Being the ignorant Southerner that I have become, I didn't realise KK was so far up into the mountains. As I headed up to the roughly 13,000 feet the weather of course got colder.
Approaching the KK entrance gate there was snow laying around but that was to be expected. What I didn't expect was just how cold it was. Even though I live in the South now, I have lived in Switzerland and Sweden where it often snows, so I'm used to it. The Rangers were stopping every car to make sure they had appropriate gear (snow tires, 4x4, warm clothing, etc). I came prepared and so was fine. The best part about going to a National Park in late winter is that they tend to be deserted. When I got to the camp ground not only was I the only one there but I had to make my own trails - the road hadn't been ploughed in a day or so.
The next 3 or 4 hours I spent huddled in the car, having a late lunch and getting my bedroom ready for the night ahead. Not to mention sheltering from the snow storm that decided to dump right then. The result was fresh powder and an amazing view from my window.
I discovered in the middle of the night that I could have been more prepared for 12* weather. My blow up mattress is great down to about 40*. Then the air inside turns VERY cold. I woke up about 2am with my back like ice. Luckily, the friendly people at Suzuki had deemed it necessary to put heated seats inside my rental. I climbed into the front, started the engine and thawed for the next 20 minutes or so, spending the rest of a fitful night in the drivers seat. I woke around 8am to a beautiful, if still ridiculously cold, morning. The Giant Sequoias were the reason I was here and what better time to see them. Words don't do them justice so I'll just post one of my videos.
All I can say is that it was a wonderful experience and I'd recommend it to anybody. I'll be going back as part of my big trip to see the area in the summer and experience a whole new set of wonders.
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