June 23, 2020 - Bass Lake

Title: June 23, 2020 - Bass Lake
Hike Info : Description 

Trail head: Chilkoot Campground

Hike Info:

Type: Car

 

Description:

Korra at Fresno Flats

We are about to begin a three day camping trip with Andrea and Lawrence. While the closeness will be welcomed, we will also try to keep good practice to keeping up separation. This will be a good test to see how to do this and still enjoy the physical company of each other. We will not be giving each other hugs or handshakes, still it will be good to see them. We have not been with them since Christmas.

I get up at my normal time and start getting everything together. But we do not get going until about 10:45. The car is fully loaded. But we have three people and Korra in the car and supplies for three days. I wonder how we did this in the RAV4?

We stop in Oakhurst at Carl’s Jr for burgers, but go to the Fresno Flats Historical Park about a mile or two off of Highway 41. It is warm, but a nice stop. There is a recreation of Oakhurst’s original buildings-it was called Fresno Flats then. It is a nice historical park just to stop in. Besides, it gives Korra time to recuperate from the drive.

It should be a short drive to Chilkoot, our campground. But when we get to Beasore Road and travel up a couple of miles, there is a flagger. She tells us that ahead, just before Chilkoot, there is another flagger anda two hour delay. She suggests we go up and around on Sky Ranch Road.

Old man crossing a creek

So what is a trip without adventure? So we go back that way. This gets us by Calvin Crest and Nelder Grove. After that, we go down a road which is my type of road. But instead of me saying to go this way, it is Steven. He has grown up to be like his father.

Andrea and Gary

This road goes through Soquel and Greys Mountain Campsites. Both seem pretty remote-nut I know of people who do like these sites.At Grey’s Mountain we stop at an outhouse. The map shows a split in the road-but it looks like there might be three ways to go. One of them warns of the type of vehicle not to use. So we take that one. The road is not too bad, at least for our Highlander. Only in one place do I need to pick through a hole. This gets us to Beasore again and it is a short drive down to Chilkoot.

We see if our friend, Jerry, the campground host is in. He is not, but we quickly find the spot picked out for us. Soon after getting our car parked, Jerry wanders up. It is good to see him as it has been close to a year since we last hiked with him. We talk and he also explains the campground layout and amenities. Andrea and Lawrence come up shortly and it is a good non-physical reunion.

Primrose

Jerry gave us a few minutes to get settled, then he led us down his favorite trail. It is pretty steep and leads us down to Chilkoot Creek. There Korra gets her first taste of crossing a small creek-she does well, a bit wet. We do not stop there, but continue on around a ridge which separates the North Fork of Willow Creek from the Chilkoot. A family is here enjoying the water and scenery. The scenery is one which given the right lightning would make this a place one could just live forever at. Jerry has us do a group photo with him-one of the family takes it for us.

After about 10 or 15 minutes we started our return. All made it over the Chilkoot without falling in. Technically Korra did not fall in, she just waded across. Then it is up a steep hill. I can tell my lungs are no longer in the shape they were in six months ago. Andrea stays back with me and we make it back to the campsite.

Lawrence getting the kitchen ready

Jerry takes his leave of us-we are thankful for his kindness and consideration in making sure we have an enjoyable time at his place. He is off for the next couple of days. Camp is set up. We are together, but not crowded. Sherri, Andrea and Lawrence get the fajita’s made up for us. Pretty nice meal.

We all relax with a fire going. So good to be with your son and daughter. Of course we also miss Rachel. But this is a good start in having ways to be with family. While nothing special is really discussed, it is just special being here.