Thanks, John!
Yes, it's hard to grasp how immense the Sierras are until you've been there in person! And approaching from the east through dessert seems to enhance the effect. More people here are familiar with the Rockies, which are grand in their own right, but the Sierras have such unexpected drama. There are times when I'll mention to someone that I was on a trip to the Sierras in California and I wonder from their reaction if they really get it. But friends from here who have been with me on trips there have been duly impressed, and others express interest.
Then there are those who just don't want to sleep on the ground...
