After futzing with gear, I made my over to The General Sherman Tree. It had been about 30 years since I’d seen it.

It was around 7PM. That tree is magnificent.

It was the perfect time to visit. Crowds were gone. Only a few tourists.

After visiting The General I came back to the campground and got my bed sorted. And got rid of some trash.

The following is how the evening went after laying down.

It’s now dark. Since shortly after 8pm. I’m bedded down, cowboy camping under a large sequoia, listing to the soft drone of a generator, campfire smoke fills the air and burns my lungs. It smells of smoke.

Smoke has masked that unique smell of an arid forest common here and elsewhere. Lights are scattered throughout. People talking. A baby crying. Someone is chopping wood. It’s warm. Probably still 70 degrees. A slight cool breeze now and again.

When I rolled in today the rangers warned about campfires. Said to make sure to flood them with water because it’s so dry they easily reignite. And apparently had been.

I just don’t understand why fires are not banned as of now. Why risk it. It’s absolutely not cold. I’m almost sweating under my 30 degree camping quilt and it’s only laying on me. But this is urban camping. Getting back to nature. Or rather, bringing home to the campground. Most of those with fires are sleeping in trailers and campers. The rangers also said 10pm is quiet time. I bet that generator will be running after 10.

Looking up at the stars from my bed.

Tomorrow will come early I’m sure.

Continued…