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