October 8, 2016 - Wawona Meadow

Title: October 8, 2016 - Wawona Meadow
Hike Info : Description :   Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Wawona Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail:Wawona Meadow Trail and Mariposa Grove from Wawona Trail

Destination:Loop

Distance:  4.90 miles

Start Time: 8:59

End Time:   11:34  

Travel Time:  2:35 (1.90 mph)

Moving Time:  1:51 (2.65 mph)

Elevation Rise:  793'

Maximum Elevation: 4,580'

GPS Tracks

Description:
For such a short hike, Dana and I have gone through a lot of iterations on how to do this hike. This is mainly because after we scheduled the hike, there was a prescribed burn set to go at Mariposa Grove, just a couple miles away. We examined several options and then after consulting Yosemite Fire decided to do the Wawona hike we had originally planned with a Red Rocks Falls as an alternative.  As it turned out, the alternative planning done was not to be used. We did smell a bit of smoke at the entrance station, but once we got to Wawona, the skies was mostly clear.

But I am jumping the gun a bit. We met at Eddie's Bakery and leave about 7:10. Stopped in Oakhurst at Starbucks and then off to Wawona. It is a bit chilly when we first get out of the car, but once we start moving things are good. I am in shorts and a T-shirt from the start. Dana is going through a process to be able to put on her own hikes with the Central Valley Hiking Group. She gets us together and lays out the plan for the hike. I will be at the head of the pack and Dana will make sure nobody is left behind.

From Jerry J-Fence along Trail

We cross the golf course, admiring the mountains around us. Then head off parallel to the meadow. The trail is really an old road, a bit up and down, but nothing violent. So we make good time and I get to talk with Kara and Becky who rode up with Sherri and I.  Talking on the trail seems to make you a bit more relaxed with each other. So even though we just met this morning, we are talking about things which concern us. I love walking with others. Someplace in here Kelly also joins the group.

From Jerry J-Autumn Colors

 When we reach the end of the meadow, the main trail curves around and heads back to where we started. But today, we are talking a little bit less used trail. This one is about a mile long and cuts up to the trail which goes from Wawona to Mariposa Grove-we will not be going that far today. Bruce is now behind me and we talk about some hikes he is planning. Interesting to see what others are doing to help you discover places to go for yourself.

From Jerry J-Tree and Light

The reason why I like this cross-over trail is that the forest is cleaner, with low level bushes, such as mountain misery. The less dense covering of trees allows more light in, but not too much. Pleasant and relaxing. When we reach the road, we wait for those who are enjoying a slower pace. One question which comes up is where will we stop and have  a snack? I thought there was a place across the road, but when we cross, it is not very attractive.

So we start our final leg of our hike: returning to Wawona. This is about a mile and a half more, almost all down. Now I get a chance to talk with Rose. We have backpacked together a lot during August-enjoyable. So we now discuss some future plans for hiking. It seems like we have just started talking and we get to Wawona. That is the nature of walking.

From Jerry J-Gary and Sherri

Back at the car, we discuss what to do next. It seems like we should go on another hike, but I do not think anybody has that in their heart. So the next best thing is where to eat. We decide El Cid's. When we stop there, the restaurant has a large  group and it will be over an hour wait. So on to another place called Pop's. Once again, there is a long wait. We figure out that there is a marathon being run today so there is a lot of hungry runners. Being somewhat on the ball, I suggest we get out of Oakhurst and go down to Coarsegold. There is a pizza place called Gold Mine Pizza which I have been wondering about. When we get there, we are the only ones there. Food is good; service is slow. We got back to Fresno about 2:30, tired, but not bad.

You may notice that there is a lack of my pictures. There is two reasons: 1) Wawona has a subtle type of beauty, not the Jaw Dropping kind of the Valley. It is a bit harder to capture. 2) Since I was at the start of the pack, it is a bit harder to drop back and take pictures without hold everybody else up. But friends come along and help you make up for your lack. Many of the pictures in this blog entry is from Jerry J-thanks.

Mt Savage and Wawona Meadow

 
Flowers and Plants