April 15, 2014 - Redwood Saddle via Hart Tree

Title: April 15, 2014 - Redwood Saddle via Hart Tree

Trail head: Redwood Canyon

Hike Info:

Type:  Backpacking

Trail:  Fallen Goliath and Hart Trail

Destination:Redwood Saddle

Distance: 6.11 miles

Start Time:  10:33

End Time:     5:09

Travel Time: 4:36 (1.33 mph)

Moving Time: 3:25 (1.79 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,631'

Maximum Elevation: 6,564

Description:

Last night was awesome. There was a full lunar eclipse. We got up at 11:45 and watched it till it was full, around 12:05. Not as red as the newspapers would have us believe, but watching the last of the silver light escaping from the moon was just fascinating. But it was cool, so we turned in.

Realized I had not sent a Spot message last night. But I think everybody realizes that the I'm OK message is not a guarantee. So I am sending it out this morning. Last night Sherri and Jerry heard what sounded like an alarm clock going off. This morning heard it myself. I think it must be the twirl of a bird. Now which one?

Before everyone got up, I went for a short walk down the canyon. I had fiddled around long enough that this walk will not be too long. The term down the canyon is a misnomer. Yes it is down the canyon, but the 3/4 of a mile I go is climbing a small ridge, which is OK with me. I am more thinking, praying and meandering than really walking. It is nice-birds are talking and squirrels are scurrying, and the morning is cool, but not cold. The sounds I heard last night may have been an Oregon Junco. They seem to have no fear of me-not flying away, just singing or whatever they call their sounds.

When I return, everyone is up and we have our breakfast of oatmeal and fruit and nuts. We are slow in getting packed. But it is enjoyable to move slow around the camp. But one side effect is that it is later when we actually do get on the trail

Log Crossing Redwood Creek

It is 10:30 and we are just starting on the trail again.  The first little bit is backtracking up the trail to the log across Redwood Creek. After us safely making it across the log, we start our climb. It does not take long for us to start climbing. And not too much after that before we stop for breath. This will be the routine as we do our climb up the south side of the canyon.

We do the 3/4 of a mile to the Fallen Goliath pretty quickly. Steven shows he is the youngster of the group by climbing up on this mammoth fallen sequoia and walking on it. The rest of us are content to gaze up at him. We do a picture take here. Then it is off to continue on our walk up.  Note: This is the last time we will have seen the Fallen Goliath. On April 23rd, a man set fire destroyed this log.

Men at the Fallen Goliath

Prettiness surrounds up. But I am sure that prettiness is not the word to describe how regal these trees look. And to think we are able to walk in the midst of them. So impressive. One particular seen has the redwood in the background with a Meadow front stage. There is a redbud a few weeks away from bloom. Anyplace else, this Meadow would garner second and third looks. But here, it is overshadowed, literally by the big trees.

Steven on top of Fallen Goliath

Fallen Goliath as it was

Lunch at the falls

 We stop beside a little unnamed creek, maybe a quarter mile before the Hart Tree. While not a good lunch place, we did have lunch here, it made up for up the lack of accommodations with this pleasant little waterfall, which has cut a small, narrow groove through 20' of rock. We are about to leave when a group of college students come up and have lunch here as well. We talk with them and leave.

Hikers

The Hart tree, named after Michael Hart, is a little ways off the trail. We meet another couple who is enjoying the trail and wants to know how far down the Fallen Goliath. We talk for a time. They leave and we enjoy the tree for a few minutes before we also depart.

Hart Meadow and Buena Vista Peak

The trail has now pretty much reached its peak and we walk some rolling ravines and ridges. When passing by Hart Meadow, there is an opening which reveals Buena Vista Peak, where an old fire lookout once stood. There are a few exposed places and the afternoon sun cuts through our clothing. Fortunately, when it becomes warm, we dive into forested areas.

Hiking among the redwoods

Redwood Split

We reach a hollowed out log cabin and then the junction to the Redwood Canyon Trail. From here we start our last quarter mile trudging up an old road. Steven and Jerry have already made it up to the car, while Sherri and I complete our walk out. On the way back to Fresno, we stop for some vitals at Bear Mountain Pizza. Good to eat when hungry.