August 3, 2013 - Big Stump

 Title: August 3, 2013 - Big Stump

Trail head: Big Stump Parking Lot, Grant Grove

Hike Info:

Trail: Big Stump

Destination: Loop Around Big Stump

Distance: 1.75 miles

Travel Time: 0:56 (1.88 mph)

Moving Time: 0:45 (2.39 mph)

Elevation Rise: 548'
Maximum Elevation: 6,436'

Description:
The last time we went on this trail, it was covered with snow. We had gone with Karol and our meet up group. But today, we got to enjoy this trail with Carol and Mike W, some friends of ours in our house church..

Mike, Carol, Sherri

The day was bright and beautiful. Mike, Sherri and I had come up to the Grant Grove area because our church was doing a family campout over at Aspen Hollow, near Hume Lake. We decided to do a short hike and thought that the Big Stump Loop would file the bill.

Big Stump Meadow

The trail starts at the picnic area, which used to also serve as the guard station. Now that the entrance station has been built on the road, the parking lot has reverted back to the public's use. The first part of the trail drops down a couple hundred feet to the Big Stump Meadow area. Once in the meadow, you understand why it is called Big Stump. The area is littered with stumps from Sequoias which were cut down in the 1800's.

Mike on a stump

Looking at the stumps you think about the destruction which occurred to those trees. You also see how focused these men were on the progress they were trying to establish. It helps to bring our world and time into perspective. What are we doing to our world now, which looks alright, but in a hundred years will leave future generations shaking their heads?

There is an option to look at a feather bed-where when bringing down a Sequoia, they would try for a soft landing to avoid shatter the lumber. Then on to a stump where we can stand and gaze from on top of the stump.

Balanced Rock on return trip

After that, we cross the highway and do a return trip above the road and the big Stump area. We have an enjoyable chatting with Carol and Mike and before we know it, we are back at the parking lot.