August 27, 2014 - White Chief Mine

 

Title: August 27, 2014 - White Chief Mine

Trail head: Eagle Lake

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: White Chief Mine Trail

Destination: White Chief Mine

Distance: 6.04 miles

Start Time:  9:11

End Time:    4:01

Travel Time: 6:49 (0.89 mph)

Moving Time: 4:41 (1.29  mph)

Elevation Rise: 2,038'

Maximum Elevation: 9,554'

Description:
We got up this morning and had a pancake and bacon breakfast. Rob and Robert, our camp mates, and us take off to go to the Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trail head, where we meet John and Cathey around 9. The five of us are the "A Team" and start a head of everyone else. John stays back to wait for the rest of the meetup team. I think they get there a little before 10.

A Team

Kaweah River Valley

The first mile or so is a gradual up. We are rising above the East Fork of the Kaweah and see the trail to Farewell Gap. It is good looking down this canyon. Our group s doing pretty well, which is surprising to me, with the altitude and stuff. A little after a mile, we come to the Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trail junction. We still have not been caught which gives us a feeling of, hey, we are hiking pretty good! Not that ones hike is ever judged by the speed. I judge my hikes by how much I enjoyed the hike, whatever the component: beauty, exercise, friendship or just the plain joy of experiencing God's world.

Rainbow Peak

But now we are on the section of the trail which does some serious ascension. The trail get seriously steeper and the breathing is more labored, with stops more frequent. Rob is setting a good pace for us as he gauges our struggles. This section is where the lead hikers of the late group first appear with Lee F and Daniel in the lead. But I noticed that there s a nice sheen of sweat on them, as well as the succeeding groups of our meetup hikers-they are laboring as much as we are. Almost all of the meetup group gladly enjoy the chocolate covered espresso beans from the Jelly Belly Factory, when offered.

 Usually with Sierra mountains, when you struggle, there is a reward. In this case with the strong ascension, we are able to see the upper granite lined basins around Mineral King. Such beauty is so good to experience.  A couple creeks coming down the side of Farewell Canyon into the East Fork of the Kaweah River reminds me of Kuna Creek dropping into Lyell Canyon in Yosemite-it is that beautiful.

Ruins of Crabtree's Cabin

As we top the lip of our side of the canyon, we become the last group again, our rightful place. The walking become milder, even though there is less oxygen. Walking through a little high Sierra valleys is always fun for me-it arouses my sense of wonder. As we round one corner, I realize this is where the map says the site of Crabtree's cabin is, so I walk the 40' off the trail and find the remains of a couple pipes, what looks like a ladder and the corner of the cabin. Nobody else wanders off the trail with me. So I get to reflect on the passing nature of us all.

Meadow above the lip

But this moment of reflection only lasts that long, a moment. Off I go and quickly catch up with my group. We trudge along, gently gaining elevation, appreciating that Crabtree did this day in and day out to go to his mine. The pockets of trees on top of the ridges give pleasant relief to the rock surrounding us. We finally break out into the final walk to the mine. We cross the small creek we have been following and climb to the White Chief Mine's entrance. The entrance is above a tailings dropping in white rock. This is not your dingy mine, but one which would appeal to a person of taste. The mine is open to the public and safe to walk the full 150' length. Many of us have headlights so we can explore. Others in our group go further on up the trail about 400' above to explore the basin below White Chief Peak.

Into the Mine

Back to the Mine Opening

Mine Opening

Descending from Mine

But we  start down the trail we came up on. It is a repeat in reverse of us going up. But this time our group stops and gawks at the ruins to Crabtree's cabin. Then it is off down the steeper slope. Jean, a new hiker, both to our group and to the hiking experience falls in with us slow ones and we chat for a ways about hiking, it's equipment and enjoyment. Judy, another hiker new to our group, but one of those who went to the upper basin briefly chats with us before running off. 

We all make it in. Sherri, Rob, Robert and I go to our camp, gather stuff up and take off to John and Cathey's cabin in Silver City. Most of the group has gathered around the shop for pie and enjoy the time. Then most hurry off back to Fresno. But some of us enjoy Cathey and John's hospitality and the chili beans. Good talking with them and a pleasant way to end our hike.

Cathey, Jean and Rob

Rainbow Mountain

Juniper