Christmas 2013

December 2013

At the end of each year both of us say “What A Year! Can this coming year get better than the last one?” 2013 is no exception. We have done so many things and been blessed in so many way, it has been making our heads spin. We have been able to explore a bit more of the Sierra's and been able to spend time with Gary's parents.

Like we said last year, we have been a blessing to be able to spend time with Gary's parents. This year instead of going out of the country, we spent time with our relatives. Such as going to San Diego to visit Gary's Aunt Dorothy and cousins. Or up to Grants Pass, Oregon-we even dropped in on Gary's best man, Dennis. Dad saw his sister before she passed away. Sometimes there are blessings received even in the midst of grief.

Our travels with Mom and Dad included Denver to see Gary's brother David. Enjoyed staying there for a few days. Then Sherri and Gary took off and did a tour of a few of Utah's National Parks. We must be getting older as we treated ourselves to comparative luxury-hotels rather than tents. Arches NP in Moab, was our first stop and our first time there. What a place—it really is different than our Sierra's. On one walk, we climbed up a shear sandstone slope, went through arches, and then descended several fin's-and yes, this was a trail. Onward we went to Zion, one of our favorite parks. The vertigo-inducing red rock canyoned walls with the Virgin River thrills our memories. The walks both in and out of the canyon are an adventure to ones legs and minds.

But these trips were just the hors d'oeuves before the main course. Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you probably have heard us rattle on about our summer trip. We returned to our own backyard, our incomplete trail from 2012-a three-week backpacking trip along the crest of the Sierra's, commonly called the John Muir Trail. THIS YEAR, WE DID IT! In our way of thinking there is no more alluring, stunning, lovely and delightful journey (is that enough adjectives?) in this country, if not the world. The soaring peaks, deep forested valley's, deep azure lakes, raging streams-even in a drought year, and wildflowers dotting our path. Even more, the wonderful people whom we met: Ray and Rachel, Larry and Paul, John, Fritz and Ethel, and a whole cast more. If you want to read more, the link to our completed blog can be found below.

Steven and Sherri

Gary and Rachel

Family time: Andrea has her first full-time, permanent teaching assignment: a fifth-grade class. From the glow on her face, we would say she is enjoying her experience. Steven has returned to school to complete his BS in Computer Science, while being president of the FREAKS, the Fresno State gaming club. Looks like Rachel has found her niche in accounting, working for a firm called OpenX.

Andrea

If you wonder what we may be doing with all of our time in retirement, well there is our House Church and Book Group which we deeply love and cherish. While these are not new to retirement, they are a source of friendship and strength for us. We have also gotten involved in a meetup group called the Central Valley Hiking Group. If it is Wednesday, chances are you will see us on the trail with John and Cathey.

If you have studied your Duraniology, you would realize both Sherri's and Gary's  birthdays are in October. Not only that, but this year they celebrated their 60^th birthday. Even though we are late with a party, we want to share this occasion with a party. We are planning on having a get together on Feb 8th. If you are available and around Fresno, you are invited. Look for more in your e-mail.

Our lives has been blessed. Gary's mantra on The Trail was, Lord, make me a blessing today. We were able to be, but in return our lives have been blessed. Blessed with our kids-they are no longer kids, but they will always be so to us. With our parents and with each other. We were blessed on The Trail with friends and wonders. So we can say no more than what Paul says, may the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly (Col 3).

If you want to read more about our adventures, see:

• More pictures and an electronic version of our Christmas letter:

http://gary-summer.blogspot.com/2013/12/Christmas-2013.html

• Trails and stuff: http://gary-summer.blogspot.com/
• John Muir Trail; http://gary-summer.blogspot.com/2013/07/john-muir-trail-2013.html
• Capture California: http://capturecalif.blogspot.com/
• Gary's Book Blog: http://garys-books.blogspot.com/

We love to hear from you, send us your e-mails, give us your face or drop us a line:

• Gary's e-mail: gary_duran@sbcglobal.net
• Sherri's e-mail: sherri_duran@sbcglobal.net
• Sherri's Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sherri.duran.31
• Address:

2947 E Saginaw Way

Fresno, CA 93726

559-222-6061

December 4, 2013 - Kaweah Oaks Preserve

1926 Map-look at red lower map

Title: December 4, 2013 - Kaweah Oaks Preserve

Trail head: Parking Lot of Kaweah Oaks Preserve

Hike Info:

Trail: Sycamore, Swamp, Wildrose, Grape Trails

Distance:  4.09 miles

Travel Time: 3:12 (1.28 mph)

Moving Time: 1:57 (2.10mph)

Elevation Rise:  214'

Maximum Elevation:  396'

1993 Map

 






Description:
It's another mid-week hike and it is cold, the coldest day of our winter so far. But that is not saying too much as we are just at the beginning of the cold season.today's hike takes place a little east of Visalia, close Exeter, at a place called Kaweah Oaks Preserve. It is an area which is like it was before Europeans came to the Valley.  There are four short trails we will be walking on today. All of the trails are essentially flat. But our group is built for enjoyment, not speed, so we spend a lot of time strolling, enjoying the sights. There are several geo-caching sites on the property.

The first is the Sycramore trail. This is loop to the north of the parking lot. It takes a road to the west, past a couple of portable outhouses. Then we take a right at a corral and walk along a fence. This look, as would be appropriate for its name, takes us past several sycramore trees. While the colors are slightly past their prime, there are still reds and yellows to admire.  One tree has fallen and sprouted new trees from its limbs which are vertical. We come across a wire fence which still has the cold dew drops on it, catching the morning light.

Being a dry year which not much rain so far, the next trail is sort of mis-named, "The Swamp". It heads out west from the corral, amongst a creek or canal bottom. I suppose when there is mosture, we would have mud on our boots. But today, it is more of just  leaves on the group, which some gentle rays of the sun, filtering through the trees, starting to provide some warmth.

The next two trails are each under half a mile, the Wild Rose and The Grape.  Wild grape vines  have managed to climb high into the trees, creating these alcoves of shelter. Several people remarked that it would be perfect for children of all ages to play in. I agree.

With the mountains of the Sierra's so close, we did get some enjoyable sights of them before heading back home. A lot of people stopped at Bravo Farms on the way home for lunch. But my card did a bee-line for for starting place at Kohl's. A good and pleasant day. Not strenuous by any imagination. But glad we came.

  

November 20, 2013 - McKenzie TableTop

See Note Below

Title: November 20, 2013 - McKenzie Table Top

Trail head:  Parking Lot at Sierra Foothill Conservancy

Hike Info:

Trail: Table Top

Destination:  Table Top

Distance:  6.26 miles

Travel Time: 5:10 (1.21 mph)

Moving Time: 3:15 (1.93 mph)

Elevation Rise:  1,132'

Maximum Elevation:  1,847'

Description:
If it is Wednesday, it must be time for another Mid-Week Meetup Hike with John, Jerry and Cathey. Preceding this day, the weather forecast was for stormy weather-rain which we sorely need. But on the day of the hike, the ground was a bit wet from a light rainfall that night. But the skies were clearing. So it looks like another beautiful day in the Central Valley.


This hike is at the Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve, 2600 acres held in trust by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy for open spaces and to continue ranching. Part of this preserve is Table Mountain and is not a public access area. Nat is a docent with the Conservancy and was able to get us permission to go on the property. A couple of weeks ago, I hiked along the northern base of the mountain along the San Joaquin River Trail. This time, we will climb the Table Top, to the side of Table Mountain, from the south and go to the top. Exciting. 

Meetup Marching Along

We got to the McKenzie parking area, just off of Audberry road a little before 9, after driving from the Kohl's parking lot in RiverPark. It turns out there is another group who is also on the Preserve today-a group from Gateway High School in Clovis. Looks like there is 15 of them. We will be leapfrogging them all morning. So Nat has altered our route a little bit so we will be hiking separate trails for about half of our walk today.

This takes us more to the west and up a single track trail, along the spine of a small ridge. After maybe a third of a mile, we meet a dirt road. This contours around the Table Mountain and then below the Table Top area-a separate plateau from Table Mountain. We are starting to enjoy the views of the foothills. After a ways, we are done sluffing off. The climb starts in earnest when we leave the road and return to a trail.

This is slow going for a couple of people--they are huffing and puffing. but what makes us feel good is that we have caught up to some of the high school students and they are doing worse than us. It is a perverse pleasure to observe someone having more trouble with a slope than you are. But we all make it to the top of the ridge and have lunch there.

Upper end of Millerton Lake

Most of us proceeds to the Table Top. It is a short climb from the ridge. Once on top, we see where the top has been somewhat weathered and is rough with small stones, just trying to catch your toe and making you trip. So even though it is level, the going is slow since we do not want to fall. On top we get some good views. First to the north where we see the upper end of Millerton Lake. Then towards the south and the area which Audberry Road goes through. 

Nat talking about the grinding holes

The sun is nice; the sky is clear and blue; and we get a bit warm. On the return trip, I hike down in shorts and a T-shirt, feeling very comfortable.  On the way down, Nat takes us around a different way. First there are some grinding holes used by the Native Americans in the area, maybe Yokuts. We pass several places where there are holes. Then Nat takes us to a place where the miners in the 1870's would crush rock in a fashion, similar to how wheat is ground. A donkey is fixed to  pole and drags around a heavy stone, crushing the ore.

Illustration from Nat

A short walk later, we are back to our cars. We finish up at 2pm. Then it is on to Don Fernando's's Mexican resturant, just a couple miles up the road. A good way to end the hike.


Note:
The map above and the path we took do not exactly line up correctly, particularly on top of the Table Top. Use this as an approximation.

November 9, 2013 - San Joaquin River Trail

Title: November 9, 2013 - San Joaquin River Trail

Trail head:  Wellbarn Rd, Clovis, CA

Hike Info:

Trail:  San Joaquin River Trail

Destination:Sky Harbor Road, Clovis, CA

Distance:  12.93

Travel Time: 6:03 (2.14 mph)

Moving Time: 4:44 (2.73 mph)

Elevation Rise:  2,180

Maximum Elevation: 1,376

Description:

It was a pretty cool morning and I am a bit apprehensive. Why you might ask, it is just a hike? Well yes, but I am not sure if I will be able to keep up. This is a faster group than I usually hike with and the trail is advertized as being 14 miles. I am pretty sure about the mileage, but not sure about the speed.

Upper end of Millerton Reservoir

We meet at Starbucks and then head out. We need to leave one set of cars at Sky Harbor Road. We drive mine and Lori's cars over to Wellbarn Road for the start of the hike.  We are close to 1000' up and the trail will sort of wander between here and Millerton Reservoir. So the elevation will nto be an issue. There are eleven of us on this trip. Many of the people I know-Bill, Gary F, Lori. But there are many others who are new to me: Carter, Rose, Monica, Harold, Mark, Theng Theng and Darrell.

Looking to the west down Millerton Reservoir

We set out at a good clip, of course it is downhill on a dirt road, going towards the river. But we are in good spirits as the walking is fine. After about a mile, we then start on a long journey through rolling terrain. We also change from a descending dirt road to a trail, walking more single file. I walk with Lori for the first three miles. We talk and I get to know her a bit better.

The TRIAL Sign

There is an outhouse conveniently located at the three mile mark. Then in a short distance from there, we see a sign saying this is the San Joaquin River TRIAL and it is seven miles to the parking lot where we left our shuttle cars. Somehow that sign is a bit suspect.

All in a line

At this point I drop back a ways and hike with Bill, Gary F, Mark and Harold. The morning has changed from being cool to starting to warm up-good hiking weather. We go in and out of views of Millerton Reservoir, well the upper end that is. It really reminds me of a the Horseshoe Bend/Dead Horse area of the Colorado River, albeit on a smaller and less grander scale. The somewhat twistiness of the gorge with the 700' high bluffs above the river and reservoir.

At the six mile mark, we stop for a lunch break in sparse, but sufficient shade. We enjoy the break with both Gary's laying down and resting our eyes. Others decide to investigate some of the black cows around us. I get up feel a bit refreshed.

Fall Colors

As we travel along, we go into some ravines where there is a good 15 degree difference in temperature-feels good. Also it is here where you see some diversity  of growth. Some of the leaves have started changing colors. Others, such as the oaks, have fully grown leaves to fan us with. There are numerous gates to go through and close behind us.

The Reservoir

The last two miles now brings us on the big uphill for the day. It is a seven hundred foot climb out of the reservoir area to close to the top of the Pincushion Ridge. While the climb itself is not bad, particularly with one foot in front another attitude. But it does come at the end of the hike and the mind starts rebelling against the thought of the cruelty of this happening so late in the walk. But the trail is the trail so up we go. You get a nice closing view of the eastern park of the reservoir. We finally get some wildlife in the form of some tarantulas.  Cameras come out, but no animals are harmed--one of the tarantulas was alreadyed flattened when we first saw it. Now it is a descent down to the Sky harbor lot and to the cars to shuttle us back to the Wellbarn Road to pick up the rest of the cars.

A good day of hiking. Enjoyed the day. Even my earlier fears was allieved as I kept a respectable pace.

October 30, 2013 - Yosemite Valley Loop, East End

Title:  October 30, 2013 - Yosemite Valley Loop, East End

Hike Info:

Trail: Yosemite Valley Loop, East End

Starting location:  Yosemite Valley Chapel

Destination:  Yosemite Valley Chapel

Distance:  12.1 miles

Start Time: 11:45am

End Time: 5:00pm

Travel Time: ( mph)

Moving Time: 4:07 (2.9 mph)

Elevation Rise:

Maximum Elevation:

Description:

What a difference a week makes. And I am not talking about the difference in hiking nor that I am now 60. But just the scenery and environment. The Valley is still clothed in its Fall colors, but the colors are a bit more shabby than last week. But there is a fresh mantle of snow on the rim. Half Dome is attractive with his crown of white. Glacier Point's shoulders has a snowy crust. The air is more than nippy-it is downright cold.

Even with a late start-we hit the trail at 11:45-it is just above freezing. We see several frozen puddles of water. But that is why we layer our clothes. I am wearing a t-shirt, a pair of silks and a smart wool top. Also my lightweight raincoat is over all of that, along with gloves.

Stoneman Meadows and Half Dome

We head east out of the chapel area. It is pretty easy terrain.  We quickly pass by Housekeeping and the new residence areas, coming out close to Camp Curry. We do take a side excursion to wander over Stoneman Bridge for a few Capture California points.

Stoneman Meadow has sunshine on it, so we go by it rather than through Camp Curry-it is warmer that way. A mile farther, we make use of the facilities at Happy Isles, and then take a lunch break at the start of the JMT.

Glacier Point

After lunch, we walk the east end of the Valley loop over to Mirror Lake, about two miles from our lunch spot. Along the way, one lady mumbles and looks at me and says, John Muir. I raise my hat in acknowledgement, smile and continue walking. When we get to where Mirror Lake should be-it is dry, there are some people from Rogue River, Oregon. We comment that we just came from there and that they should be sure to stop at Rogue Roasters coffee shop-my cousins place. They said they already do enjoy their coffee. Small world.

After not seeing Mirror Lake, we continue up Tenaya Creek. We are getting neck strain from looking at Half Dome. Clouds Rest is before us with its western flanks covered by a thin layer of snow. Just beautiful. We come to the Snow Creek junction. At this point, are forced to turn around since the trail looping around Mirror Lake is closed from 2009 rockslide.

Half Dome through Autum Leaves

We retrace our steps and return back to Mirror Lake. The west trail we take as it will continue our loop around the Valley. This is a bit more rock with some up and down. We stop for our second lunch around 2.  Traveling  past Washington Column and Indian Caves, we come to the Ahwahnee Hotel. A few pictures are taken and then we move on.

There are five climbers in the rocks above the Ahwahnee. We watch them for a few minutes, then come to the Village. I have a question so we go into the Visitor Center. Afterwards it is on to the Ranger's Club for it a historical value. We are close to finishing up our hike, so we wander on down to the bathrooms at Yosemite Falls, along a paved path. To add a little more to our trip, we go back via Swinging Bridges. That is when we discovered our Capture California flag is missing. It has served us well. We make it to the car by five. A good hike.

Yosemite Falls and Reflection

We decide to see if the flag was dropped in the bathroom. Nope, but we did find it on the trail by where we parked the car. Yipee! Now it's on to fill our belly at Todd's and then on home.

October 28, 2013 - Pig Pond

Title: October 28, 2013 - Pig Pond

Trail head: Pacheco State Park

Hike Info:

Trail: Pig Pond

Destination:Pig Pond

Distance:  2.0 miles

Travel Time: 1:00 (2.00 mph)

Moving Time: 0:40 (3.00 mph)

Elevation Rise: 200'

Maximum Elevation:

Description:

We hiked this trail last year and enjoyed it. So this evening as we are coming home from visiting my parents, we stop at Pacheco Pass State Park and go for a short hike over to Pig Pond. We start from the parking lot-this is a fee area, but we have our State Park Pass for free admission.

After going through a gate—all gates should be left as you found them-we start to cross a field in what looks like a lightly used tractor track.. The trail then rises up a hill. With the sun low in the sky, the dried fields really do look golden. On top of the hill, we look back, in the distance you can see the traffic of 152 rushing over Pacheco Pass. Looking southward, the windmill blades slow turn. We head down after passing through another gate. We intersect the Cut Off Trail—which goes over to the Tunnel Monument. But we continue straight.

Another hill is climbed and we drop down the last third of a mile into the Pig Pond. On the way down, we scare up three deer which lope away. In previous visits, the pond is fuller with birds scampering along its shores. But tow]day, the pond is really no bigger than a mud puddle. Maybe because of the wind, there is no life to be seen. Since the sun is about to go down, we return the way we came without exploring around a bit. But we do get to admire the oaks against the darkening sky. Not a bad leg stretcher for those who have been stuck up in a car for awhile.

October 22, 2013 - West Yosemite Valley Loop

Title: October 22, 2013 - West Yosemite Valley Loop

Trail head: Yosemite Valley Chapel

Hike Info:

Trail: West Yosemite Valley Loop

Destination: Yosemite Valley Chapel

Distance: 13.0 Miles

Travel Time: 6:07 (2.13 mph)

Moving Time: 5:08 (2.53 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,291'

Maximum Elevation: 4,317'

Description:

In two weeks we will be walking a half marathon and we have grown lazy since doing the JMT. So the Two City's Marathon is pretty flat, so Yosemite Valley is a good place to have a practice hike. Last year we did a hike around the west end of Yosemite Valley. So this year instead of starting at Bridalveil Falls parking lot like last year, we decided to start at the Yosemite Valley Chapel, about two-thirds of the way up the valley.

We hit the trail at 10:20, in back of the chapel. We shortly hit the trail and started westwards down the valley. It is a bit cool. We have on long sleeves and breakers to keep warm. Today, the valley is alive in color. Maples, dogwood, cottonwoods, and oaks all changing colors. Striking against the shear rock cliffs which line the valley. You will notice the bounty of photo's emphasizing this display of color.

The trail itself is pretty easy. We show our lack of training as our pace does not match the ease of the trail. We rise about 20' and drop a little. We see hardly anybody. After an hour plus, we come to the base of Cathedral Rocks. Here we rise up a bit. There are several climber paths marked. We do not see any climbers. Shortly after this, the trail descends a bit down into the basin which Bridalveil Creek descends into. Of course, this year, we can hardly see a line of water coming down the Falls. So the creeks coming from the Falls are dry.

We cross the road and continue on the trail next to the Merced. We shortly stop for lunch next to a slow paced pool where the Fall colors reflect on the waters. What a good place to stop and enjoy. Lunch of course is basic-peanut butter and nutella sandwich.

Then it is a short walk down to Pohono Bridge. From here, it is time to start going back up the Valley. The return trip is on the north side, where we are bathed in sunshine. El Capitan is there in front of us, showing us the way. After 45 minutes of walking we get to the base. Here we start seeing people again. People not only on the trial, but there are three climbers on El Cap. We watch them for a few minutes, before continuing on.

Three Brothers

The trail now crosses the highway again and hugs the Merced for awhile again. All of this time, Sherri and I are gawking at the colors. We come into an area where the Native Americans hold ceremonies. There are some totem poles as well. Then we break into the legendary area call Camp 4, where climbing is in the soil. We pass through, glancing up at where Yosemite Falls have dried up. So we go across Sentinel Bridge and walk the short distance down to the Chapel parking lot and our car. It is time to go home after walking almost a half a marathon. Our time will need to improve a bit, but we now know we are not that far out of shape.