May 31, 2013 - Deer Camp Loop and Return Trip

Title: May 31, 2013 - Deer Camp Loop and Return Trip Trail head: Alder Creek/Deer Camp Trail Junction Hike Info: Trail: Deer Camp Loop Destination:Return Trip Distance: 6.27 miles Travel Time: 3:28 (1.81 mph) Moving Time: 2:49 (2.22 mph) Elevation Rise: 1,050' Maximum Elevation: 6,611' Hike Info: Trail: Alder Creek Destination:Mosquito Creek Distance: 5.07 miles Travel Time: 2:27 (2.07 mph) Moving Time: 2:10 (2.34 mph) Elevation Rise: 252' Maximum Elevation: 6,084' Description:

Woke up at 6 and read. Sherri wakes up and I get out of bed around 6:40. The sun fakes like it is going to show up at our campsite soon, but it goes into hiding behind trees and a mound. Sherri waits until the sun comes out before getting up. It is colder than expected-but no ice on the water, from what I can see. But I did put on another heavy silk top. This and the layers are keeping me warm enough.

Went for an early morning stroll up the trail towards Deer Camp. Probably the round trip is around two miles plus. Took about an hour. It is a pleasant enough walk. Nothing spectacular or picture taking in itself. But there is something about getting up to meet the sun which is special. The shadows are deeper, the colors a bit more vibrant. Then the sun breaks through the trees and illuminates what you are seeing even better. Sort of gives you a touch of what Paul meant in Corinthians when he says now I see dimly, but I shall see clearly. Crossed Deer Creek which we stopped at last year. I do not think we made it to Deer Camp last year-did not make it on this walk either. But enjoyed it greatly. There is something about the vibrancy of a red snow plant poking its head above the green ground cover of plants to give you a feeling of a wakefulness, before rounding a corner and seeing our camp.

It is oatmeal for breakfast. We clean up the camp and fill Sherri's bladder with water-do not ponder that picture for long. We decide to go on a day hike up the trail we did not complete last night.  This leads up to Deer Camp Road, about two miles away. The road is no longer used, except as a hiking trail. We make pretty good time climbing up the slope, we come across two women hiking from Chiqipiun. They think they only have a mile or so to Mosquito Creek We have the sad duty to inform them that they have about six miles down to Mosquito Creek. Shortly afterwards, we reach the road. Seeing it is only 2.2 miles to Deer Camp, we decide to make a loop of it.

The road, or I should the trail as the road part is pretty much encroached upon, is pretty level. You get some views of the Alder and Derr Creek drain ages. If you are looking for views which knock your socks off, try some other trail. But the gentle rolling ness of the area is pleasant to look at. The trail crosses a few creeks before coming to Deer Camp.

Deer Camp is really a meadow in a small bowl. There are places which one can fit a tent in and be pretty comfortable. It will be interesting looking up its history, which we did when we got back home. Deer Camp used to be a conservation corp camp, where the kids-realy should say young adults (teens and those in their 20's. Shows how old I am getting)  would go out and do work or take care of fires in the area.  Sherri and I take a break here and munch some more on a Clif bar-seems like a theme. Fortunately it is shady as the sun is starting to be more intense.  It is now only a mile or so  back to camp, at least that is what the sign says. But my GPS says it is more like a mile and a half. So we walk the mile plus I walked this morning, so I am getting used to this trail.

After getting back to camp, we have lunch consisting of PB2 and crackers. All which I have to say is give me back my peanut butter and Nutella. We finish packing up and then sling the packs on our shoulders, starting our trip back to the car. It is warm. While we are making good time, you can tell that when we hit a spot of coolness, we walk better. 

Much of the way, till well pass Alder Falls, we  speculate where the road is on the other side of the creek. Is it where it looks like there is a cut? Or the big rock buttressing the river, is that where the bridge was? All speculation. We saw nothing definitive, except markings on the map. We did see a rail saying 4505 Illinois 1913. Sort of confirms the age of the road we are on.

At the end of the road, we take a break on a pile of ties, before we head down the last two miles of trail. Sherri notes that I am starting to nod off, so we had better get a moving. Nothing adventuresome. We get back to the car around 4, then head down the road. We stop in Wawona to score some Capture California points and make use of the bathroom. Then it is off to Mecca, better know as Todd's in Oakhurst where my garlic fries calls.  Then on to home, arriving at 7. Tired, aching, but feeling good about ourselves.

May 30, 2013 - Alder Creek

 Title: May 30, 2013 - Alder Creek

Trail head: Mosquito Creek

Hike Info:

Trail: Alder Creek

Destination:Above Alder Falls

Actual Destination: Alder Creek/Deer Camp Trail Junction

Distance: 8.19 miles

Travel Time: 5:20 (1.53 mph)

Moving Time: 4:09 (1.97 mph)

Elevation Rise: 2,163'

Maximum Elevation: 6,428

Description:

What a day! Seeing Alder Falls, always a pleasure and hiking today was good. First 2+ miles got us huffing and puffing. But we knew that was coming. It was the late start is what set the tone.

Why the late start? First last night we were tired. So there was not any push to get up and go. I still got up a quarter after six. Wrote some and had breakfast. Then took care of some family business. That kept me going until ten. We got in the car and headed to Wawona. Got our permit, good conversation with a volunteer ranger, Nick. Ate lunch at the car and got to the Mosquito Creek trail head by about. 1:30.

Burnt Forest at the start

The first three-quarters of a mile is a trudge through a burnt out forest from a fire about  six years ago. But even here, you can see the brush asking over and a few spots of green on trees. When we reach the junction, the trail starts to level out. You still go up pretty good, but not as steeply. You are now getting into areas which the fire has not touched.  It is not as wet as last May when we went through.

The last eighth of a mile before we get to the railroad bed is steep, but we pop out onto it and take a Clif bar break. The day has warmed up, but it is still cool for the end of May. The railroad bed is level and we make pretty good time, about 2.75mph.

Alder Falls and Sherri

The first view of Alder Falls is always picturesque. This is not an exception. The water is still flowing well, but a bit more restrained than we have seen it before. The results of lack of winter snows. We still stop and gawk, and admire. The decision is to continue on rather than stopping at the top of the falls.

So up we go along the creek. We are still traveling pretty good. We cross one creek which gave Sherri fits last time. Then we come to crossing Alder Creek itself. We had stopped here and camped before. But this time Sherri crosses on a couple of thing logs which were not here last year. No problems.

We quickly reach the Deer Camp junction.  Rather than camp here, we decide to continue up the trail we have not been on before. Evidently not too many people take this trail either. Even in sandy soil, it takes me awhile to find someone elses footprint. We start looking for a campsite and cannot find any Class A or B sites-ones which have been used before. After a mile or so, we stop and I continue on ahead without a pack. Walking another two-thirds of a mile and I find a nice creek, but on a slope, with no campsites in view. Hardly any flat places. So we turn back and go back to the junction.

Trail and Meadow

There we go and cross Alder Creek again and find a spot we camped at six or seven years ago. Still pretty nice. Camp is set up quickly. Tent is pitched and the water is drawn. Sherri fixes dinner of Free Tamale. It is filling. And tastes good. We clean up the site and are ready for bed around 8:30.

May 29, 2013 - Nelder Grove

 Title: May 29, 2013 - Nelder Grove

Trail head: Nelder Grove Campground

Hike Info:

Trail: Bull Buck Loop Trail, Nelder Grove Trail, Trail of the Sequoias

Distance: 7.91 miles

Travel Time: 5:30 (1.44 mph)

Moving Time: 4:36 (1.72 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,430'

Maximum Elevation: 6,138'

Description:

It is Wednesday morning and it must be time for a meetup hike! But Sherri and I are running a bit late. We are dehydrating corn and bell peppers for our JMT hike in less than three weeks. So we wrap up those preparations and get to Kohl's just as John is lining up all the cars. We sneak into line, unbeknownst to John, who then gets surprised when we pop up. Jerry J rides with us to Oakhurst, where we pick up another passenger, Judy.

We get up to the parking lot close to Nelder Grove Campground. Our first trail to be tackled is the Bull Buck Tree Loop.  So is there anything special about the Bull Buck Tree, that is except for its funny name? Well, for starters, it is huge--about 272' tall. And here it is, just standing there, modestly, waiting to be touched and seen. Unlike some of the other trees, there is no crowds here, you can, and we did, gaze upon the tree, admiring it.  We finish up the loop by going past the primitive campground--there are a couple of tents there. Then it is back to the parking lot for the second hike.

This section of the hikes, Sherri, Steven and I have hiked before. It is when we said, this is an area which demands our attention. For some reason today seems a bit easier  than it was last month. It may have something to do with the threatening skies cooling things off, or just being in better shape. Whatever the reason, I am enjoying myself. I get to talk with Judy and Stephanie on this trip. We take our time going up. While not an extensive climb like the Mist Trail in Yosemite, it does get the heart going a bit. But so does the tops of the Sequoias when you gaze across Nelder Creek at the ridge beyond.   There is a view of the Fresno Flats (Oakhurst) area which the Fresno River runs through. But because of the skies, we have an unusual amount of clarity. So we can see all the way into the Valley and the already dried grasses.

We continue along, passing the Clothespin Tree. It does not fool me--the pin part is up about 90' above us, so at first gawk, you do not see it. It is only by straining your neck do you see it. Then we get a view to the north-west. Across the way is Tenaya Lodge's roof. This is where the meetup group takes a travel break a lot of times. We come to the Hawksworth Tree-named after a care taker of the forest, who served the area faithfully, both professional and as a concerned person. After a short climb, we come to the Grandad and Grandchildern Tree. The rest of our meetup group is waiting for us. After a short break, we continue on this trail, back down to the road--a little bit steeper, but shorter than returning the trail we came on.

The return trip is easy and quick. It is interesting that as you return along the same trail as you come up, things look different. Such as, I had promised Stephanie something special around Nelder Creek on the way up. But I could not find it. But coming down, there was a special, quiet little waterfall. But both Judy and Stephanie thought it was special.  We make it back down to the cars and take a short drive to the historical visitor center, where we spend about 10-15 minutes looking at the outdoor exhibits.

Then it is on to the last hike, the Trail of the Sequoias. Only about a mile and a quarter, it packs a lot of punch into that distance.  As part of the Hawksworth's family contributions, they have set up an interpretive trail, in conjunction with a Boy Scout troop from Oakhurst. This trail tells about the role the Sequoias play in this area and how the area helps keep the sequoias strong. So over the mile and a quarter, of moderate graded trail, we were informed, exercised and entertained. Not bad for a place which may see a few thousand visitors each year, many of them school aged children. Actually, on the last part, a group from Baird in Fresno, about an hours drive away, were up here at the same time, learning about the sequoias.

So all in all, a good day and one which we would do over again.





Previous Hikes:

• April 9, 2013

May 24, 2013 - Roads End

Title: May 24, 2013 - Roads End

Trail head: Upper Paradise Valley

Hike Info:

Trail:  Mist Falls, Paradise Valley, Return leg of Kanawyer Loop Trail

Destination: Road's End

Distance:  11.10 miles

Travel Time: 7:06 (1.56 mph)

Moving Time: 5:49 (1.91 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,013'

Maximum Elevation: 6,915

Description:

iPad is at 20% this morning, but it was on when I looked at it. I thought it was in the 30's last night when I went to bed. Watching the video took about 10%. It went from 20% to 15% in 3 hours I had it off.

Got up a little after 6 and after having my quiet time. It certainly seemed lighter this morning than yesterday. Even Sherri was awake around 6:15, even though she stayed in bed for about an hour after I got up. I walked around, said hi to Rick, the person whom we met we'd night.

Middle Paradise Valley

We were pack and on the trail back to Road's End by 9:30. We will need to do something with Sherri's pack and Garcia bear canister. It is hard to fit into her pack. Just the volume. We make good time coming down Paradise Valley. Stop for a Clif bar break at the middle camp. Then it is off again.

We make pretty good time getting to the Lower Paradise Valley Camp. Of course it is only a mile further than the middle camp. Still, passing this camp is the outpost of the valley. So it is with regret to be passing out of Paradise--makes you think about Adam and Eve being shoo'd from the garden. There is still about a third of a mile of pleasantly flowing water beside us. But we come to the log jam which signals the drop down into the canyon.  

Lower Paradise Valley

The Sphinxes

This is a segment where we experience a lot of the noon-day sun. But it is downhill, and the day is relatively cool. We both are thinking that two days ago we came up this trail. Seems so much better downhill. We get to the top of Mist Falls and stop for lunch.  This is the same place where we left the meetup group Wednesday.

A fellow backpacker came up the trail and we invited her to stop and eat with us. Pleasant conversation with her. She is from Bakersfield and just began to backpack last year. Just a pleasant time. But it was time for us to go our separate ways. 

Above Mist Falls

Mist Falls

The Falls are enjoyable. The mist is bellowing from the top of the falls. Even below the falls, it is great looking. We go on down, scenting that home  or at least the car is not that far away. We stop and cross the Bailey Bridge-this bridge has two spans, about 70' long each, secured by a large rock in the middle of the South Fork of the Kings. After crossing, we come to a good place for an afternoon break. Clif and granola bars are devoured. Feels like we should take a nap. But we probably should be on our way.

South Fork of Kings

Usually we are on the north side of the river, but today we will do a new trail on the south side. This is a trail which I have seen on the map and people have told me about it. So it is a time to enjoy it. It is said to have more shade and is more scenic than the north side. It is about a half of a mile longer, but with more shade and less sand. A bit more variation in the rise and falls. We pass by Muir Rock. Also there is a large rock with the initials of W.B. 1912 in it. We could not find out who W.B. was. One guide book says that you "Pass by a large boulder curiously inscribed with W.B. 1912". But Danny Palmerlee does not say anything more about it.

But we get back to the car, enjoying taking off our boots and resting for a few minutes, before our two hour drive back to Fresno.

May 23, 2013 - Woods Creek

Title: May 23, 2013 - Woods Creek

Trail head: Upper Paradise Valley

Hike Info:

Trail: Woods Creek Connector

Destination: John Muir Trail

Distance: 11.46 Miles

Travel Time: 7:52 (1.46 mph)

Moving Time: 6:27 (1.78 mph)

Elevation Rise: 2,622'

Maximum Elevation: 8,551'

Description:

Snow Plant

Slept well. Because we are in a canyon, the sun has not risen when I climb out of the tent, around 7. I had been having my quiet time and looking at the the iPad for about half an hour. By the way, the iPad started out the morning as 78% charged. While Sherri slept, I walked down the trail aways. Then climbed up the side of the canyon about a 150'. From there, I watched the sun break over the northern rim above our campsite.

Sherri got up some place after 8. We had a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal and misc things. We will go for a day hike up the Woods Creek. Maybe if we do good, we will hit the JMT.  We get everything cleaned up, even ourselves by 10 and are on our way. That is after a few minute conversation with our camp neighbor Rick.

Arrow Creek Falls

A stop on the bridge over the South Fork of the Kings. Then onto the trail. For the first half of a mile, it is fairly flat, then it starts to rise. Because this is morning and it is cool, it is pretty pleasant, even though we know we are working. This trail is more work than pleasure, it still gives you sights to see.  The falls coming down the sides are attractive. Particularly the ones coming down Arrow Creek, right above our camp. It pours into the Kings a bit above the bridge we crossed. So we do not get to see the entry into the river.

At the two mile mark, we stop for elevensess.  We start with crackers, PB and Nutella. But the crackers keep on breaking. So we discover a new delight: Clif bars, PB and Nutella.  We will need to figure out how to incorporate this into our diet.

Castle Dome Creek

Onward and upward. We cross Castle Dome Creek. A small adventure since there is a pool which forms on the trail. But we do not make a splash.  Above the creek is a burnt out spot stretching over a mile. It must have happened within the last couple of years since I do not remember it from the last time we were here. The climb does get to us. We pass through a delightful meadow. Then it is "only" a mile and 3/4 to the JMT. Which we make, but a bit weary. We do cross the Woods Creek suspension bridge. Always an adventure going across the bridge. 

Burnt Out Section

After our lunch, after 2,  we turn back. It was both time to come back and we had reached our destination. While the trip back was easier, in that it was down hill, we were still tired. The sights of the mountains surrounding Woods Creek would be jaw dropping anywhere but here. Here the trail is not interesting, but grinding. Going back is nicer in that you can see the valley sloping down and the view is constantly in front of you.

Down Woods Creek

We get back to camp  around 5:30. Dinner is beef-cabbage with tortillas. Needs a bit more taste. We pick up our stuff. Then watch an episode of Dr. Who on the iPad-isn't this the life? We turn in at 8:30. Sherri promptly falls asleep. I read for half an hour.

Sherri, the Lone Hike

Some trail thoughts. Having a GPS on your wrist makes you want to constantly look at it. While it is useful in helping you pace yourself, it is a hindrance to enjoying the trail and appreciating what is around you. Too much like having a watch to make sure you are always on time.

Mile before JMT

May 22, 2013 - Upper Paradise Valley

Title: May 22, 2013 - Upper Paradise Valley

Trail head: Road's End, Cedar Grove

Hike Info:

Trail: Mist Falls/Paradise Valley

Destination: Middle Paradise Valley

Actual Destination: Upper Paradise Valley

Distance: 10.58 miles

Travel Time: 7:24 (1.43 mph)

Moving Time: 6:32  (1.62 mph)

Elevation Rise: 2,688'

Maximum Elevation: 6,990'

Description:

Got up 5:15, got ready and left the house by 6:20. Needed to stop for gas at Costco. Then it is on our way to Cedar Grove and Roads End,  we are a bit surprised because we get to Roads End about 8:30.  John, Cathey, and the rest of the Mid-Week Meetup gang came in about 10 minutes after we arrive-we thought because of our late start, they would already be there. By 9 we are on the trail. Sherri and I did a self-registration for our wilderness permit for Paradise Valley.

The Sphinx

Right from the get go we had some excitement. A cinnamon colored black bear crossed our path about 100 yard up the trail.  We all gawk and look at him., taking pictures, of course. A great way to start a hike.

The first two miles are flat, and usually pretty boring. We are the only ones with backpacks on, the rest are out for a hike. But the conversations are good. I am walking with John, Lee, Rose and Leslie. Once we hit the Bailey Bridge over the South Fork of the Kings River, we start a mild uphill. One of the new people falls down-she has lost strength her knee. Sherri provides an ace bandage, which helps. John and I walk with her to Mist Falls.

Chief Uggms, perhaps my favorite rock in the Sierras

Above the falls we have lunch. Then it is time to part ways with our meetup group. Always enjoyable to walk with them. Now for the hard climbing. Sherri is wearing as much weight as she will when walking the JMT. She takes the 900' climb up to Paradise Valley better than she ever has. While it helps that it is cool, more of explanation is that she and I are in good physical shape and have lost weight.

Entering Paradise Valley

We stop at Lower Paradise Camp and have a Clif bar.  While it is a border line decision about stopping and having a nap or continuing on, we decide to go on. The middle camp is only a mile more. Once again the question is posed, stay or go on. We both are doing good, so we go on to the Upper Paradise Valley camp. That is another 2.2 miles. It takes us less than an hour. Here we both decide to stop for the night. We both feel like we traveled fr enough.

We grab camp #3. Nice, clean and flat. The tent is set up-wind is picking up and even in the sun, it is a bit cool. Dinner is beans and tortilla. Good enough . We take a short walk, then talk for awhile while shivering, now that the sun has gone down. Pretty cold. So at 8, it is off to bed to read and write. Both are out like a burnt out light by 9.

Other Related Trips:

• May 16, 2009 - To Lower Paradise Valley
• May 17, 2009 - Lower to Upper Paradise Valley
• May 18, 2009 - Return Trip

May 18, 2013 - Redwood Canyon

Title: May 18, 2013 - Redwood Canyon

Trail head: Redwood Canyon Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Trail: Sugarbowl and Hart Trails

Destination: Loop to Redwood Canyon and Creek

Distance:  10.79 miles*

Travel Time: 6:25 (1.68 mph)

Moving Time: 6:02 (1.79 mph)

Elevation Rise:  2,529'

Maximum Elevation: 6,919'
*Another GPS on the trip record about a mile more.

Description:
I picked up Bill and we headed out to the Blossom Trail Cafe. We meet up with the meetup hiking group, with Karol coming out to hug me--it is a wonderful thing to be remembered, at least for most things.When the group got assembled, there was 17 people in all. We headed off to the Redwood Canyon parking lot with a brief stop Big Stump.

Hiking the Sequioas

Dogwood against Redwood

The day is a little cool, but not much. Perfect hiking weather since it will heat up a bit  before we are done. We hit the Sugarbowl Trail a bit before 9. Immediately there is a good climb up the ridge on the west side of Redwood Canyon. While not steep, there is no getting your hiking legs under you. But while we are figuring out how to walk this trail, there is much to see and reflect on. Last year there was a control burn in the area. The redish-orange of the Sequioa bark against the black burnt scaring of the fire makes for startling Halloween contrast. You start wondering that with man trying to do good with controlled burns, are we really replicating what creation has produced? Are we really doing good?

However you answer those questions, I still look at the deep and silent beauty of the trees which we are surrounded by. Even though the trees are young, they stand tall and straight, not weathered and beaten by the millennium. A few miles away, you can observe the stateliness of the older Sequioas and know that given the chance, these trees which will outlast us will grow into that kind of maturity.

Buck Rock Lookout

Dogwoods on trail

When we reach the top of the ridge, we observe the canyon before us with the Big Baldy Ridge beyond it. The sky is fairly clear, we can even see the Buck Rock Lookout.  This is a good break point so we stop for 15 minutes. Bill decides to stick around here and then go back rather than risk some foot problems he is dealing with. After this, we do a descent of close to 3 miles into Redwood Canyon. We lose the Sequioas when we hit the east facing part of the ridge. But as we descend, we gain the dogwoods, which are in bloom showing their brilliance in white against green. We are dazzled.

Fallen Goliath

Hart Tree

Once we reach Redwood Creek, we have our lunch break. While eating, we are entertained by a doe who was a bit camera shy, yet obviously wanted to be around the area we were in. After lunch, we started on the Hart Tree Trail. This climb would take us much of the afternoon. The forest continued to put on its show of orange, greens and white. But there is also some delicate pink flowers intermixed with purple lupine. The climb is slow, but the weather cooperates by keeping a moderate and comfortable temperature.

Snow Plants

Dogwood

When we arrive at the Hart Tree area, I go up to get a closer look. Not sure that I was seeing anything out of the ordinary concerning Sequoias, of course there were two couples there which looked like they wanted privacy.  We finally reach the top of our climb at 6,400' and start the descent.  The going becomes a bit more quick. But we do stop at an overlook of Redwood Canyon to take in the sea of trees.

We get back to the cars around 3:15 and start our trek home. There is a stop at Bear Mountain Pizza in Squaw Valley. Then down the mountain. I get home around 5:30, tired but having at satisfying day.




Other trips:  Backpacking, April 10-11, 2013