August 28, 2013 - Weaver Lake

Title: August 28, 2013,    Weaver Lake

Trail head:  Big Meadows

Hike Info:

Trail:  Weaver Lake

Destination: Weaver Lake

Distance:  6.58 miles
Start Time: 8:14am
End Time:  1:33pm

Travel Time: 5:17  (1.25 mph)

Moving Time: 3:38  (1.81 mph)

Elevation Rise:  1,608'

Maximum Elevation:  8,738'

Description:
Another mid-week meetup group hike with John and Cathey. We met at Kohl's parking lot at 6am. Jerry J rode with us up to Grant Grove and the then to the Big Meadow Trail head. There are two trail heads for Weaver Lake--Big Meadows and Fox Meadow. The Fox Meadow trail head is shorter, steeper and harder to drive to as there is a passable, but rutted dirt road up to it. Big Meadow's trail head is paved road and parking lot with a pit toliet--easier to access.

Sheriff talks about missing hiker

When we got to the Big Meadows Trail Head, we were greeted by Tulare County SAR. The previous day, an experienced hiker had gotten lost returning from Weaver Lake and they were trying to find her. We were asked to keep a lookout for her as we walked. We would meet other SAR personnel during the day and see helicopters flying. From the Tulare County log: 
LOCATION: Big Meadow Camp Ground DATE: 08-28013 TIME:
CASE NUMBER: VICTIM: 46 year old female CITY: Pasadena
***UPDATE:  Overdue hike Cheldea Griffie located. Subject is in good condition and has been reunited with her party.
The Sheriff's Department is Searching for an overdue hiker in the Big Meadows area. Further info will be provided as is becomes available.



 

Mountains

The trail is pretty broad and beaten as it is a popular trail. But it is not that dusty and is pleasant to walk on. Sherri and I walk with john and Cathey, enjoying a pleasant talk about a range of subjects--the most popular is good places for ice cream around Fresno-unfortunately none of us can think of any besides the likes of B&R and Cold Stone. Cathey comes up with places in Bakersfield and Sacramento. The trail goes up nicely. Certainly seems easier than the last time we went up it. But things are a lot drier. But as we climb, we can see a bit of the mountains north of Kings Canyon--an enjoyable sight to ponder.


After a little more than a mile, we come across the trail from the Fox Meadow trail head and also find the trail's name sake. It is past its seasonal prime-few wildflowers. Shortly after this junction, we meet up with the Jennie Lake trail head and its creek. We take a break here as it is roughly the half way point on our trail. In most seasons, there is a nice little creek here--not today, it is dry (hear the repetitive theme this year?)

Weaver Lake and Shell Mountain

Then it is onward. The trail still rises, but does not seem that it has as much of a grade.  After about two and half miles, the trail levels out and we do a counter until we get to the trail split--the trail continues on to Rowell Meadow while we take the other trail up to Weaver. It is a short distance, maybe a third of a mile.

Today, there is much helicopter activity, looking for the lost hiker. But even before seeing them, we have been hearing them below the ridge line. On the way up, we talked to a couple SAR personnel. They were interested in some cross-country routes. I showed them a route from Weaver over to Jennie which we had taken several years ago.

Weaver and Clouds

But Weaver Lake is pretty nice. We are the only ones here-later on a couple comes up, but they have lunch on the west side of the lake. Everybody lounges around the lake for awhile. Jerry K decides to walk around the lake. Later, I meander around the boulders on the west side, getting some nice shots of the clouds. Enjoyable.

Weaver and Clouds

It is then time to return back to the trail head. We take the same route back. I walk with John and Cathey. Sherri has a fit of energy and hikes with a faster group. The trip back is made pretty quickly and without incident.

August 20, 2013 - Lower Lewis Creek Trail

Title: August 20, 2013 - Lower Lewis Creek Trail

Trail head: Cedar Valley Road

Hike Info:

Trail: Lower Lewis Creek Trail

Destination: Meandering

Distance:  4.12 miles

Travel Time: 2:43 (1.52 mph)

Moving Time: 2:08 (1.93 mph)

Elevation Rise:  967'

Maximum Elevation: 4,102'

Description:
We needed to get out of the house today. That is needed like in imperative. The house had been fogged for bugs and we needed to get out. So what better excuse do we have for going on a hike? So after running a few errands, we headed up to Oakhurst and the Lewis Creek.

Sherri walking in the woods

This is an hour's drive away from Fresno, so we do this trail often, but usually not in the middle of Summer. When we reach the trail head on Cedar Valley Road, it is about 90--and will climb higher as we walk. As we go along today, we take a some side trips rather than the usual from Cedar Valley up to Red Rock Falls and Sugar Pine. So this turns out to be the same, but different type of trip we usually do on Lewis Creek. Same trail for some of the way; different in that we spent at least half the time exploring different places.

When we reach Corlieu Falls, it is just a trickle of the usual flow. But even in its trickle, there is beauty. We see different patterns in its falling than what we usually see.  The falls do not mask the little rivulets which are flowing into the creek. One of which turns out to be from a spring.

Warm Springs

On the last meetup hike, Jerry and John had talked about a warm spring off of the Lewis Creek trail. Steven, our son, said he had been up to it. So when we reached the top of Corlieu Falls, Steven takes us over the creek-which is a trickle right now. There is the springs (N37 25.012 W119 37.462), just about 50' on the other side. It definitely is not a hot springs. Today, it feels like air temperature. But on a winter's day, it would feel good. Sulfur in the air as well.

Corlieu Falls in Aug 2013

Corlieu Falls-March 2013

Steven and I see some pipe leading out of the spring and a path. There are some cables, so we start following all three. This path is not for the faint of heart, and as far as we followed it, it did not lead to anything really great. But we enjoyed the journey. From the YosemiteArea.com web site, Falconer said: My wife and I have a cabin not to far from the hot springs. I found out that it used to be lumber land. So the cables you see up on the cliff you'll notice have grow into the trees. At one point there used to be a cable with a basket so the lumber jacks could get across the falls. I have bee told that the whole area was clear cut at one time. The forest thats there now is only about 70 years old. I hope that helps.

We move on and continue on up Lewis Creek, crossing it again, on a bridge. Right now, it is a minor rock hop across it. A little ways later, Sherri sees this huge bird taking off from the creek. From a talk in the marsh lands in Mountain View, it looks like a gray heron to me. But looking at iBirds, it looks like a Little Blue Heron. Amazing. It is the last we see of the bird.

Add caption

A little ways further, we find a little ways further, we come across a little creek draining into Lewis Creek. There is a side path, so we decide to follow that up a ways. Glad we did. this creek is really pretty dainty, but there is an elegance with it. The little flow down the rocks leaves us wondering why we have not come up here before. Of course, in a few places it is a bit of scramble.

Gary Walking

When we get back to the main trial, we ask, which way. The vote is back to the car. The heat is taking its toll on us. So a quick trip back we make. A quick trip is right. There was a couple who were around Corlieu Falls, going up. When we get to the car, about a mile away, they just were pulling in. We did see where the temperature was in the upper 90's. Glad we turned back. besides, we were getting hungry and Todd's was beckoning us.

August 16-18, 2013 - Cedar Grove House Church Campout

Doug D is going off to college in a week, so his father and him planned a father-son trip to Ceder Grove in Kings Canyon. So they invited the men from our house church to go up with them. Doug and Greg went up Thursday, followed by Steven J, Stephen G, Steven D, and Peter J on Friday. Mike W came up Saturday morning. He took back Peter J and Stephen G that night.

Enjoyable time. When not hiking, we were playing games, reading, or just all around chatting. But we also got a fair amount of hike time in as well.

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Title: August 16, 2013 - Kanawyer's Loop

Hike Info:

Trail:  Kanawyer's Loop

Starting location:  Roads End

Destination:  Roads End

Distance:   4.54 miles

Start Time:  4:26

End Time:    6:38

Travel Time: 2:12 (2.06 mph)

Moving Time: 1:53(2.41 mph)

Elevation Rise: 509'

Maximum Elevation: 5,145'

Description:

In the late afternoon, after we had arrived from Fresno, Greg suggested we go on a hike. Originally we were thinking about doing the Lewis Trail. But then as we talked about the various trails in the area, we decided to do a loop out of Roads End, called the Kanawyer's Loop.

We did the loop counter-clockwise. The we in our group is Greg, Peter, and myself, Gary.  I am somewhat surprised that Peter is doing this walk as  this is not something he or really enjoys. But I am glad he is along.

Kings River around Roads End

The walk along the south side of the Kings is cooler, plus with the tree cover, we seem refreshed. We have crossed the Kings with the bridge. This is the same trail Sherri and I discovered last June, returning from Paradise Valley.  Only thing then, it was from east to west and because it was Spring time, every thing was  more lush. But even now, it is a good walk amongst the greenery and boulders.

Peter does well as we stop about every half mile. I think he is enjoying the effort, but probably not the actual walking. Even more so, there is a companionship amongst those which hike together. You discuss things both trivial and large. I think this is where Peter's head is really at in this hike-enjoying the talking.

As we get close to Bubbs Creek we can hear more of the water flowing. This is encouraging as I have a fear that a lot of the creeks are drying up. While the flow is down, it still is respectable and should not completely dry up this year. We cross the Bailey Bridge and come back along the north side of the Kings.

While this section can be hot and dusty, today it is a bit cooler, even though the temperatures are in the 90's. our walk seems faster than we do this. Must be the good conversations.

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Title: August 17, 2013 -  Zumwalt Meadows

Hike Info:

Trail: Zumwalt Meadows Loop

Starting location: Zumwalt Meadow Parking Lot

Distance:  2.08 Miles

Start Time:  11:29

End Time:     1:30

Travel Time: 1:37 (1.29 mph)

Moving Time: 1:08 (1.83 mph)

Elevation Rise:  210'

Maximum Elevation:  5,072'

Description:

Canyon View

Mike W has come up to join us for the day. He will be taking back Stephen G and Peter J. But before this evening, we have a lot of time together.  We decide to do a hike around Zumwalt Meadows, near the upper end of Kins Canyon.

Flowers in Zumwalt

One of many deer

It is already warm when we pile out of the cars. A group photo  is almost taken-in making room for me, Greg moved out of the picture. The hike is started. Because this is an interpretive hike, we will learn about the area. There are 20 stops in the 1.5-2 mile walk. One of the first ones talks about the native Americans who inhabited the area, the Monache tribe. But a little ways above the sign post was a plaque with Abram Agnew and Jesse Agnew on it, with what looked like a pile of stones underneath it.

Grave of the Agnews

Zumwalt and Canyon

Interpretive Trail

Shortly afterwards, we cross the Kings on a bridge, then head back east on the south side of the Kings. Pleasant walking. We go clockwise around the meadow-the wrong way for the interpretive trail. We get the the meadow view first, instead of last. This view is wonderful. It has the tall grasses and marsh plants up close, while the south rim of the canyon stands behind, including the Grand Sentinel.

Balancing Rocks

Zumwalt

Ready to Pounce

As we circle around and come to the returning trail, we hit the granite talus field. These boulders have fallen off the tall granite slopes of the canyon walls over the centuries. While they are stable in our terms, you do realize it is only a matter of time before more boulders come down. We get back to the cars around 1:15.

By Roaring River Falls

Time to head off back to camp for lunch. But first we stop at Roaring River Falls- only a quarter mile walk. The falls are only a shadow of their usual selves. But still fuller than the trickle we expect. I guess I will have to stop calling them the Roaring Trickle. We do get a group shot here. Then off to Knapp's Cabin to see a bit of history. Then a brief stop at Canyon View for another photo-op, and back to camp.

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Title: August 17, 2013 - Roads End to Sheep Creek Camp

Hike Info:

Trail: Along the Kings River

Starting location:  Roads End

Destination: Sheep Creek Campground

Distance:  7.08 miles

Start Time:  3:35

End Time:    6:13

Travel Time:   2:38 (2.69 mph)

Moving Time:  2:26 (2.91 mph)

Elevation Rise:  500'

Maximum Elevation:  5,121'

Description:

After lunch, Greg asks, who wants to go for a hike. This is the third time he floated the idea of going up the Lewis Trail.  But upon further consideration, we decide on a trail from Roads End to our camp. Mike will hike about half of it, with Greg, Steven J and myself doing it all. Part of this trail, about half of a mile we did this morning. But most of it will be along a couple of trails most people did not walk.

But us intrepid few do walk it and walk it well. We left Mike's car at Roaring River Falls parking lot and made our way to Roads End, where we left my car. Crossing the same bridge we did last night, we take off west along the Kings, instead of east like we did last night on the Kanawyers Trail. The walking is pleasant: ferns and boulders, burnt out pines and the Kings all along the way. But as we go west, the cover gets a bit sparser, but still pleasant enough. We come to part of the Zumwalt Meadow Loop and follow it for half of a mile. 

Zumwalt Meadows

Mike is setting our pace--and it is quick, even though the surface is uneven. As we get close to Roaring River, we are over taken by a solitary running, who then returns about 15 minutes later. Then we hear the thundering of hoofs a few minutes later. The a flock of gallimimus--you know that scene in Jurasic Park where a herd changes direction on cue and runs around--the doctor is in awe and the kids are concerned. Well this herd of trail runners do the same. They leave us alone, but we are expecting a T-Rex around the next tree. Fortunately, we make it to the Roaring River Falls parking lot before the T-Rex appears.

Mike then drives us back across the Kings River and drops us off at a dirt road. We walk a little ways down the road and find the trail. This one is definitely not used on a daily basis. Greg is in the lead and there are times it disappears on him. But even on the sunny side of the canyon, it is not too bad, as far as the heat. 

North Canyon Spires

You get a bit different perspective on the canyon as well. The sides of the canyon seems more vertical, rising to spires above us. Instead of the taller pines and ferns on the south side, there is more scrub brush, showing us the lack of moisture.  We reach the NPS wilderness stables. The trail sort of disappears and we decide to walk the road for a ways.

The road is not very dusty and pretty hard. So we make pretty good time. Conversation turns to ethics in our lives--how it plays out in how we work and live. After awhile a ranger comes driving by and asks how we are doing. Pretty friendly, but each of us has seen the rifle he has and that does make us a bit nervous-nobody comments on it until we are back at camp.

Afternoon Clouds

A short time later, we hit paved road and find the store. From  their, we cross the bridge back to the south side and go through the Sentinel campground. There is a paved trail over to our campground-Sheep Creek. When we get into our campground, we see Mike and Steven D driving the cars--they had fetched the Rav4 from Roads End. They give us a ride back to camp--a tenth of mile. But I am thankful, keeping a bit tired. All in all, a hike I enjoyed, mostly because of the companionship.

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Sunday, August 18, 2013

While not a hike, on Sunday morning we did have a service to refresh ourselves with our Lord. From my notes:

• Open with Prayer:
• Read Psalm 97, intersperse with Let the earth rejoice
• Service Theme: Endure till the end
• Entries from a John Muir Trail Hiker's(Larry ) journal:
• The beginning of trail was almost a breeze.  I felt my workout rhythm returning.  Mosquitoes swarmed.  I had a net for my head and ears, my pants were impenetrable, but there was nothing to defend the rest of me.  Dozens landed on my unprotected shoulders to suck my blood.  I imagined and then believed that the mosquitoes are "the sword flaming and turning" whose duty it is to keep us out of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24).
• We met a friendly Australian couple at a rest stop overlooking a gorgeous distant view of pointy, blue-gray, snow-frosted Bunnell Point.  He was white-bearded; she was older as well, mixing grapefruit juice and water in a cup.  Their vigor and cheer put me to shame.
• Then the horrors started again: staggering 1000 feet up Sunrise Mountain.  I felt no pain.  I just couldn't get enough air.  After every rest it took a minute or so before my legs stopped feeling numb and dead, as if it took a while for the oxygen in my blood to get to them to give them power. 
• Thoughts on the journal-very much like our Christian walk. We turn to Christ and it is Jesus and me. We walk together and life is wonderful. That is until the pests arrive in our life to distract us and make us wonder. We meet those on our way which refresh us and encourage us. Then the hard slodge happens and we need to endure to the top.
• Paul speaks to Timothy, to encourage him. 
•  Speaks to young men and Timothy in particular.
• College be the marketplace of our day
• Need to remember: You are chosen
• 1 Tim 4:4 -  everything is good. Receive with thanksgiving.
• 1Sam13:13-14. You have done a foolish thing. Not followed the Lords commands (Samuel says to Saul when he does not wait for Samuel to offer sacrifice). Follow God's commands, rather than the good which is out there.
• 1Tim1:18-19
• How to endure?
• Pray
•  Read the word
•  Fellowship with those who love God
•  Seek counsel from the wise and godly
•  Follow his commands
•  Gratitude
  
• 1 Tim 4:16 - Watch your life closely
• 1Tim 6;11-16
• As much as you will try, you cannot outrun Gods love.
• As Psalm 136 says, not once, not twice, but after each verse, his love endures forever
• Pray for Doug

August 14, 2013 - Hobler Lake

Title: August 13, 2013 - Hobler Lake

Trail head:  Maxson Trail Head

Hike Info:

Trail: Maxson Trail Head to Hobler Lake

Destination: Hobler Lake

Distance:  9.16 miles  (1.21 miles*) 

Travel Time: 5:55 (1.55 mph)     (0:48*)

Moving Time: 4:15 (2.16 mph)  (0:31*)

Elevation Rise:    1,384'   (152'*)

Maximum Elevation: 9,089'
*A group of people overshot Hobler Lake. The indicated information is the overshot amount

Description:
It has been awhile since Sherri and I have been on a hike with our meetup group, particularly with the mid-week folks. So it was good to be hiking with John, Jerry, Lee F, JerryJ, Nat,  and the female Lee-we missed having Cathey along. Also with other folks such as Rosie and Megan. Hiking can be a pretty socialable event, if done right. This was one of those time.

After gathering in Clovis we headed on up to Courtright Reservoir in Sierra National Forest.  But before arriving at the Maxson trail head, we made a brief stop to examine a unique geological exhibit, explaining the different type of rock and soils in the area. This brought interest to our trip as we were surrounded by domes.

John and Gary

The first leg of the hike was along the Dusy four-wheel drive road. But after about a mile, we branched off onto a hiking path. It was pleasant and gentle. While the affects of the drought was noticeable, the area  was forested so the total effect of going up the valley was refreshing. We came upon a group of backpackers who are going to go over Hell-For-Sure Pass, then up Evolution Valley and Basin before Muir Pass and out over Bishop Pass. One of the people, from Hawaii, had done the JMT last year and wants to do it again.

Elephant Head

At the next trail junction, at Chamberlain Camp area, we started the major ascent. John says about two hundred and fifty feet. But the map shows more like four or five hundred. Still, not as bad as a high Sierra pass. The trail is not as well graded, with some steps being up to three feet up. Not bad for me, but some people are not above six feet tall either. But once we got to the next fork--plenty of jokes about which way to go, the trail eases it grade and we go along pretty well. John shows Lee and I his elephant head burl-very curiously shaped. I think it has a tusk, but John says it is feeding himself. But everybody else misses this scenic wonder.

Hikers

Hobler Lake

After about three-quarters of a mile more, we come up to the lake, Hobler Lake. A nice lake, with plenty of grass on its northern and eastern end. But pretty pleasant. But wait! As we look around, no Sherri, no Megan. Where have they gone? Others think they may have seen them and shouted after them, but that group just continued on. So I took out after them. After a little more than half of a mile, I caught up to the four people who overshot the lake, and we went back to relax with lunch and a view of the lake.

Chamberlian Cabin

The trip back took us about as long as coming up. At the base of the steep ascent, at Chamberlain Camp, we went west, instead of returning back via the same trail. In about a hundred and fifty feet, we came across the Chamberlian's cabin. Built in 1945, it is padlocked closed. But recently, last May, an outhouse was put up by Backcountry Horsemen of California. We made use of the facilities and continued on.

Rocky Road with Gary, John and Lee F

This trail had many places where  we skirted around fallen trees. At the Voyager Rock campground, we hit the Dusy Road again. We follow it as it heads south, inland of Courthright Reservois. We do not get to see much of the reservoir, but do get to enjoy some brief views of Maxson Dome and the valley we walked up this morning. We also cross a long stretch of granite slab where the road goes, marked only by stone and a few blue highway bumps. A couple of four-wheel drive jeeps pass up-friendly folk--and we reach the cars around 2:30. Content.

But not completely content. We go down to Shaver Lake and try to eat at the Trading Post. But they do not start serving until 5. So across the street to Shaver Lake Pizza we go and order up. Now we are content as we wolf down the pizza and drinks of choice.

August 11-13, 2013 - Ostrander Lake

August 11-13, 2013 - Ostrander Lake
It has been three weeks since we have put a backpack on. The previous time was coming down Mt. Whitney to finish up the JMT. The question which was entering my mind was, "Am I ready for this?" While the body was in pretty good shape, except for a sore side, would I mbe mentally up to it. On the other hand, Ostrander is a good hike which I have enjoyed. As an added plus, Carol W and our son Steven is coming with us. So it should be a pretty nice three days.



Title:August 11, 2013 - Bridalveil Campground to Ostrander Lake

Hike Info:

Trail: Ostrander Lake

Starting location: Bridalveil Campground

Destination:  Ostrander Lake

Distance:  7.14 miles

Start Time:  3:05

End Time:  7:07

Travel Time:   4:01 (1.78 mph)

Moving Time:  3:18 (2.16 mph).

Elevation Rise:  2,118'

Maximum Elevation:  8,615'

Description::

I went to church  and hear Jeremy's sermon on shepherds and lambs. Picked up Carol and went home. We did the last minute packing and was able to leave Fresno a little after noon. There was a stopped in Oakhurst to pick up Subway sandwiches-both lunch and dinner. Then got our permit, from this year's favorite ranger Heidi P. She has been helpful each time I have gone in and today was no exception. The Ostrander trail head was full, but she suggested an alternative--Bridalveil Campground. This was where we used to leave from many years ago, so it was fine with us. We had our Subway lunch then on the lawn in front of the Wawona Hotel. Then it is on to the trail head.

Carol and her backpack

Left the car around 3:00. Instead of starting at our normal trail head, we started at Bridalveil Creek Campground. The first three miles are pretty flat, rising about a hundred feet. Bridalveil Creek is just a small, muddy trickle.  Actually, going this way is a bit prettier than coming up through the Ostrander trail head.  I start a few minutes later than the rest of them, but get caught up by the first junction. I am feeling pretty good about my walking; the stride is good and the cadence feels like I can keep it up for awhile. At the junction, we make a decision to go the prettier, but longer way to Ostrander. We continue up the west side of Bridalveil Creek until the second junction. This is the one which if we continued on goes to Turner Meadow and Deer Camp. We then cross over and meet the Ostrander trail in about three-quarters of a mile.

Fliterary

At this junction, we have a rest break, before the big climb up Horizon Ridge. There is a burnt out section of forest which each year seems to be recovering pretty nicely, finally, from the 1994 fire. The first mile and a half rises up 800'. This is a section which always tires me out, but this time I am able to do pretty good on it. Must be the 23 days on the JMT which makes this climb easier. Even though I doubt I will ever so climbing 800' is a piece of cake. When we get to the top of the ridge, we take another break. 

Climbing a hill

We have about 700' more to climb to get to Ostrander and the hour is getting closer to sun down. So Steven and I take off to see if we can find a camp site. Carol and Sherri will come up the trail as they can. I must be feeling really good as after a half of a mile, Steven steps aside and I pass him. One step at a time makes it up the slope. With the exception for a few minutes of gawking at the scenery, I make it up to Ostrander without stopping. Not bad for an old man.

Half Dome

When I get to the lake, I decide to go to the east rather than the more popular west campsites. But everyplace I look, people have already camped in those spots. By this time, Steven has caught up with me, so we go across the lake's outlet to the west. There are some campsites available, a bit crowded. but still good enough. We pick a spot between a family of about six or seven and two females looking like they will be taking pictures of the meteor's tonight.

Ostrander Lake

Steven goes back and gets Sherri and Carol. We set up camp-Carol and Sherri in the tent, Steven with his hammock and I under the stars. Dinner is the rest of our Subway sandwiches. We watch the glow on the mountains as the sun goes down, then turn in. A good day.

Title: August 12, 2013 - Hart Lake

Hike Info:

Trail: Cross Country

Starting location: Ostrander Lake

Destination:  Hart Lake

Distance: 3.29

Start Time:  10:11

End Time:    3:08

Travel Time: 6:56 (.47 mph)

Moving Time: 2:47 (1.18 mph)

Elevation Rise:  770'

Maximum Elevation: 9,180'

Description::

What a great night! Woke up at 1:40, in time to see three meteors from the Pleiades shower streaking across the sky. Went back to sleep until the alarm went off at 2:15 to watch the main show. The prediction was 60 meteors every hour, but I think we got more than our share. The meteors would come in groups, then stop for five minutes and start up again. Annie Dillard is right to say the least we can do is show up when we have this kind of show going on for us. You will need to trust me that it was as spectacular as what I think it was. Took pictures, but unless you like shots of black, nothing came out.

Eventually went back to sleep, maybe after an hour or so. The morning sun woke me up. But the slug I am, I stayed in the bag for the next hour just enjoying the light playing with the trees; shadows hiding from the sun. But around 7:30 got up and had my quiet time. Sherri and Carol got up shortly afterwards. We do not have much on the schedule, so we just sort of lolly-gag around.  Eventually we have breakfast-oatmeal and stuff. Steven gets up around 9 and has breakfast as well.

Sherri and Horse RIdge

Today we will go on a short cross-country trip to Hart Lake. As we are leaving, we see that our neighbors with the better campsite have left. We decide to take over the camp. So we lug everything over before setting out to Hart Lake. This is a cross country trip of about two-plus miles. We go past the Ostrander Ski Hut, then start to follow the ridge. As we went, we went higher and higher up on it. We passed the large pond east of Ostrander and then climbed up higher still. The walking on granite was pretty easy and the climb was not strenuous. Along the way, we could look over much go the Clark Range, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and most of the center of Yosemite.

Hart Lake and the Clark Range

Then things started to get interesting. I saw Steven going a bit upward and then lost track of him. But he then went contouring across and down. Sherri and I continued upward until we came to the top of the ridge. We were able to look down on Hart Lake, as expected, and on Steven and Carol, which was unexpected. So down Sherri and I came. We went down one narrow place where we needed to stretch always, not bad. Sherri was not happy with that piece. But we met up with Carol and Steven.

Happy Sherri after boulder descent

There was a lot more down to go-a lot of boulders to make Sherri unhappy. I think the previous down took something out of Sherri, because she became a lot more tentative around the boulders. But we made it down OK. Steven and Carol were waiting for us by the lake.

Steven, Carol, Sherri and Gary at Hart Lake

We ate lunch-peanut butter, Nutella, crackers and pepperoni sticks. Took some pictures and then was on our way back. We stayed a lot lower coming back, contouring more. The walking was good, and the rocks did not give us trouble. We did run out of water when we got to the little ponds above Ostrander Lake. But that was not too bad. It was only about half an hour back to camp, around 3:30.

Hart Lake

We sort of had a leisurely rest of the afternoon. Steven and I took a dip-I to my knees, Steven up to his waist.  Read some, wrote some and helped Carol with her crossword puzzle. Steven and Sherri took a nap. Sun shine relaxing-not too warm, not too cold.

Ostrander in the background

Tonight's dinner is a combination of Szechain Noodles and Mountain House Terriaki Chicken.

Title: August 13, 2013 - Ostrander to Ostrander Trail Head

Hike Info:

Starting location: Ostrander Lake

Destination:  OstranderTrail Head

Distance:  6.34 miles

Start Time:  9:53

End Time:  13:23

Travel Time: 3:30  (1.81 mph)

Moving Time: 2:28 (2.57 mph)

Elevation Rise: 350'

Maximum Elevation: 8,518'

Description:

Last night was another night of watching the meteor shower. But I did not stay up nearly as long and I think that there was about a third of the activity of the night before. So I was ready to get up pretty early. Carol wanted to see the sunrise on Half Dome--I also enjoy watching this as well. Sometimes the whole dome turns pink. So I woke her up and we walked on the other side of the ridge which separates Ostrander Lake from Illilouette. Not a long or hard walk. We found a rock and waited for the sun to start shining on the dome. But it was a bit longer than expected. Still the air was warm enough. When the sun finally lite some of the far away peaks, it was more the bluish-yellow, not the hoped for pink. Still it is awesome watching Half Dome come into the light, followed by the surrounding domes and mountains.

Sherri, Gary, Carol, Steven

When we got back, Sherri and Steven were still asleep, but not for long. We made breakfast of oatmeal and stuff. Then broke camp a little after 9:45. First we stopped by the Ostrander Ski Hut. Yesterday we found out that the hut was nominated to be included on the National Registry of Historic Places. These were the NPS carpenters who were working on the place. So a few more pictures were taken and we started off.

Half Dome and Beyond

On the march

Ghost Forest

The next three miles went by pretty quickly. We returned the same way we came up. Through the same ghost forest-which we will also see lower on. But when we reached the first intersection, we headed off towards the Ostrander Trail Head rather than the way we came.

Fireweed

Buckwheat

This area, particularly earlier in the Summer can be a glorious show of color from all of the flowers. Now, it is drying up a bit. Still there is enough flowers--lupine, buckwheat and some goldenrod to make the scenery worth looking at. Also an amazing number of fritillary flutter around.


When we reach the second junction, about a mile away, we make a decision. Sherri and Carol will go on to the Ostrander Trail Head while Steven and I get the car at Bridalveil Campground. We  make some pretty good time. Then reached the car and went over the mile-plus to pick up Sherri and Carol. Then onwards to Todd's in Oakhurst.