In October I read Tracy Chevalier’s novel At The Edge of the Orchard and learned about the Calaveras giant sequoias, which grow less than three hours from Grass Valley. After looking it up, I immediately booked us two nights in Arnold, CA. We visited in early November and hiked about 7 miles in a day, determined to see both the North Grove (which is more accessible) and the South Grove (which has ten times more trees and significant elevation gains). Ella was a champ! She walked and we took turns carrying her. I recommend wearing hiking boots (opposed to rain boots). The dogwoods and maples had turned and the colors of the forest were incredible. We stayed two nights and left early Sunday before the snow. Stopped for pastries at Aria, a delicious bakery in Murphys on the way home. It was the perfect little weekend trip.