June 4, 2024

Our group met early in the morning for the long drive into Kings Canyon National Park. We aimed to visit the General Grant Tree, a landmark familiar to Marilyn, who served as our driver, guide, and fellow photography enthusiast.

The General Grant Tree was named in 1867 after Ulysses S. Grant. It lives in Grant Grove within the park. It’s the largest tree in the grove and the second largest tree in the world. It’s known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree. Back in 1924, a little girl standing next to the tree exclaimed, “What a wonderful Christmas tree it would be.” Upon hearing that, Mr. Charles E. Lee of the Sanger Chamber of Commerce wrote to President Calvin Coolidge who designated the General Grant as the Nation’s Christmas Tree in 1926.

The base of an old sequoia.

To photograph a tall tree effectively, one should stand at its base and aim upward. Given that the General Grant tree is nearly 2,000 years old, there was no approaching its fragile root system. Using my entry-level wide-angle lens, capturing it in its entirety required two separate shots.

The mountains of Kings Canyon National Park.

After spending the day exploring and learning about the park, we made our way down to the valley to begin the lengthy journey back home.

Until next time…happy shooting.