February 24, 2018 - Corrine Lake

Title: February 24, 2018 - Corrine Lake
Hike Info : Description :  Background :  Flowers and Plants

 

 Trail head: Road 222 and Corrine Lake Road, North Fork

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Corrine Lake Road

Destination: Corrine Lake Road

Distance:  6.53 miles

Start Time: 8:06

End Time:  11:23

Travel Time:  3:16 (2.00 mph)

Moving Time:  2:21 (2.78 mph)

Elevation Rise:  736' ¹

Descent: 453‘

Maximum Elevation: 2,555'

GPS Tracks

 
  ¹For once, the elevation rise seems more correct than the descent. I am including the profile from Google Earth as well, which confirms this.

Stopping by Corrine Lake

Description:

It rained, and then snowed up in the mountain Thursday. Friday, it turned pretty cold. Our original destination was the Merced River Gorge, starting at Briceburg. First, one of the people said they would be going to Mariposa via a different route. Then I saw a picture on Facebook of the snow in oakhurst-about 6”. Then all the highways in the area had some sort of chain control at some point. So we decided to move the hike to Corrine Lake from Briceburg. Then to confirm our decision, I saw an article about the many traffic accidents along 41. So spent a good part of Friday night notifying people of the change in plans.

Towers on a mountain-maybe Black Mtn

Saturday morning breaks and it is COLD down here in Fresno. Below 30 degrees. This California boy is feeling it. But we meet people in the parking lot-there are seven of us going. I think the weather and all got people to reconsider. Looks like an enjoyable group though. Only Carol and Eileen we have hiked with before. But looking forward to hiking with Marie, Thomas and his friend Robin. It is time to leave at 7:00am. We go up 41 until the North Fork turn off. Then follow that road for 16 miles, until right before North Fork. We follow Road 222 for a couple of more miles until we see the flume and turn onto Corrine Lake Road. You can drive this road in all the way to the Lake, but we only go in about a quarter mile to a wide spot on the road.

View to the North

 
We could have driven all the way in, but what fun is that? The seven of us get out. I make my speech-really quick for me, after it is cold, and then we take off on our walk. It looks like going over I am walking at close to a 3mph pace. I am content with that. Not breathing hard and the legs are not complaining. I talk with Robin a lot-we have been involved in similar occupations. Much better than Wednesday’s hike where about half way through my legs gave out. By the way, there are spots of snow in the shadows, but nothing on the road.

Exiting the lakte

Either because of the conversations, freshness of the air, or I am stronger than last Wednesday, the miles seem to be rolling by. I notice I am not taking many pictures, but that may mean I have not had a need to stop very often. We hit a part of the road which is paved. This leads us right to the pumphouse by Corrine Lake. There is a clean outhouse here which many of us find convient. Then we wander to the far side of the lake.

Flume entering lake

From here, we have a discussion of the various peaks around us. We think there is something towards the Southeast. Maybe a lookout? But maybe not. Thomas knows the area pretty well-I do not know it by sight. So he starts to name off the peaks and stuff. I make a comment that the center of California is just down the hill from here. In looking at some maps, I think I had the right idea, but maybe not the right direction or distance.

The lake itself is small, maybe a football field plus in length and half of a football field in width. With little or no wind, the streams of clouds reflected on the water-I think Sherri was able to capture some of that.

After talking a bit at the lake, we started on our trip back. Coming over, we only saw some barking dogs and a few hawks as far as animals. Coming back, we saw one hiker crossing our road and taking off up a hill. None of us gave chase, but all were wondering where was he going. Also two vehicles traveled the road-both seemed to be intent on fishing the lake.

Spotted Slash Pile Smoke

We are a bit slower coming back. Not so much from being tired, but stopping to look at a few things. Such as there was several slash fire burning. So we tried to identify places where they were. On one of them, flames could be seen. But then a building caught my attention. Its golden, pointed roof is unusual. Some kind of temple or something, I think. Or maybe an alien spaceship in disguise. I do not know. We also talked about some of the fires in the area, both around Corrine Lake and at Cascadel Woods.

We get back to the car pretty early for our hikes-about 11:20. We suggest that we can eat at La Cabana in North Fork. Seems like a good idea to all, so we head over there. Lunch is good; all are content. Then off we go, back to Fresno. Sherri and I get home at the remarkable early hour of 1:30.

Background

Center of California. The exact geographic Center of California is at 37°09′58″N 119°26′58″W. It is about 50’ off of the road and requires a bit of stair climbing to get there. To find Cal Center, travel 4.7 miles east from downtown North Fork along County Road 225 toward the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, then turn right onto Italian Bar Road (still Road 225) toward Redinger Lake. Travel about 2.7 miles and watch for the CAL-CENTER sign on the left. The stairway rises about 21 feet to reach the compass rose at the exact center of the state. From the Sierra News Online. There is also a Huell Howser episode on this spot from 1995. 

====== 

Gold Topped Building

The golden topped building we see off in the distance is called Dhamma Mahāvana, a branch of the California Vipassana Center. From their web site, it means: Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation.

=====

Fires. There is several fires which has gone through the area where we hiked, or close by.

• Mission Fire: September 2017. Burnt about 1,035 acres at Cascadel Woods area. Inciweb report. Wikipedia
• Willow Fire: Burnt in July 2015 Map of Willow Fire
• Corrine Fire: June 2015. Burnt 920 acres along Corrine Lake Road from Road 222 to Box Canyon Road. CalFire info.

Sierra News Online article on Sept 11, 2017.

 
Flowers and Plants

Lupine

February 21, 2018 - Hite Cove

Title: February 21, 2018 - Hite Cove
Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Savage Trading Post

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Hie Cove

Destination: Hite Cove

Actual Destination: About 3 miles in, a mile short

Distance:  6.30 miles

Start Time: 9:50

End Time:   2:29

Travel Time:  4:39 (1.31 mph)

Moving Time:  3:43 (1.69 mph)

Elevation Rise:  1,495'

Descent: 1,436‘

Maximum Elevation: 1,798'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Meetup on the go

If you have been a faithful reader of this blog, you know that over the past two months, I have moaned and complained that I have not gotten my strength back from last summer. But lately, things are getting better. But I did miss a hike a week ago because I was starting to come down with the flu. Sherri has been battling the flu for two weeks now. So the question for today is, how much has the flu weakened us?

This is a meetup hike, so we meet in Fresno and take off from there. Seeing as Sherri and I are still coughing, but not as much lately, we will drive separately. Also this gives us a route of escape if we need to cut the hike short. The sixteen of us meet up with Jim in Mariposa at the Burger King there. Then it is onward to The Savage Trading Post, or now known as the Redbud Lodge. There is a California Historical marker around there, #527. Which has a lot to do with this hike, as it was Savage’s widow, which one I wonder, who showed Hite where there might be gold.

Merced River

We get to the parking area, across the highway from the Redbud Lodge-do not park in their parking area, around 9:40. And then we hit the trail at 9:50. The first part of the trail is steep. It goes up a driveway, then a path in back of the Lodge. After passing a couple of water tanks, we then go along the hillside, well about the South Fork of the Merced River. The River will be by our side throughout the trip.

Gary on the trail

The Merced is down from its levels of last year. Of course last year was a high rain year-this year is a really low rain year. Still the river is really beautiful. Instead of the white water of last year, there is the slow moving current which allows you to see the blues and greens of the pools. Many places look so refreshing, there is the urge to just dive in. But right now, the water is about a hundred feet below the trail-so we will have to forego that pleasure-fortunately because that water is cold!

I am hiking someplace in the middle of the group. This is somewhat what I am hoping/expecting. Even with a 15-20lbs pack on I think I am doing good. I am trying to keep a little ways away from people, just in case I start coughing. But with this trail and its narrowness, you cannot really step off of it. But I manage to put a bit of area around me. Sometimes it is nice hiking alone, just to enjoy what is around you.

Gary

After awhile, Art joins me and we walk for another mile or so, enjoying each other’s company. That early bit of “feel good” walking has worn off of me. The legs are starting to feel more strain. Still walking good, but I wonder for how long. Fortunately there are places to stop and take pictures.

Hikers along the Merced

Our Stopping Point

One disappointing thing is that we are a bit early for the massive flower fields this trail is known for. But when we dip down to the river, there are some rock swirls which have always infatuated me. I stop take some pictures, and then tell Art I will be waiting for Sherri to come along to make sure she is doing OK. As you can tell it is both a concern for her, but also hoping I get a bit more rest for the legs. Besides, the river flowing past is nice.

Gary on the march

Sherri on return trip

South Fork of Merced

Sherri is hiking with Rebecca, Cathey and John. She looks a bit tired, but not ready to turn in yet. After resting for a few minutes, we continue on. Rebecca and Cathey go on at a good pace and I sort of am like an accordian-catching up with them and then slowing down. We keep this up for awhile. The walking is pretty level, but the path is broken. I am realizing that my legs are not going to make it all the way to Hite Cove. When Sherri catches up with us, we have a quick conference and decide we will stop here, at the three mile mark.

We had a relaxed lunch, just the two of us and then we started off back towards the car. Maybe it was the rest, or just the thought that we did not need to walk another mile in, but the legs seem to be able to walk a bit better. Whatever it is, I will take it.

The trail is just the reverse of what we came in with. But because the sun is out, warming the hillside, we are seeing more flowers. Sherri is trying her hand at taking flower shots. Some look pretty good, others, well that is the reason why you practice. We do take more landscape shots as well.

Sherri on the final scramble

When see a house across the river, we know that our walk is almost done. There is still one up we need to do. It is a bit of a scramble of it, but we do it without incident. Now it is just the final downhill-letting gravity do its work and helping me down. We make it down to the car around 2:30-a bit earlier than I thought. After resting a few minutes, then writing a note to John and Cathey, we take off. Sherri is sleeping on our way through Mariposa, so we do not stop to eat. But there was a couple vista points Sherri wanted to see. The first is a bust. The second, we thought was a bust also, but then at a certain location, we can see Miami Mountain. Score! Now it is to Carl’s Jr-we are going high class today-in Oakhurst and back to Fresno. The shower felt real good this night.

Trail Lesson: There are times when you will be the weak link of a group. Just accept it and be thankful for helpful friends.

Extra Photo's

South Fork of Merced

South Fork of Merced

Sun lit Trees

Interesting Rocks

South Fork of Merced

South Fork of Merced

Trail on cliff

 
Flowers and Plants

California Golden Poppy

California Golden Poppy

Maybe part of Borage Family

Baby Blue Eyes

February 10, 2018 - South Shore Trail

Title:  February 10, 2018 - South Shore Trail
Hike Info : Description 

Trail head: South Bay parking lot

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: South Shore Trail/Blue Oak Trail

Destination: Winchell Cove

Distance:  3.32 miles

Start Time: 10:34

End Time:     12:04

Travel Time:  1:29 (2.31 mph)

Moving Time:   1:09 (2.98 mph)

Elevation Rise:  298'

Descent: 293‘

Maximum Elevation: 623'

GPS Tracks

Description:

This is Sherri’s and mine third time to do this hike in the last month (Jan 10th and 15th-if you want to see pictures, that may be the better place to look). Why you might ask? It is short, close to Fresno, and pretty level. So it is a good way to start our California Classic Half Marathon training. We have set up our training schedule on our hiking meetup group’s events. So we are joined by nine other people, most of whom we have not met before.

We meet in Fresno. Sherri is sick, recovering from the flu, so we are not wild about having others in our car.Others want to drive themselves, so it is a car per unit rather than a car pool. But that is OK since Millerton State Park is only 15 miles away. We arrive and are able to start hiking around 10:30. This is good since some people need to be back a bit earlier.

The weather is good, maybe in the mid-60’s. I shed my long-sleeve shirt and give a short talk before leading the charge along the trail. Early on I find my stride and start in at close to a 3 mph pace. This is really good for me as lately, even 2 mph has been pushing me. Wonder if I can keep this up. But Bill is right there behind me and we talk. So my lungs must be cooperating today.

I realized about a quarter mile into the walk that I have forgotten my camera in the car. But the way I am walking, I do not think I would be stopping to take pictures. After 35 minutes, Bill and I reach Winchell Cove, all in all doing well. Bill takes off on the return trip while I wait for the rest, maybe about five minutes after we got there. Sherri brings up the rear.

Is this California Man-Root?

The walk back is the reverse of us coming. Now I have a good pace going and feel comfortable, like I can walk this way for awhile. But I think I am going slightly slower than when we came over. There are three others keeping pace with me-I wonder, am I slowing them down? A couple of places I wish I had my camera as a few flowers are starting to bloom. There may have been some lupine, fiddleneck and a few other really early flowers showing through. Sherri got a picture which I am labeling as California man-root-whatever that may be.

.

Coming back in we started meeting other hikers and a couple of bicyclists. But then around noon we get to the parking lot, an hour and a half travel time, but only 70 minutes walking. That is getting pretty close to my goal of going at least 3.3 mph. Now to spread that over 4 hours.

We do not stop on the way home for lunch-with the coughing, it seems a bit better to go straight home, just happy to have walked this at a pretty good time. Now to prepare for next week’s training hike.

February 6, 2018 - Deer Camp Trail

Title: February 6, 2018 - Deer Camp Trail
Hike Info : Description 

Trail head: Turn out around Yosemite West turnout

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Deer Camp Trail

Destination: As far as we can go

Actual Destination: About four miles along trail

Distance:  8.11 miles

Start Time: 11:09

End Time:    3:50

Travel Time:   4:41 (1.73 mph)

Moving Time:  3:18 (2.46 mph)

Elevation Rise:  607'  ¹

Descent: 435‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,430'

GPS Tracks

 ¹Starting elevation was 5,922’; ending 6,132’ for a 210’ difference. More like an elevation rise of 500’

Description:

Sherri and Rose were to be planning this trip after the ambiguity of times and places to hike from last time. But a couple of things happened. Our good friend Betty is up at Bass Lake and is joining us. Her recently repaired hand limits her for the time being to the trails she can be om. So we thought about doing Willow Creek near Bass Lake. But after a brief reconnaissance, that was a no go-to many place to slip and fall. Also Sherri got sick and cannot go, so it is off to Deer Camp.

Going through Buck Brush

I pick up Rose at 9 and Betty at 10. We get to the Deer Camp Trailhead a little after 11. The weather is cool, but sunny. After putting on our boots we are ready for our hike. This is a hike I have done several times and have noted it is not a destination, but journey hike. The trail is flat, so we are able to walk. But it is closing in on two years since I last walked this trail-back on Memorial Day weekend in 2016 when we backpacked into Deer Camp with Wayne and Michelle. There is a bit of freshness because of not walking on it for awhile.

We are hiking at a pretty good rate-like I said it is flat. But considering how much I have moaned about my lack of stamina and being out of breath, I am going pretty good at 6,000. Betty has not been able to hike for about four months is going good, while Rose with a 16 pound training pack is keeping right up there. It is a good day to walk. Temperature reaches the upper 50’s/low 60’s.

Cranberry Girl

There are three creeks along our path: Rail, Strawberry and Bishop. Each has some wetness to them, but the only one really running is Rail. We stop for lunch after an hour and a half of mostly walking-only a break or two to look at something interesting before lunch. This is a far cry for me from the hikes I have been on for the past month. Lunch is a bit longer than average. But it is a good rest.

I think we will hike another 30-45 minutes, then we should get to a turn around point so we can be back at the car by 4:00pm. So onward we charge. There is a long ridge after Bishop Creek. This ridge separates Bishop from Alder Creek and I would like to round the end of it. But it gets to be time to turn around. (When I check the map the next day, I found that we stopped about a tenth of a mile and 60’ short of rounding the ridge.) There is a big boulder which I rest against for a few minutes. Then we start back again.

Brush at Rail Creek

The return trip has mostly a gradual downhill slant. So we make a bit better time coming back. While the scenery is the same, and does not very, I still enjoy the walk. Just amazing that we are walking this trail this year rather than snowshoeing it. Not saying we did not see snow, or even that there was not snow on the trail. Still an inch occasionally does not mean we need to set on snowshoes!

Dishes on Henness Ridge

Towards the last mile, my legs start feeling tired, but I was able to maintain my stride instead of shortening it. Fortunately, there are little things to help you stop and enjoy. Such as spotting the data dishes at Henness Ridge or a plant along the way. So I still have a little ways to go before being in shape. But I am getting closer.

We got back to the car before 4, then get packed up. I think we all are a bit tired, but glad we hiked it today. When we get back to El Cids, Betty invites Rose and I to a Mexican restaurant in Bass Lake with her husband. After a quick glance at each other, off we went. The restaurant is Casa Velasco. Not sure if it is connected to the Velasco Mexican Restaurant in Prather. Food was pretty good, just a bit spicy making ti sharp. I guess I am getting a bit less of a spice eater in my old age. I drop Rose off at her place at 7:00pm and back home to Fresno by 7:30. I talk with Sherri a few minutes before getting into the shower-she is still pretty lethargic from being sick. Shower feels good.