Gary-Summer: 2020

Thursday, December 24, 2020

December 24, 2020 - Big Meadows Snow Hike

Title: December 24, 2020 - Big Meadows Snow Hike
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking
Trail: Starlight Trail and Big Meadow Road
Destination: None
Distance: 2.09 miles
Start Time: 11:50
End Time: 2:08
Travel Time: 2:17 (0.91 mph)

Moving Time: 1:34 (1.33 mph)
Elevation Rise: 461'
Descent: 216‘
Maximum Elevation: 7,788'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Today is not going to be a big day. Just a time to get out into the mountains and enjoy a little snow. Steven has the day off, so he and Korra will join us. This will be Korra’s first day in the snow. We also have a family Zoom call at 6:30. So not sure how long we will have up there.

Gary, Korra and Steven at start

The idea is to leave by 10:00am. We leave a little afterwards. As it turns out, this leaves us ample time to wander around. We head towards Big Meadows. Korra has had a history of getting car sick in the Highlander and today is no exception. But it seems to be getting better. We arrive at Big Meadows around 11:30 and are off within 20 minutes or so.

Korra takes to the snow, as if she was born for it. And being a husky, she probably is. She sniffs everywhere and eats a bit of the white stuff. She clearly enjoys it.

Korra, the Snow Dog

I am interested in walking a trail which comes out of the parking lot, not the road. This is the Starlight Trail. It looks interesting. There is not much snow on the trail, so I opt to wear boots, rather than snowshoes. The snow is packed and has been walked on. Judging by the width of the path, snowshoes have been through here before. It is relatively easy to follow besides the walked on area. There are blue markers on the trees, helping us to navigate.

I think this trip is more to get out and enjoy the snow than to look for spectacular scenery. Still there are the times of just enjoying the wintery scenery around us. The whiteness against the green, the sound of snow crunching underfoot, and the sense of being alone in the white. On the last part, the only folks we see on this day is a couple clearly just going up for a little ways to see how things are. And another couple who knew what they were doing after 50 years of skiing the area-we will meet them later on.

A little before 1:00 we stop for lunch at some boulders which are clear of snow. Enjoyed just lounging around. I can feel that I have not been doing this much for a while. It has been a month since Andrea and I went out to the Pinnacles. Other than my morning walks there has not been a lot of activity. There is another factor in our lounging. It just feels so refreshing sitting here alone, with each other.

Tracks, but whose

On the way up, I did see some tracks. I am thinking they may be mountain lion or a bunny rabbit. The rabbit is more probable, but it does not quite look like it is. They seemed a bit older than fresh. Sort of thrilling that we are walking the same area as it did and comforting knowing that it has been awhile since the cat has been here.

Steven, Gary, Korra, and Sherri

We are ready to go on. Rather than go down to the trail, we contour around a small ridge. Then cut over to where I think the Big Meadow Road is. And we do hit it!. As we are pondering if we want to do a little more, a couple of skiers go by. I think the one guy looks familiar. We talk and there is not really a connection. But a pleasant conversation.

We decide to go on up the road for another 15 minutes. There is a nice area where we can look out to the south and see Shell Mountain and the area where Alta Peak is. Really nice view there.. We catch up with the skiers and talk a little more. Also we spend a few minutes just taking in a view of white, rock and tree.

Southern View

And now it is time to go back. We take the Big Meadow Road back. It is a bit longer, but not as steep. There were a few places where I was leary about going down unaided, at least without poles the way we came.

There are gradual slopes to the road. I would say for the most part, uninteresting. If we had enough time and energy, we could do a loop around the Rabbit Meadow loop. But none of us feel up to it right now. There are some interesting clouds around us as well. Nothing looking threatening.

Towards the Central Valley

We get back to the car around 2:10. It takes a few minutes to get packed up and then we are off. I was wondering what the Woodward Creek Trailhead looked like, so we went a few minutes further south and took a look. I think I have been here before, many years ago. Now it is back home. The big question is where do we eat. Or in these COVID days, more, where do we eat out. It is decided to do Chinese food in Fresno, Shanghai restaurant. We get back home a few minutes before 4:00. Plenty of time before our family Zoom call tonight.

Extra Photo's

Sherri and Steven hiking the Big Meadow Road

Gary almost back to the parking lot

Gary, Sherri, Steven and Korra

Gary and Korra

Off towards Alta Peak Area

Log and Clouds

Sherri walking on Starlight Trail

Korra

Interesting Rock

Gary and Sherri walking the Starlight Trail

Panorama of forest and snow

Korra and Steven

Animals

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

November 25, 2020 - Bench Trail

Title: November 25, 2020 - Bench Trail
Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Extra Photo's

Trail head: Pinnacles Campground

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking : Car
Trail: Bench Trail
Destination: About an hour
Distance: 4.16 miles
Start Time: 10:03
End Time:    11:53
Travel Time:  1:50 (2.27 mph)
Moving Time:  1:36 (2.60 mph)
Elevation Rise: 379'

Descent: 209‘
Maximum Elevation: 1,059'
GPS Tracks

Description:

Last night we, Andrea and I, agreed that there was no need to hurry to get up, especially if it was as cold as yesterday. So I stayed in my tent until 7:30. Andrea was probably awake before then and got out shortly after I did. We started breaking camp, letting things dry out. An indication that it is a little warmer than yesterday since we did not have a coating of ice on everything.

Before Breaking Camp

We decided that a repeat of warm almond milk and granola was in order. Evidently the planning on the granola was just right. We finished breaking down camp after breakfast-my tent fly is still wet. By 10:00, everything was packed up. Now what to do?

We are to be out of the Pinnacles campsite by 11, but we think we will fudge a little bit on that. Also neither of us feel like we want to do anything strenuous. That sort of fits the Bench Trail which comes right out of our campground. This is the start of what we did yesterday.

Bench Trail and Andrea

The trail is fairly level, so we walk at a good pace. Not sure that there is a whole bunch to stop for, but I manage to take a few pictures along the way. We come to the junction for Bear Gulch and the Old Pinnacles. We take the Old Pinnacles. This goes along the Chalone Creek, so we do a series of minor rises and descents-about 30’ each. Occasionally we met a few people on the trail.

We got to the junction with the Blue Oak Trail which leads to the High Peaks area. At this point, Andrea and I looked at each other and decided that this is a good time to turn around. The walk back is a repeat of what we have just walked through, except there are more people on the trail now. We quickly realize why. The parking lots are full close to the trail heads, traffic has been stopped on the main road, and people are parking lower down.

Looking up Chalone Creek

One of these groups of people asked us about the High Peaks Trail. We talk for a few minutes about what it is like. As we make way for a family to pass by, they would have no part of that. They wanted to listen to what we were saying as they did not know the area. I tell them a bit about the trail and where it will go.

Andrea thinks this is so funny, her Dad being the tour guide. Sherri would call it pontificating. Whatever it is, I consider it an act of being kind to help someone. Andrea keeps laughing for the next quarter of a mile. So glad I can amuse my daughter.

Andrea entering the Bench Trail Tunnel

We get back to the car by 11:50. Since we are already packed, we just need to take care of personal business and then be off. Actually, only more item-where do we want to go for lunch? We decided to try SmashBurger in Hollister. Andrea takes the lead and we get there a bit before 1:00. Andrea is still taking care of her Dad. She orders the food and fights through any COVID germs to retrieve our meal. I think she has turned out pretty well.

After eating, it is time to say good bye. What an enjoyable time with my daughter! Glad this worked out. I get home at 4:00pm. It takes me a lot of Thanksgiving to get things put away. But that is because I did not want to rush stuff.

Trail Lesson: Be kind. Being knowledgeable in your kindness is better.

Extra Photo's

Andrea, the masked hiker

Gary, tired old man

Andrea at the Blue Oak Trail Jct

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

November 24, 2020 - Balconies

Tittle: November 24, 2020 - Balconies
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Old Pinnacles Trailhead

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking
Trail: Old Pinnacles, Balconies Trails
Destination: West Entrance Area
Distance: 7.54 miles
Start Time: 9:42
End Time:  3:06
Travel Time:  5:23 (1.40 mph)
Moving Time:  4:19 (1.75 mph)
Elevation Rise: 1,103'
Descent: 949‘
Maximum Elevation: 1,480'

GPS Tracks

Description:

I reluctantly got up at 7:00am this morning. It is cold, even colder than yesterday. Anyplace where there was a liquid has now a layer of ice. The valves on our water jugs are locked frozen. We have plenty of water from other sources. We could even stoop to going and getting camp water.

Andrea agrees with me about how cold it is. We hurriedly get water heated up for tea for her. Then a pot of almond milk goes on. The warm almond milk and granola gets our interiors warmed up. We clean up and pick up camp. By about 9:30 we leave the Pinnacles Campground for the Old Pinnacle Trailhead. Andrea drives us with the windows open and our masks on-COVID prevention. Fortunately it is starting to warm up.

First look at the Balconies

We picked going over to the West Entrance via the Balconies Trail. Why might you ask? I had suggested on the list of trails we could do the North Chalone Peak Trail, but Andrea pointed out that it is a 2,000’ gain-do I really want to do that? Or how about the North Wilderness Trail? Looks like it is 11 miles or so. I guess I had better get in better shape if I am going to think big. This is “only” about 7½ to 8 miles. I should be able to do it. Sherri and I did it several years ago, so I should be able to walk it, I hope.

We started out on the Old Pinnacle Trail. 50+ years ago in Boy Scouts, we camped close to this trailhead-there used to be a campsite here. Also Sherri, Dennis, Bonnie and I camped here when we were going together and was driven out of the Sierra when a snowstorm hit. So this area has history with me, not only enjoyment.

Gate closed to the Balconies Caves

The trail goes on a gradual incline, following the West Fork of the Chalone Creek. Even though we are starting close to the same elevation as yesterday, the whole character is different. We had read a sign about how the various rifts affect the environment. This is where it becomes evident. After hiking about a mile or so, we come to the junction for the North Wilderness Trail. When I ask the question about routes, Andrea has that look of “Really, Dad?” So we continue on towards the Balconies Caves. But as we suspected, the trail through the caves is closed, I think due to COVID-19 precautions. I suspect it is because of the closed places where there is minimal air flow and very little ways to distance oneself from anybody else. But I also saw a notice-I do not know how recent-that there had been rockslides in the caves. So that means the Balconies Trail, here we come.

Balconies on the right

The trail heads back north and east, and more importantly, up. Andrea moves ahead so that I can take off my mask. I think she hopes that if I can breathe better I might go faster-fat chance. But I do go up at a steady, slow pace. The morning is cool enough that the climb is not too bad. Andrea, well, she is just rocketing up.

Andrea standing tall

As we go up,we see more of the areas around us and where we came from. The “we” is that Andrea is ahead, but waits for me occasionally. There are people on the trail today. I would say above 90% are masked and are pretty courteous allowing for people to pass by off the trail. The thing which is missing today is the parade of color. Today’s form of attractiveness is in rock, sky, shrub, and landscape.

F-Bombing Gary

As we closed in to the top, Andrea came to a rock which had a good view looking east. She climbed out on it. As I came along, she invited me out as well. I did more of a crawl than being elegant. A pleasant enough place to have a snack, in this case a F-Bomb-not that kind of thingy, but an energy squeeze container. To get down off the rock, I went over the side and was able to gently lower myself.

Andrea and Gary

The trail on top is flat and we walk right under the Balconies. Towards the end, the trail goes down a ravine, doing a few zig-zags. It reminds me of a mini Walter’s Wiggles trail in Zion. Down we go -certainly easier this way than going up. But we will go up it again.

Lunch View

Balconies and Trail from West

In my memory, the walk to the west entrance was more of a hop, skip and a jump. My legs must have been longer then as it took me a while to get there, not that I was terribly slow, except compared to Andrea. The trail was a gradual incline through boulders-not the caves and then out into a broader grassy area. After about half of a mile, we come to a picnic area where we have lunch and a rest.

After stopping for about half an hour, enjoying a bit of the sun, we are ready to go back. Once my legs start working again, I make a fairly reasonable effort at faking being a hiker. We retreated down the same trail we came up. Being in a canyon, there are a great many shadows.

Last before the car

Once we reach the Balconies Trail, Andrea scampers ahead while I am more leisurely in my ascent. At one point, I retreated a few steps so a family could safely pass me. As I get up to Andrea, I see that she has found a good way and place to wait for me-reading a book. She does not look up, but knows I have passed her by.

Andrea catches up with me when the Balconies Trail levels off. We stop for another break to observe this fork of the Chalone Creek. A nice view on a good day of hiking. And then down to the trail which goes to the cave. For some reason, I thought that it was only a mile back to the car once we reached the gate blocking us from the caves. But it is more like 2+ miles. So by the time we reached the car, I was dragging. But I still made it and in reasonably good shape.

Cooking by lantern

Once we got back to camp, it was time to get long sleeves on and settle into the good ol’e camp chair and read. Life is good. Dinner is a skillet dish we have at lookout. Andrea conjures up some bread with seasoning on it. really tastes good. Contentment reigns after the meal. The new warmer still does not light. But the one warmer does its job. We play some rounds of Boggle which Andrea whips me at. Then she teaches me a new card game called Archeology. She wins one and I the second round. By this time, cold is settling in and we head towards our tents for our final night. It is late for our camping, but still only 8:00pm.