Title: November 28, 2021 - Wawona Meadow Loop
Type: Hiking
Trail: Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Destination: Loop
Distance: 3.82 miles
Start Time: 1:21
End Time: 3:33
Travel Time: 2:12 (1.74 mph)
Moving Time: 1:44 (2.21 mph)
Elevation Rise: 305'
Descent: 496‘
Maximum Elevation: 4,218'
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| Korra |
Description:
I got up way earlier than I should have, but my body was awake. Not sure what we have planned for today, but it is not a hike which will be hard or anything like that. So we will go when all are ready without the pressure of getting up very early.
So we sort of mosey along, eating breakfast at a relaxed pace. By 11:30, we are all ready. The “we” are Sherri and myself, Andrea, Steven and Korra-the dog. We have decided to go to Wawona and hike the Meadow Loop. We got to the Wawona Hotel parking area a little before 1pm. There was no line at the gate. So unusual. Of course, this is the Sunday of a four day weekend and I suspect most people were trying to get home.
This loop has been described many times in this blog. So I will not try to do that again. But will talk more about the interactions we had on this particular trip.
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| Log Crossing |
There are many prosaic conversations a family has. Not all conversations need to be or should be noteworthy. There should be times, many times when a person can just enjoy the family and friendship they have. Today was one of those times. But there is a big shadow which lingers over all these conversations. There is the state which Sherri’s brother is in which overrides all of our conversations during our trip, but not the enjoyment of each other. It seems like we are all wanting a miracle, but not one which will cause him suffering. (Note: My brother-in-law passed away the Tuesday after this hike. This was a good time and place to be in to let a bit of healing to take place before his passing.)
The meadow is now awaiting its brief Winter’s coating of snow. In the meantime, much of its dry grass except for the golf course area which is green, but not playable because of the tufts of grass scattered throughout the course. There is a wet slick on the western side of the meadow. Is this part of the restoration project which has been going on for several years? The golden Autumn leaves have all turned brown, leaving the green of the conifers with the browns of fallen leaves. The air is brisk, but comfortable to hike in shorts and a T-shirt-at least for me.
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| Grinding Holes |
After climbing over a fallen tree, we start looking for a lunch spot, preferably in the sun. Close to the southwest corner of the meadow, Steven comes across a large rock which will do the trick. After we have our lunch, there is a discovery: the rock we are sitting on was used to grind nuts by the Native Americans.
As we move on, Andrea and I discuss books, particularly one I am reading called The Lost Sheep by Stef Wilmon. The print is large-maybe she is writing for my aging eyes? And the writing is simple, but she is telling a good story. I made a comment to Andrea about it would be a good book for an advanced fifth grader. We then talk about should I write a book? I do not think I have the talent for writing. The best I think I can do is this blog as well as my book blog. My words are only sometimes put together in a form which is interesting. Otherwise, they are words put together more as a means to get a description of where I have been or what I have read. They are definitely not timeless and will not be a loss to humankind if they were not written. In that regard, I do have a certain admiration for anyone who can put together enough coherence to make a book.
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| Wawona Meadow and Mt Savage |
The other thing we talk about is one of our mutually favorite subjects: backpacking. She was wondering if we wanted to go sometime this summer. Yes. But there are qualifications. My body is not able to do as much as before and I tend to lose energy and strength easier as well as breath. Where? Is the next question. Some of the places I would like to try are the Tahoe Rim Trail or the area north of Tuolumne Meadows. Of course, there are so many other places to go.
By this time, we are getting close to the end of our trail. I point out the flume-one of the things I like doing on this hike. We see a ranger has pulled over a person right above the trail. A little ways further, we cross over and come in behind the Wawona Hotel. Then it is back to the car.
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| Gary, Andrea, Korra and Steven |
Just a note: When Andrea and Sherri had gone down to the bathrooms before the hike, they were a mess-probably the results of the four day Thanksgiving weekend crowd. After our hike, the maintenance person came and would clean out the place. They deserve our thanks-Sherri and Andrea gave it to him.
By the time we left Wawona, it was around 4. A bit too early for dinner in Oakhurst, so we will get dinner in Fresno. On our way down, we ordered a meal from the Spaghetti Factory. I did not hear any complaints once we got home and ate. A good day, followed by the putting up of the Christmas tree. I was a bit tuckered out and played the part of a Christmas couch potato.
Extra Photo's
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| Wawona Meadow and Dome |
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| Last of an Autumn Leaf on shrub |
