Since we live at the mouth of the Kern Canyon, we decide to take the twisty, winding Highway 178 to Redwood Meadows. On the two hour drive to our destination, the landscape morphs from dry high dessert, to green citrus orchards, to treacherous rocky canyons, and finally through pristine redwood forest. We follow the mighty Kern most of the way. The waters are swollen and fast. A treat to watch if you are not the driver. As we pass Lake Isabella, we can see the snow melt has been generous this year. It seems to be filled to capacity. Leaving Kernville, we begin to climb, following the Upper Kern to the Sequoia National Forest. When we reach the Western Divide Highway, we turn right, continue three miles and arrive at Campsite Number 2. The clean smell of pine and cedar encapsulate our senses. We hear squirrels rustle in the under brush. We celebrate our arrival with a quick romp into the brook at the back of our site. We brought our four dogs and they lap at the water and gallop in the meadow with puppylike exhuberance. The best part about this campsite is the privacy. It is wide, deep and filled with redwoods. It is home to the only baby "Giant Sequoia" in the area. We take special care to not disturb the baby. Even the dogs seem to know this is hallowed ground. Before we are able to set up camp, a thunder clap and crackling lightening announce the sudden spilling of rain. The large soft drops continue for about 45 minutes. The forest smells bolden. We smile and breathe in with all our senses. Moist mist rises from the forest floor, creating a blanket of mugginess, as the rain clouds continue their journey south. They leave us with a feeling of welcome.
