Gary-Summer: January 11, 2020

Saturday, January 11, 2020

January 11, 2020 - Wawona

Title: January 11, 2020 - Wawona
Hike Info : Description : Background : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Wawona Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Wawona Meadow, Raymond Road, Old Trail to Big Creek

Destination: Loop

Distance: 6.97 miles

Start Time: 1:21

End Time: 5:15

Travel Time: 3:53 (1.80 mph)

Moving Time: 3:30 (1.99 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,246'

Descent: 1,056‘

Maximum Elevation: 4,837'

GPS Tracks

Description:

I got up this morning not knowing what we might do or where we might go. Do we stay home and continue cleaning? Does not sound fun. Is fun the only criteria that there is? Snowshoe? Snow levels seems to be high, so the concentration of people will be pretty dense. How about hiking? Sounds interesting. Where? How about Wawona? Let's go!

We left Fresno after 11 and arrived a little before 1 at Wawona. In Oakhurst we changed drivers. We asked on entry into Yosemite about snow at Mariposa Grove. The ranger said there was snow at the Grove, but not lower. Does not sound too good for hiking. Maybe up to the Grove but not in the grove. So down to the meadow.

South Fork of the Merced River

Before we started hiking, we ate lunch. That is a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich. Over the years, we have developed an extended route around Wawona Meadow. Now to see how much we want to do of it. Actually, we have never done the extended route all in one hike, just in parts.

South Fork of the Merced River

We get our backpacks on and cross Highway 41. But instead of doing the trail which bi-sects the golf course, we go on the north end of the course, which takes us by the golf pro’s shop, which used to be the place where the butcher did his work for the Wawona Hotel. After rounding the building, we head towards Big Creek. It is a nice, third of mile walk through lots of young trees. We enjoy the flow of Big Creek as it enters the South Fork of the Merced River. Ice has formed in the river, where the flow has not quite knocked it down. We look around a bit, but do not go over where the pond was-too much snow and do not want to slip.

We retreat back the way we came until we come to the old smokehouse. Then we skirt the western edge of the golf course. Normally we pay a visit to the site of Galen Clark’s cabin, but it probably is a little bit too mushy, so we stick to the road which loops over to the Raymond Road. We feel that after Pincushion earlier in the week, this road should be acceptable to us. So up we go. I am doing OK, even though I am glad I do not have an overnight pack on. The road is pretty firm and we do not have any problems sliding or anything with it. In places there is a layer of frost, but nothing bad.

Sherri on the Mt Savage Road

We hit the crossover road. I have speculated that originally this might have been the entrance road to the park since it comes out right where the guard stations are. But I have not seen anything which confirms my speculation. By the way, from what I can find, the road is called the Mt Savage Road.

Walking is a good way to think and talk. The most pressing thing we have to think about during the next several months is what to do about an estate plan. So that is a topic of discussion. It is obvious we have a difference of opinion on certain matters, but that is why one talks, to see where you have agreement and find places where we can agree. We will continue to talk in the coming days and weeks.

Gary going back down to Wawona Meadow

I am looking for a stake and a trail to go down to Wawona Meadow. I see the stake, but Sherri keeps going. But not for long. The trail down to Wawona Meadows is narrow, surrounded by mountain misery for a long ways. Today it has a layer of snow-not much, but enough to be careful on how one walks. It is a pleasant route, but the one I am glad we are going down. At one place, we miss a turn and go down a very steep service road. I know that it all goes to the same place. Still, it is very steep.

When we reach the trail which loops around Wawona Meadow, we have a choice-left or right, clockwise or counter-clockwise? Normally we would go counter-clockwise and maybe even walk the flume. But it is cold and there are two creeks which we would need to cross. So we go clock-wise. The walking is much faster, but the light is fading. We make it back to the car before dark and even got glimpses of the sun leaving the ridges to our east.

Now that we are back in the car, snuggly and warm, the big decision has to be made. Where to eat? We decide on DiCicco’s in Oakhurst. Not a lot to say,except that it was a good choice. Had exactly what was needed to fill my body. Then it is back to Fresno and a nice hot shower.