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.