March 19, 2016 - Million Dollar Mile and Beyond

Title: March 19, 2016 - Million Dollar Mile and Beyond

Trail head: Italian Bar Road

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: Million Dollar Road

Destination: Powerhouse #6

Actual Destination: About a mile short of the powerhouse

Distance: 12.89 miles

Start Time:  10:07am

End Time:     3:09pm

Travel Time: 5:02 (2.56 mph)

Moving Time: 4:17 (3.01 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,258'

Maximum Elevation: 2,298'

Redinger Lake

 Description:

The morning started off fine enough. We left the house at 6:50 and had a good breakfast at The Train Depot.  With a good feeling in our tummies, we head off to Prather and our walk. We get to Prather all right, then things fell apart. As we headed down Audberry Road, we missed our turn off to Jose Basin Road. By the time we figured out we were not where we wanted to be, we were a long ways off of were we should be. So we put in some coordinates around where we wanted to go and headed off to Audberry again. This time, the GPS headed off down towards North Fork. Sigh. By this time we have spent an hour and half wandering around the area. I finally got smart and put an address close to where we wanted to go and we ended up at the Million Dollar Mile trail head. Should not happen again-loaded the trail head into our GPS.

Power Lines

The idea behind this hike is to walk for four hours-two hours each way--and walk the entire road from end to end. That would be a 14+ mile walk. We will see how we do.

By the time we put the first step onto the pavement, it is after 10am and I am tired from driving.  But we get rejuvenated as we start walking. Why you might ask? Is it because we are walking along pavement and over steel bridges? I do not think so. How about the steel lines of power from the generators? Not a chance.

First Adit

It is because as we walk along we see streams of water falling over rocks. Wildflowers are blooming in all their colors. Then there are the shear walls of the gorge which the San Joaquin River has cut through the centuries. All of these make it a good walk. We even visit an adit which SCE has been cleaning up the muck and berry vines so we can walk all the way into it rather than being stopped by the thorns of blackberries.

 In a little more than an hour, we have traveled 3 1/2 miles to Stevenson Falls. The falls are going strong and with the sunlight shining through, it is refreshing. We stop for a few minute break and munch a Luna bar.  Then shove off to the remainder of the road. But we only have 50 more minutes to cover another 3 1/2 miles.

Stevenson Falls

Stevenson Falls

Falls across the canyon

We have not traveled this part of the road, except for once-last year. So we are amazed by the gorge we go through (would you say it is gorgeous?). But that is not the only thing we are in awe of. There is water coming down the rock every couple hundred feet, making the walk seem like lushness on one side and stark on the other. But on our side, there is moss and grass hanging from rock, along with trees hanging over the road. And of course, flowers bring bright spots to these gardens.

Lunch Spot

At the two hour mark, we come to a waterfall, 6.25 miles from the start of our walk. Here we stop and have lunch-peanut butter and nutella sandwiches. It was good and we were refreshed and ready for our walk back. But my legs need to figure out that they have been rested and should be feeling better, rather than stiffing up and feeling old. But as we go, the legs get better, but the feet decide to take over the aching. At the end of the hike, I realize there is a small blister. Also by the time we got home, the legs were stiff and I was tired.

We got to the end of the road around 3pm and picked up a bit of garbage around the car. That is when we noticed a sign, a big sign, which said Road Closed. Did that mean closed to bicycles and walkers or just vehicles. Of course there were other signs talking walkers and bikers to be careful. So I think we are ok. After that we stopped in Prather at the Pizza Factory. Then on to home around 5pm. A good day.  (Note: The road is open for walkers and bikes. Just a new sign)

Gary stepping out

Sherri moving along

Us at Stevenson Falls

Photo Extra's:

Scenes from the Road:

 

The road we will travel

Sherri on the road, with our road in two miles

San Joaquin River

Heading Back

Looking West

Stevenson Falls:

Stevenson Falls

Stevenson Falls

Stevenson Falls

Stevenson Falls

Flowers:

Field of White

March 16, 2016 - Hite Cove

Title: March 16, 2016 - Hite Cove

Trail head: Savage Trading Center

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: Hite Cove

Destination:Hite Cove

Distance: 7.23 miles

Start Time:  9:10

End Time:   2:38

Travel Time: 5;27 (1.33 mph)

Moving Time: 3:52 (1.87 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,549'

Maximum Elevation: 1,713'

Description:

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?   Matthew 6:28-30

It has been awhile since doing a meetup hike and I am a bit apprehensive that I will be able to be strong enough to do this. Caring for Mom is rewarding and draining. It does not let a lot of focus be on my needs for fitness and more on taking care of her. But one must start someplace. Sherri is taking care of her today, so I can go on a hike-thank you.

 Merced River

Carol comes by at 6:10 and we get to Eddie's Bakery a little before 6:30. When coming in, we notice steaming coming up, but not from my car. It was Betty's right beside me. After conferring, Betty decided to go back home courtesy AAA while the rest of her contingent would get a ride back with Richard. (Water pump went out, but the car and Betty made it back home ok) So off we go, all 19 of us. After stopping at the Burger King in Mariposa for coffee and bathroom services, we hit the trail head at 8:30.

South Fork of the Merced River

The morning is brisk and we start in without too much ado. Bruce is in front with Jerry K at the end, with Dan. They both would stop frequently to take pictures. I would walk someplace between Lora and them. I can feel that both the lungs and legs both feel the lack of use-what other body part has an "L" can hurt? But the walking is good and on the level ground I am able to hit my stride.

Sunlight and Flower

Field of Flowers

While that is an interesting sidelight, at least from my perspective, the real show is the flowers. Poppies were the main show, but there was an assortment of a strong supporting cast: the white flowered chamise, redbud-even though it is purple, larkspur showing its royal violet color, even some Baby Blue Eyes. You throw in walking beside the South Fork of the Merced River for 3 3/4 miles, it made for a spectacular show for the eyes and ears.

Field of Flowers

Log Jam causes Trail Jam

But there are serpents in this garden which is called poison oak. It seems like this nuisance was determine to reach out and touch us every chance we got.  It was growing all along the side of the trail and intertwined with other bushes, making it hard to avoid. Then there were many fallen trees to provide for extra exercise. Some we climbed over, others scooted underneath. Then there was one one where branches were scattered across a creek. Going across one of these logs, the battery cover on my camera opened and I ended up chasing my batteries, But what can you say? This is how an outing should be: not tame, maybe not too wild, but not civilized either. We want to see nature out there and trees down and poison oak help to give us appreciation of the world we live in.

Field of Flowers

Seasonal Creek by trail

Seasonal Creek flowing into Merced

This trail, even though you rise only a net of maybe 300'. has plenty of ups and downs to get your legs into that rubbery feeling pretty quick. Plus there are places where the trail is narrow and a bit rocky where care is needed. In addition to the flowers, there is water coming down the sides of the hills which I had not seen before on my hikes. Both on the trail side and across the Merced. Fun to walk in a year when there is actually water.

Field of Flowers

Trail to Hite Cove

Lava Rocks and Merced

By the time you get to Hite Cove,  you are ready to have a good break in the walking. Hite Cove itself is not a glorious place, but a bit of history. The area was mined and as you go along, you see old machinery laying around.

Field of Flowers by the Merced

The trip back was a bit more brisk and I was definitely more tired, so in places I lagged behind. The heat, evening though only in the low 70's was definitely bothersome. I kept sucking on my water bladder. You could tell my the number of red faces I was not the only one. But we all got off the trail and then proceeded to Mariposa and an after hike meal at Happy Burger.
 

Henness Ridge and South Fork of the Merced River

Three warnings if you decide to travel this trail:

• The signage is not accurate. The first sign you see says 4 1/2 miles, I think one way. It is more like 3.6-3.7 miles. My GPS has been pretty consistent about it. About a a mile in you will see a sign saying you have gone 3/4 of a mile.
•  The first mile is on private property, but from what I can tell, the Forest Service must have been given an easement for this trail.
• This is not a well maintained trail. Several places you need to use caution.

Poppies along our path

End of the trail in sight

Larkspur, I think

River and flowers

Redbud by the Merced

Baby Blue Eyes

California Golden Poppy

Hite Cove Area