Thanks, everyone! Paul, that plant was very bizarre. I had to touch the fat part to see if it was a healthy part of the plant or some weird growth....it was totally normal and firm. If you look closely at the picture, you can just see tiny yellow flowers. Unfortunately, I didn't think to get a close up of them. Ryan, I'm learning that May is a particularly good time to head west, and my husband is thinking about camping at Arches the next time we head out that way. I will be sure to add Bryce Canyon to the list, and maybe we'll actually get to see a little more of Moab, other than the main street! The drive on I-70 from Denver to Moab is especially scenic with the mountains gradually giving way to the canyon lands. There's even a rest stop along the Colorado river where you can get your feet wet! Nancy

Nice trip Will! Good pictures too. I wish I could have gone along with you. I have seen the Redwoods along the coast and the Sequoiadendrons at the Calaveras groves, both north and south. East of Fresno, Ca. It was a lasting experience. Someday maybe I will visit Kings Canyon National Park and see The General Sherman. Mike...with 15 Giant Sequoias, plus two Weepers, and 7 Coast Redwoods.

Naturegirl: Excellent planI donÂt think you could do better. Of course you will see the Mariposa grove of sequoias. They are a bit out of the way from the other park attractions, but I would say they are a "MUST." A couple of things to look for: By all means stop to see the "Grizzly Giant" tree. This is one truly spectacular tree and in its way as amazing a giant sequoia as you can see anywhere. The diameter is truly massive, but overall it is technically not one of the largest because it is not so tall as othersÂjust a bit over 200 feet--, but no matter. The crown of this tree is truly grizzled and gnarled, suggesting that has been growing there forever. Depending on how much time you have, a couple of suggestions: Try to see one of the fallen trees. There is one called "The Fallen Monarch," but I canÂt remember how far one has to walk to see it. And since I was last there, the Wawona Tunnel tree has fallen. You might want to make a point of seeing that--it should be right next to the road. One of the finest trees is the Galen Clark treeÂgiven that name because that is supposedly the first tree he saw when he discovered the grove. It is not unusually large, but perfect in its formÂat least the last time I was there. Also, I understand there is a kind of tram ride that has been built. Maybe you could get around more easily that way to see the grove. But anywhere you stand in this grove you will see wonderful trees. And if you see this grove, and Big Basin, you will really have more than just a "taste" of the most amazing trees in the world. I would recommend that you get up early, very earlyÂand get to Yosemite early enough to see the Mariposa grove the first day. Then you would not have to break up your stay in the valley area the next day. Two recommendations: first, for a hike in the valley, the vernal falls trail is nice. I canÂt remember exactly how far it is to get to the top of the falls, but it may not be too far. Some of the other falls in November may not have much water. Bridal Veil may be dry, and Yosemite falls itself will be at a low ebb. But Vernal Falls should still be very nice. Second, Glacier Point should be a must. It is a bit of a drive, but not much walking required once you get there. One bummer for you is the days are so short in Nov. Well, have fun!!

Do you have a national parks pass? It's only $50 and will get you into all of the np's for a year. They usually give you a booklet when you buy one and it lists all of the np's and a little bit of info about each. I just bought a new pass last week. They were out of the booklets. If I can find the info they gave me, I'll post on how to request a booklet. We went to the Davis Mountains in Texas a couple of months ago. We ran into several retired rv'ers that were traveling around to various parks. Some had just left Big Bend, stayed at Ft.Davis and visted the fort and then were driving into New Mexico to visit the Guadalupes (sp?) and Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Bandelier and others. These people seemed to plan a 2 or 3 night stay at each campground and then moved on after they had seen the main attractions. We moved here to NM a couple of years ago and visit enough parks that the pass pays for itself. Of course, we target a lot of other things in the are, not just the NPS.