Linda Harvey and Ellyn Biggs
This summer the National Parks Club is putting a focus on our members to share their experiences in our national parks with the group and interested SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) residents through a series called Community Sharing.
On May 28, we had the pleasure of hearing from Bill Gilles. His experiences were of parks located in the High Sierra Mountains of California, which include Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Bill, being an avid outdoorsman, showed many of his astounding pictures of the hiking and camping trips he took to these High Sierra sites during the past 60 years. Bill introduced us to the geologic history of the area. He also explained the important roles that Teddy Roosevelt, Ansel Adams, and John Muir had in creating our National Parks and Wilderness Areas.
Sequoia is known for having the world’s largest trees, with the General Sherman tree being the largest tree on Earth by volume. Bill mentioned that while the trees are resistant to insects and fire, the Sequoia trees were not suitable as building material. Fortunately the remaining majestic trees became protected for future generations and the area eventually became a national park in 1890.
The presentation was both informative and awe inspiring. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your family’s multi-generational experiences.
The club’s next exciting meeting adventure was on June 26, when Lola and John Hess shared adventures and photos of their 2021 dream trip to our national parks. They took a journey for four months to enjoy Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glen Canyon, as well as many other sites along the way.
On July 23, Laura Haslett will present her photo trip to Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks.
August 12 will round out this special programming, featuring Death Valley National Park.
Join us in the La Mesa/La Montana Rooms from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each of these nights. The Bistro will be open for food and beverages that you may bring into the meeting. The meetings are open to all SBR residents and their guests. There is no charge for admission.