Above is this weeks free desktop. Well, back this week to a place which just got it's first photo features to you a few weeks ago, Sequoia National Park. Sequoia NP is the safe haven for some truly amazing gigantic trees, and it's namesake, the sequoia. This wondrous giant only grows naturally on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, with a large portion of the 75 (or so) remaining groves found here (along the largest of these, the General Sherman). I personally had a few misperceptions concerning the sequoias, and just in case others might share them, here's a few interesting facts. See, the sequoia is not tallest species (three are known to grow taller) or the one with the greatest diameter (there's at least one that beats it), nor ever the oldest as there is one known which lives longer (still 3,200 years old isn't bad), but the sequoia does hold the title of the world's largest tree, based on sheer volume. These trees are truly huge as they grow up to 40 feet in diameter and some reach over 300 feet in height. This weeks shot does not feature any sequoias that you can tell (they're out there (; ), rather, this is the view off of Amphitheater Point on the Generals Highway. This is looking south at Milk Ranch Peak (that mountain covered in clouds) from June 2005. The viewpoint is suppose to offer an opportunity for viewing the rugged range of mountains to the south and east of here, but the conditions simply didn't permit it. These conditions were not limited to the mountains you're looking at, the tops of all the peaks in this area were "in the clouds" which made for an interesting experience as that's were the groves of sequoias are located. An interesting and quite enjoyable experience indeed! With many trails to walk amongst ancient giants, and the chance to see these marvels up close, this is a park well worth a visit.