The sequoias weren’t just calling Travis’s name… they’re a PART of his name. Our friend Travis ‘Sequoia’ Norvell was kind enough to do an Instagram takeover for Sequoia Shuttle when he and his wife rode the Sequoia Shuttle to the park recently. They explored ADA-friendly trails and enjoyed the many incredible sights as they toured Sequoia National Park. You can read Travis’s story below and see the photos from his adventure.
(As told by his wife, Shelly)
“Travis’s mom, Debbie, was living in Wichita when she found out she was pregnant. She called her parents to tell them the good news. Every time they’d talk they would ask if she had a name picked out. Debbie said, ‘Not really, but something earthy.’ (Debbie was a self-proclaimed hippy at heart). Her dad told her mom, ‘My gosh, we’ll probably end up with a grandchild named Tree.’ After that, every time she’d call her folks they would always ask, ‘How is Tree doing?’
When Travis was born he had many congenital birth defects and was quite small. After he was born Debbie was crying and told her parents, ‘Here I promised you a tree, but all I got to give you is a little twig.’ To which his grandpa replied, ‘He’ll always be a Giant Sequoia to me.’ That is how he got his middle name Sequoia.”
Travis hopped aboard the Sequoia Shuttle for a day of discovery and adventure in Sequoia National Park. All shuttles are ADA-friendly, and there are multiple pick-up locations throughout Visalia, Exeter, Three Rivers, and Lemon Cove. Once inside the park, he grabbed a map and let the Shuttle take him and his wife, Shelly, from the Visitor Center to the General Sherman Tree and beyond.
Using the itinerary suggestions below, you can explore the sequoias just like Travis—nothing should stop you from experiencing the beauty in your own backyard!
All visitor centers and museums have paved, flat paths leading from parking areas to information desks, exhibits, bookstores and restrooms. Wheelchairs may be borrowed for your convenience at no cost at Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Lodgepole Visitor Centers and the Giant Forest Museum. They can be used anywhere in the parks but must be returned by the end of the day, before each visitor center closes. The visitors desks will have more information, but be prepared to provide your name, address and phone number.
Backpack // You need somewhere to put your trip necessities; plus, a backpack allows you to keep your hands free, so you’ll be ready for anything.
Water bottle // There are refill stations throughout the park, so you can bring your favorite reusable bottle and save space in your pack.
Packed lunch // Instead of eating or buying food in the park, pack a lunch with a sandwich and sports drink so that you can have a picnic. There are picnic tables at multiple easily-accessible spots in the park. Remember, bears get hungry, too, so proper storage and disposal of food is important.
Snacks // Sliced veggies, granola bars and trail mix are all great portable munchies that you can eat on-the-go during your visit.
Sun protection // Bring additional protection with you, like a hat or visor, and reapply sunscreen every hour or so to help prevent painful sunburns. The giant sequoias provide some shade, but not enough to leave the sunscreen at home.
Camera // You won’t want to miss capturing all of the amazing magnificence of Sequoia National Park.
Binoculars // While not a necessity, binoculars can greatly improve your hiking experience because they will let you see the glory of your surroundings in greater detail. You especially will not want to miss the wildlife, some of which are small (like the acorn woodpecker and grey fox), and others better viewed at a distance (like the bobcat and black bear).
