My moments with General Sherman, the largest tree on earth is invaluable. I sat on one of the benches that surround this giant sequoia tree in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California and looked at it for some time.  Strong, enduring and imperturbable, I whispered to myself while looking at it. Slowly my eyes followed the trunk of General Sherman upwards and ended up seeing a beautiful blue sky.

Me to General Sherman –

I am not as lucky as you. I don’t get to live under the open sky and under the sparkling stars at night.                  ~ Chirasree Banerjee

My moments with General Sherman - The largest tree on earth, Travel Realizations

Strong, enduring, and imperturbable!

Strong, enduring and imperturbable, I whispered to myself while looking at it. Slowly my eyes followed the trunk of General Sherman upwards and ended up seeing a beautiful blue sky. #Travel Click To Tweet

I am not as lucky as you. I don't get to live under the open sky and under the sparkling stars at night. #Travel #TravelBlog Click To Tweet


Where to stay near Sequoia National Park

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon – It is less than 5 mi from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. It offers a complimentary hot breakfast which includes waffles, eggs, yogurt, and fresh fruit. I enjoyed my stay here. Book your stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon

The Sherman Tree Trail

After parking our car in the designated parking lot, we started walking on the Sherman Tree Trail. The trail was an instant relief from the scorching summer sun. I felt as if a veil of cold air gave me a bear hug. Long trees were standing on the two sides and I was walking quietly in the middle. I thought, no wonder that trees are our mightiest metaphor for the cycle of life.

Nothing is holier, nothing is more exemplary than a beautiful, strong tree.                                                                                      ~ Hermann Hesse

My moments with General Sherman - The largest tree on earth, Travel Realizations

No wonder that trees are our mightiest metaphor for the cycle of life.

I felt as if a veil of cold air gave me a bear hug. Long trees were standing on the two sides and I was walking quietly in the middle. I thought, no wonder that trees are our mightiest metaphor for the cycle of life. #Tree Click To Tweet
Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail

I felt a sense of stillness and peace while walking on the Sherman Tree Trail.


General Sherman – The largest tree on earth

Wherever I looked, I found refreshing green. After walking for some time, finally, I got to meet the majesty. It is 275 feet tall, and over 36 feet in diameter at the base.

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail

Strong, enduring and imperturbable!

I saw people from all over the world came to see a living history of 2000 years. I tried listening to this voiceless majesty; it is as if to touch a stethoscope to the skin of a landscape, to hear what stirs below.

I tried listening to this voiceless majesty; it is as if to touch a stethoscope to the skin of a landscape, to hear what stirs below. #Travel #California Click To Tweet

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail

The beauty of the forest is extraordinary — but “beauty” is too simple a word, for being here is not just an esthetic experience, but one steeped with mystery, and awe.

~ Oliver Sacks


My moments with General Sherman – The largest tree on earth!

When I tried taking a photograph of this tree, I saw there was a long queue of tourists all waiting to capture their moments with General Sherman and take them back home. I too joined the queue and waited for my turn. While waiting in the queue my eyes followed the tree upwards. I saw the leaves above were shimmering in the afternoon light and rustling while the trunk of the tree stood silently. A juxtaposition of silence and expression, both in perfect harmony.

I experienced a different kind of silence that day. In Paul Goodman’s words, it was

the fertile silence of awareness, pasturing the soul ~ Paul Goodman

Also read about another beautiful national park: Joshua Tree National Park

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail


Travel Realizations

This 2000-year-old living giant Sequoia tree has endured and withstood so many environmental conditions and yet it is standing strong. It is a gentle reminder that life, for us as much as for those ancient organisms, is often about enduring and withstanding the uncontrollable, unpredictable, and unwelcome curveballs the universe throws our way, and that resilience comes from the dignity and humility of that withstanding.

My moments with General Sherman imbue in me the spirit of patience, optimism, and resilience.

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail

On our way back!



On our way back

We were pressed for time so decided to walk towards the main road to take the shuttle bus to reach our parking place. On our way back, we came across a fallen tree and crossed the tree tunnel.

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail


Adieu General Sherman

My appreciation of trees, my love of green and feeling of delight after seeing a tree is not limited to this tree alone, but to all. Nevertheless, I will cherish my moments with General Sherman – the largest tree on earth in the Sequoia National Park forever. I have one wish though; I would love to see this giant sequoia tree at dawn, with the morning hues spread over it. Until that day, adieu General Sherman.

Travel Realizations, General Sherman, the largest tree on earth, giant sequoia tree, Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, California, The Sherman Tree Trail

My daughter said “Goodbye Dear Tree”

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Chirasree Banerjee

Hello. My name is Chirasree. I have been traveling for almost 11 years to places all over the world. I enter into a separate reality during my travels and enjoy the allure of escape from the mundane. I seek beauty through nature and human-made creations. Because beauty is powerful. I seek knowledge. I observe, absorb, and write about the places I visit and the profound realizations and inspirations that each place has to offer.