February 5, 2014 - Million Dollar Mile

Title: February 5, 2014 - Million Dollar Mile

Trail head: Italian Bar Road, Audberry

Hike Info:

Trail:       Million Dollar Mile

Destination:  Stevenson Creek Falls

Distance:  7.26 miles

Start Time:  9:54am

End Time:  1:09pm

Travel Time: 3:15 (2.23 mph)
Moving Time: 2:39 (2.74 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,046'

Maximum Elevation: 2,355'

  
Description:

Unlike some of the other mid-week meetup group hikes, this one actually allowed us to sleep to a somewhat a normal time. We gathered at Kohls at 8:00am for a trip to a local trailhead just outside of Prather. Even with it being local, it took us to just before 10am to get there. But the road was fun. Bill rode with us and we picked up Betty in Prather, so we had a merry carful.

Power Lines

The Million Dollar Mile is something which we walked on last year with the meetup group it was a new experience for us, not so much from the adventure of walking it, but that it actually existed so close to us without us knowing it. This is a discovery which opened our eyes to other wonders close to our home-beauty does not always need to be far away, but can exist in you own backyard.

San Joaquin River

The morning was cool-in the mid-40's. But I quickly shed one of the layers of shirts I was wearing. There were 30-35 people on this hike, a larger number than usual. Usually the locality will limit the hikers allowed. Also, this was a dog friendly walk, so we got to see several hounds enjoying themselves--they were very well behaved. 

A little ways in, a Southern Cal Edison truck passed us. Were were able to talk with the driver and found out a few things, such as when Stevenson Creek Falls is fully flowing, do not go over the bridge-SCE had some trucks damaged by the force of the water.

Stevenson Creek Falls

The walk is along pavement, there is no traffic, except for an occasional SCE truck. There are some nice uphill climbs, but not strenuous, just a bit long at times. If the sun is out from behind the stop slope to our southeast, the walking is enjoyable while basking in its warmth. But when the sun hides itself, it is time to bundle up some. 

I walk with Bill, John, Jerry and a few others on the way in. Enjoyed the walk. Nat pointed out where the Aspen fire was last summer. That hillside is scorched. But beyond that is more concern-the mountains should be white with snow. But you can see that the snow is barely covering the highest peaks. What a dry year.

Meetup Lunch

We get to the Stevenson Creek Falls around 11:30am where we find some boulders in the sun. We enjoy our lunch and the conversations around us. That is until the shadows bring back the coolness. At that point, John rounds us up and we head off back to the car, the same way we came.

Adit Tunnel

On the way out,  I walked with Nat. We discussed some of the history of the Big Creek project-we can see some of the history around us. We had lunch by a large adit tunnel-a tunnel which allowed access to the main water pipes going through the mountain. We see tailings at another place and soon find a second adit, as well as the large pipe bringing water to the Powerhouse #3 station. An enjoyable conversation.

We get back to the cars a little after 1. Several of us decide to go to Velasco's Mexican restaurant in Prather. Good food and good company. Made it back to Fresno just before 4pm. A pretty good day, if I say so myself.


References:

• March 13, 2013 - Million Dollar Mile hike
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