During the week of Christmas, our daughters Andrea and Candi invited us to join them and their families at a cabin rental in Shaver Lake.
That afternoon after we arrived, we took a walk around the neighborhood and saw this tree carving at one of the nearby cabins.
It was a cold and cloudy day, but we needed some exercise. We walked to a nearby campground that was closed for the season hoping to find some snow where the grandkids and dogs could play.
We finally found a patch of snow in a shaded meadow. Though there wasn’t much snow left, everyone had a great time.
The late afternoon shadows told us it was time to head back to the cozy cabin and have some supper.
Over 30 years ago, we lived near Shaver Lake close to Wishon Reservoir. We decided to take a drive the next day to Courtright Reservoir and visit the area to see what was new. Along the way, we stopped at the McKinley Grove of Sequoias. There’s a nice new walking path with interpretive signs along the way.
The Garnet Fire of August, 2025, came very close to the grove, as you can see from the burned trees in the background of the photo. Thankfully, the grove was spared and didn’t suffer any damage.
It’s estimated that some of these trees are around 2300 years old. Fires are actually beneficial to Sequoias in that fire is needed for their cones to release their seeds.
After a short break at McKinley Grove, we drove several more miles to Courtright Reservoir, the lake above Wishon Reservoir. Courtright is at a higher elevation (8200′), so we encountered more snow, to the delight of the grandkids.
After spending some time there, we headed back to the cabin, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
The landscape where the fire burned through was much changed. Loggers had already removed many of the damaged trees and vegetation which opened up the views in many places.
We enjoyed our time at Courtright Reservoir, Sierra National Forest and Shaver Lake area visiting familiar haunts of the past with family.
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy in the presence of the Lord;
For He is coming to judge the earth.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His faithfulness is everlasting. — I Chronicles 16:33-34