Gary-Summer: May 30, 2021 - Return from Alder Falls

Sunday, May 30, 2021

May 30, 2021 - Return from Alder Falls

Title: May 30, 2021 - Return from Alder Falls
Day Hike Info : Description-Day Hike : Hike Info : Description : Menu : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Our Cam pspot

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking
Trail: Further up our trail
Destination: None

Actual Destination: Trail Junction with Deer Camp Trail
Distance: 2.14 miles
Start Time: 11:40
End Time:    1:35
Travel Time:  1:54 (1.13 mph)
Moving Time:  1:20 (1.60 mph)
Elevation Rise: 481'
Descent: 363‘
Maximum Elevation: 6,078'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Alder Falls in the Morning

I slept well last night. Was it because of the mountain air? The hard work of getting to our campsite? Or I am just a good sleeper.. Either way, I slept in until 7:15. It is a bit cool. But that seems good to me.

Gary, Seven, Andrea

Everybody is sleeping, so I go for a little walk. The Falls are not too far, about half a mile. So I wander down there. Along the way, I break out in parts of a hymn. Why does the early mornings in the mountains lead me to break out in song? Particularly a hymn? A hymn of praise? Maybe this is where God can teach me Or I am just more receptive to it out here. All which I can respond with is Oh Praise Him! Alleluia!

Creek Crossing, Gary Style

After viewing the falls and several flowers, I head back to camp. Nobody is stirring yet, not that I am impatient or anything. I just read for a bit until there is movement among the sleepers. When every one gets up, we have our oatmeal breakfast. Last night we talked about whether we want to stay around tonight or not. We confirm our thoughts from last night. Between the long line of cars, whacking our way through the Jungle, and having to hop over logs, none of us think we can make good time out of here. With Andrea needing to be back at work on Tuesday, we decided to spend a relaxing day today where we do not need to rush.

So we will do a short morning walk-it is getting close to noon, so I am not sure about morning-up the trail . In a short distance, we need to cross a small creek. For such a small creek, we have our fun crossing it-all of us. I take the most direct route, not caring if there is a bit of mud on my boots when I reach the other side. Some people show more finesse. About half of a mile further, it is time to cross Alder Creek.

In the past I have taken a more purist approach and removed my boots. But lately, I have realized if the water does not pour over the top of the boots, then for the few seconds the boot is in the water, I should keep dry. My plan works out pretty good. Steven has found a little bit more dryer way across.

A short ways further we come to the junction where the trail goes to Deer Camp or up to the trail coming from Yosemite West. We decided to stop here for a few minutes. The few minutes stretch to about 30. I think we all are just content to enjoy this space and each other.

It is obvious that we will not be going on, so we head back to camp.

Trail head: Our Cam pspot

Hike Info:

Type: Backpacking
Trail: Alder Creek, Mosquito Creek
Destination:
Actual Destination:
Distance: 4.07 miles ¹
Start Time: 2:36
End Time:  5:58
Travel Time:  3:22 (1.21 mph)
Moving Time:  2:40 (1.53 mph)

Elevation Rise: 242'
Descent: 1,426‘
Maximum Elevation: 6,004'

GPS Tracks

¹The mileage is a bit off from yesterday. I do not have a good explanation.

Description:

Breaking Camp

We had already gotten packed up before we left on our day hike. So we just needed to get a few odds and ends together, along with lunch before heading out. I guess we were not quite ready to leave this place as it was around 2:30 when the packs got put on our shoulders.

The segment to the falls is uneventful, and is pleasant. Not too warm or cool, and pretty much in the shade. There are some college-age kids down by the creek. Usually we do not see people down there as it is pretty much a climb to get down and even steeper to get back. They are close to the Fall’s lip, but still about 100’ away.

Alder Falls

We bid farewell to Alder Falls. While we linger there for a few minutes, the sun is pretty much beating down on us. So we get a move on. It is a backtrack of what we did yesterday.The walk along the old railroad bed goes pretty well. And then we find the place where the trail dips down into a single track. It is nice to get into a bit more shade, but the day is still warm.

Blacken Pants

We come to what is becoming our favorite resting spot and do what comes natural for us there-rest and snack. And then it is onward down the trail. We make good progress until the logs come along. We get over that big 4’ log a lot easier from the uphill side than we did coming in. But other logs present issues. Such as going over a burnt log leaves a mark on our pants-I do not think they did coming up. I guess that is what washing machines are for.

Soot Covered Log

Once past the logs, I must have felt pretty sapped of energy. I fell behind. But all which we have left is the Jungle. Somehow it is a lot easier going down into the brush than going up against it. We get to the cars without incident around 6:00pm. I think we are all pretty tired as we do not move very fast to load it. It probably was a good idea to come back today rather than wait till morning. We would have felt rushed and all.

Alder Falls

Jungle Walking

On the way back to Fresno, we stopped in Oakhurst for a Carl’s Jr burger. We should have bought stock in them the way we have used them this past year. By the time we finish our trip in Fresno, it is 8:00pm. Unpack and then shower time!

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Oatmeal and add-ins, such as dried peaches, strawberries, nuts, granola. Tang.	Ritz Crackers, Tortillas, Peanut Butter, Nutella	Carl Jr’s	Clif and Ascent Bar, GORP, Scratch, Jelly Belly