say anything to us. He came back a few minutes later and handed us what we came for saying, "You're all set. Have a good day."  And we were on our way. Easy. Painless.  But also, funny.  Because he helped us with literally, a minimum amount of words--no extra friendliness or "extra-mile" customer service. 

As usual, The Huz cracked some jokes about it and we had a good laugh.  But ultimately, I'm okay with it. I'd rather have a quick, neutral customer service experience rather than a rude one (encounters I've had my fair share of). It works for me. Here's to more neutral experiences! 👍

 

 

I'm a Stenopelmatus. Please... DON'T Kill Me!

I've seen these guys in my front and backyard and although I'm not a lover of bugs, I've never caused them harm. Thank goodness. I knew they had a purpose. Now every time I see one, I'll just whisper, "Live your best life, little guys & thanks for all you do." 😊 More than happy to share the following...

Information & picture found on the Permaculture Facebook

Have you seen me in your yard? I'm a Stenopelmatus. Please... DON'T kill me!

I would like to tell you a little about myself. Many people also know me as a potato bug, Jerusalem cricket, Skull Insect, Childface, or Mother of Scorpion. People get scared when they see me and want to kill me. Reality is that I'm running from you.

I'm not a spider nor scorpion nor cricket, and I HAVE NO POISON. 

My only weapon is my mandibles. With them I feed off the organic waste that is found next to garden plants.

We have a very important role in the environment, because we help plants growth, thanks to removing the earth and thus allowing soil oxygenation.

My life span is a year.

If you find me at night, don't kill me. I'm just looking for food and a safe place to hide. Please... DON'T kill me!

With information from Biological Community.

 

 

Woke up from a Crazy Dream

Credit given to unknown artist.

I mostly never remember the dreams I have each night. I heard that everyone dreams so I can't very well say I don't. I'm sure I do. My dreams just don't make that much of an impact. The Huz always shares his dreams which are always over-the-top elaborate and yes, crazy. He remembers them vividly. Again, me, not so much.

Then one morning I was startled awake from my own crazy dream and although the details are fuzzy, I can remember the gist of it. 

Basically, I saw dead or unconscious bodies on the floor while I was driving and because I felt I had somewhere I had to be, I didn't stop.  I carefully drove around them then made a phone call to the authorities to let them know what I'd seen. I then found myself at home when the doorbell rang to detectives claiming they need to search my house. But I adamantly replied that they couldn't search my house without a warrant. And the exchange became heated. They finally left and I found three people hanging out in a room in my house that doesn't exist in real life.  I angrily told them to leave the premises right away to which they ignored me. I tried contacting The Huz on the phone and I couldn't get a-hold of him. I felt my agitation and frustration.

Then I woke up. And I still remember the dream.  Weird, for sure. I don't think it means anything, except I've probably been watching some pretty edgy things on television lately. But, it's funny how dreams affect how we feel when we wake up.  Like, I woke up upset because in my dream I had strangers in my  house that wouldn't leave and a husband I couldn't contact--and like what was up with the dead bodies??!!  It was awful. After the initial negative feelings, I started to feel relieved the dream was just that....completely not real. And thank goodness for that. 😁

Honestly, I don't have any words of wisdom to share. I'm just happy the dream was not real.  That's it.  LOL!  Sending happiness out to everyone. 😘

 

Appreciate the Well Designed Female Body You Inhabit

I've consciously and unconsciously struggled with body image and relationship with food for as long as I could remember. I've been a participant of diet culture on and off my entire life. And only lately have I exposed myself to healthier mindsets found on vlogs and print that have focused on re-training the female mind to reject the constant pressures society puts on female appearances. When we tell a woman "she looks good" after losing weight, we don't take into account the journey that woman takes just to hear the (almost always temporary) euphoria she feels after hearing comments like that. Has she been starving herself to lose weight? Sometimes, yes. 

The journey of gaining weight, losing weight, feeling inadequate, feeling unattractive for pounds gained, feeling accepted when weight is lost, then feeling like a failure when weight is gained--is a familiar cycle for many women. It certainly has been for me.  And I never realized it was an issue and never equated it to my mental state over the years. It just felt normal to diet, to decide to go ahead and eat, feel guilty for not watching what I eat, then deciding oh, it's time to diet again. It's an ugly cycle I want to break.

That's not even including the idea of movement and exercise as a reward for consuming calories--if I eat this, I'll need to do *this* many sit-ups...etc... Movement and exercise is good for the body. It shouldn't be attached to restrictions or negotiations with food and calories ingested. My chosen form of exercise is walking. I walk because it makes me feel good--makes me feel stronger.  

I've been learning all about gut health and eating foods that are good for the microbiome in my stomach. These foods include a variety of vegetables, legumes, both carbs and proteins--basically a variety of foods--some would describe as "healthy". But I've also learned that seeing food as "good" or "bad" is damaging and contributes to my participation in the diet culture. I'll allow myself to monitor sugar intake and other things because I know it will compromise my health if I don't, but I'll also have a brownie on occasion if I want it. I'm working towards finding a comfortable equilibrium.

So, I try and learn more--about myself, really. What works for me. Accept me--my metabolism, my appetite, my chosen mode of physical activity--all things that make me, me. And it's most often not what societal norms are. Ultimately, I believe most of us are just trying to feel and be comfortable in our own bodies. And as with many aspects in life it's a continuing, evolving life challenge for me.

I've found some helpful Youtube channels that focus on body acceptance, intuitive eating and a break from diet culture.  Check them out if you feel you need some help or inspiration. But also, seek professional help if you need it too. 

heal with kailin

Julia Ayers

Linda Sun

Along with these great Youtubers, be aware that the platform also has many vloggers perpetuating opposite ideologies--calorie counting, restrictive eating, various forms of dieting. Select content that fits your needs--what contributes to a healthier mindset. It's a tricky balance to navigate the whole culture of diet, body positivity, body acceptance, and body neutrality. 👽

Here's a great poem I found on Social Media. Hope you find something in it that inspires.

 

THE FEMALE BODY

The female body was never supposed to be smooth, firm and flawless.

It was designed to create life, to host life, to feed life.

Yes there are many other amazing aspects to us all and this design in no way defines us, but underpinning our fight to retain a ‘figure’, is a whole network of genetics, science and an entire evolutionary process which wants to create, store and produce fat for protection and hormonal health.

So, if you are losing a battle for slimness, do not for a moment think this is all your fault.

You are trying to blow away the wind.

Feed yourself well, physically, mentally and spiritually, and then enjoy your life with the vessel you inhabit.

It’s a one shot only thing.

Peace, laughter and acceptance are the best medicines around.

Donna Ashworth Words

From ‘I wish I knew’: https://amzn.to/3JVMJlZ

Art ‘Hilda’ by Duane Bryers #duanebryershilda