Around Calaveras Big Trees

 

Where We Are at Calaveras Big Trees State Park



Two years ago Bob and I were fortunate to fall into this Camp Host position at Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Arnold, Ca.  We volunteered here in 2010, 2011, and are happy to be here again.

 

The park is located 75 miles east of Stockton on Hwy 4.  At 4800' elevation, its summers are pleasant when the valley temperatures average in the mid-90's, and it's winters are cold when Sockton's average temps are in the mid-40's. 



One morning in September on my usual walk from our campsite to the park's entrance station, I discovered a dogwood tree in bloom. It shouldn't have been in bloom. It's supposed to bloom in the Spring! The leaves were turning color as they were supposed to do in the Fall, but it was very strange to see flowers. 

A little research by Tami, the Visitor Center's retail manager, revealed that the dogwood tree will bloom out of season if it has been under stress during a drought for a period of time followed by a period of rain.  There was very little rain last winter and this past summer.  And then one day in early September the area received a significant amount of rain in a very short period of time followed by a spell of unseasonably hot weather.  This is the first time the locals remember dogwood trees blooming in the Fall.

Mumbert Cabin

On our day off today, we decided to gander about the park and search for the famed Mumbert Cabin.  We knew it was about a mile down the fire road that parallels the back side of the campground.  So off we went for a little stroll and soon came upon the rustic cabin that is used by the Parks Department personnel for R & R.  It was very peaceful here on the porch as we sat and rocked
                                                                              on the rustic metal chairs and contemplated the universe.

The Meadow

On our way back "home" we strolled past sites that we have become very accustomed to seeing on a daily basis.   The meadow is the center of the campground and offers a sunny and warm escape from the shade of the trees.  A newly re-contstructed boardwalk is the center piece and offers a quick way to get from one side of the campground to the other.

Sequoiadendron giganteum

One of the few Giant Sequoias in the park that is visible from a road is a good example of the species' adaptation to grow with a twist.  This is a characteristic that serves to strengthen the tree which promotes it's longevity. Sierra redwood trees are the largest trees in the world. Many sierra redwoods are between 250 and 300 feet tall, the tallest being about 325 feet high. While their height is impressive, the real wonder of a sierra redwood lies in its bulk. Many of these giants have diameters in excess of 30 feet near the ground, with a corresponding circumference of over 94 feet.

The largest redwood in Calaveras Big Trees State Park is the Louis Agassiz tree.  This tree is "only" 250 feet tall, but it is over 25 feet in diameter six feet above the ground. The largest tree in the North Grove is said to be the Empire State Tree, which is 18 feet in diameter six feet above the ground.
 

 The Fallen Sentinel





A Dogwood in Fall Colors near the Fallen Sentinel





A Douglas Squirrel (aka: Chickaree) 



The Chickarees are fattening up for the winter



We resume our camphost duties tomorrow amidst all this beauty.  As long as we have committed ourselves to volunteer for 2-3 months out of the year, this is a pretty good place to do it.