October 11, 2025 - Muir Snag, Not Quite

 

Title: October 11, 2025 - Muir Snag, Not Quite

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's 

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking 

Trail head:  Princess Trailhead

Trail: Princess Interpretive Trail

Destination:  Loop

Distance:  1.75 miles 

Start Time: 2:45

End Time:  3:58

Travel Time: 1:12  (1.46 mph)

Moving Time: 0:52   (2.02 mph)

Elevation Rise:  297'

Descent: 221‘

Maximum Elevation: 5,994'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Today is Sherri’s birthday, an interesting mathematical year, but not a prime number. She never likes me to state those kinds of dates in those terms. That is just how my mind works. She was not forced to marry me.

Start of Trail

When Sherri got up, I fixed her a breakfast of Ranchos Huevos. She appreciated it, even if I made a bit more than she could eat. We did a bit of cleaning up-nothing which was pressing. We had our lunch before we went up to the mountains.

Where are we going? A couple of months ago I saw a reference to Muir Snag. I do not think I had heard of it before. So after doing some research on it, I saw that it was in Sequioia National Forest on road 13S50, which is part of the Indian Basin Grove. This road is on the West side of the grove.

I drove us up to the road. When we found the road, we parked a little ways up the road and saw a white truck a bit further up the road. Being good at mathematics, I put two plus two together and realized that we are still in deer hunting season and that the truck more than likely belonged to a hunter. We did not have an inch of red on us, so we felt the wiser choice was to retreat.

Fortunately, this was close to another trail we like by Princess Campground. Even without the government shutdown, Princess would have been closed already. All which this does is have us walk another ¾ of a mile. We walked from the entrance to the interpretive trail. We have walked this trail a lot. There is a loop which is handicapped accessible and paved with a gentle grade. We take the longer loop, stopping frequently to ooh and ahh.

The impression starts quickly. Across the meadow are groves of aspen, having turned golden. Many pictures are taken of these trees. Then we move on. There is a place where we look down the meadow and across the canyon to some of the mountains beyond. It is a sight which never fails to move me. On the back end of the loop there is more aspen and looking towards Cherry Gap.

We took our walk back at a leisurely pace, getting back to the car about 4. We then drove back down home. Since it is Sherri’s birthday, we go out to eat at DiCicco’s on Nees. A good way to end the day.

Extra Photo's

 

Aspen

Look north up the meadow

More aspen

Still more aspen

Sherri

Clouds over Cherry Gao

Stump and Aspen

Gary trying to get a shot, but it did not come out

Gary examining a patch of red

Aspen glowing

October 3, 2025 - Go to Anaheim

Title: October 3, 2025 - Go to Anaheim

Hike Info : Description 

Hike Info:

Type:Car

 

Steven's Room

Description:

When I got up, I started to put the stuff I got out yesterday into my bags. Then out to the car they went. I was finished by 7 and had my breakfast. Sherri got up shortly afterwards. At 9:30, I got onto the OSHER Book Club’s Zoom session. We talked about a book by Damien Lewis called Agent Josephine. This is Josephine Baker’s story mostly during World War II. She gathered information for the French and British during that time. I think the OSHER group had a similar feeling about the book that I did: While Baker was the title person, it seemed like others had at least as much of a role in the book as she did. Also the story could have used more about her rather than mostly facts and people and places and dates type of writing.

 

 

Waiting for our meal at Earl of Sandwich

I had to leave after half an hour as we have friends coming over at 10. Steve and Nancy are friends we have known for over 50 years. It is good to have talked with them as we had not seen them for a while.

When they left, about 11, we finished getting ready to go to Anaheim. Rachel is staying behind as she has been sick the last day or two. Hopefully she will be doing better and drive her recently purchased car to Anaheim tomorrow.

We left about 11:30 with Steven driving. Sherri got a call from Fashion Furniture about a problem we have with one of the pieces of our front room set. The upshot of the conversation is that Sherri will bring in a receipt when we get back and then make arrangements for repairs.

When we got to Bakersfield, we stopped at Costco for gas. Then a little ways further, at In-N-Out-a lot easier to find than in Redding when we passed through Sunday. After that I took over driving. Going over the Grapevine was not an issue and a good way into Los Angeles. But then we hit stop and go traffic for the next two hours. It just was not pleasant driving.

We finally got to Anaheim and found the house where we will be staying for the next couple of days. Finding the house was not hard. Getting in was a bit more of a challenge. We could not figure out where the lock was to put in the code. Steven finally figured it out and walla, Open Sesame and we are in..

The house is clean. There are enough bedrooms for all of us to sleep comfortably. Some of the rooms definitely are kid friendly, after all this is called the Minnie House.

We rested for a while, then walked over to Disneyland. Its is a 40 minute walk. We went through security, then walked into DisneyTown, a non-ticketed section of Disneyland where there are shops and restaurants, but no rides. We went to a restaurant called Earl of Sandwich. Sherri and I share a turkey club and Steven has chicken alfredo.

After the meal, we walked back to the house. Then waited for Andrea and Lawrence's flight to arrive-it arrived about 30 minutes sooner than expected. So Sherri and I went off to the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana to pick them up. We make it back by 10:30. Very glad to see them. Then off to bed. I went to sleep by 11:30-late for me.

September 28, 2025 - Return to Fresno

Title: September 28, 2025 - Return to Fresno
Hike Info : Description

Hike Info:

Type:Car

Description:

I woke up about 5:30, an hour before I wanted to. But I felt pretty refreshed, so I just stayed in bed, looking at my phone until 6:30. I then started to get my things together--all ten minutes worth. Sleep Inn has a breakfast which we went down for after Sherri got up at 7. Then the car was packed-not like there was a whole bunch of stuff.

Today we are going to go all the way back to Fresno. We started a few minutes after 8 with me driving. Nothing exciting. Well, around Grants Pass there was a lot of smoke from the Brushy fire-what a name for a fire-which is part of the Moon Complex of fires.. Its is between Grants Pass and Gold Beach on the Oregon Coast.

By the time we reach Medford where we stop at Costco for gas, the smoke has mostly dissipated. Just out of Medford we stopped at a rest stop before going on. We debated about lunch since we will be stopping in Sacramento for an early dinner with Peter. We decided that Yaks will fill us up too much. Sherri has found a place in Mt Shasta City called Seven Suns Coffee and Cafe. Its reputation is good sandwiches and burritos. But when we got there, there was a hand printed sign saying “Closing at 11:30”. That is three minutes away. We had passed by a blackish looking smoke a few miles up the road. Evidently that was close to the owner’s house and she needed to take care of things.

So we go on to Yaks after Sherri picks up some coffee there. But at Yaks, the parking area is full, so we go on. Sherri notes there are two In-N-Out’s in Redding, so on we go. Somehow, the phone is giving contradictory instructions on getting to an In-N-Out. Evidently there were two maps going on, giving instructions to both of them. We get that cleared up and pick up a couple burgers. Then we are off again, with Sherri driving.

I will admit, this part of the trip is not very interesting and I am glad Sherri is driving it. She drives for a bit more than an hour, which gives me time to relax. We get to the Dunnigan rest stop before Woodland where we change drivers. I drive into Sacramento where we will meet up with our friend, Peter.

We had arranged to meet at the Hidden Dumpling on P Street. He got there a few minutes before us. Before he and Jamie moved to Sacramento, he was part of our House Church. We order family style, including chowmein, sweat and sour pork and some pot stickers. We leave content, both from the food and our time with Peter.

We continue our trip South. There is some heavy traffic from Sacramento to Stockton. Then it thins out. We may have enough gas to make it to Fresno, but we would arrive on fumes. So that provides the second reason to stop at the gas station at Costco in Turlock. The first is to avail ourselves of the carwash there. After filling up and getting a clean car, we go a few miles south to the rest stop.

Sherri takes over driving for the final leg of our trip. We are very familiar with this stretch as we traveled it just ten days ago. We got home a bit before 9, very tired and glad to be home.

 

September 27, 2025 - Go to Roseburg, Moriah’s Wedding

 

Title: September 27, 2025 - Go to Roseburg, Moriah’s Wedding
Hike Info : Description

Hike Info:

Type:Car

 

Description:

Today we went to Roseburg to attend my best man’s daughter’s wedding. But first I need to get up. We are hoping to leave at 8. So I get up around 6. David and I talk a bit, nothing earth-shaking, just a bit of brother to brother talking. I have granola for breakfast. Sherri gets up at 7.

We did not leave at 8. Kevin, David’s friend, comes by about 8:30 to pick him up to go to clean their church for the Sunday service. We leave a minute before they do, about 8:45. They manage to get ahead of us and we follow them until they turn off at one of their favorite stores not named Costco. We continue on past Arcata, going towards Redwood National Park. We have some choices and decide to spend an extra 15 minutes going up Drury Road. It is more scenic, but much slower than 101. We enjoyed the side trip and rejoined 101 about 10 miles up the road.

At Klamath we stop at the Pen-Mey gas station to put 8 gallons into the tank. Then off to Crescent City. I stopped at a Starbucks there. Sherri gets coffee and then we start off again with Sherri driving.

The Smith River is a beautiful drive. Being a passenger lets me view it with both eyes, which I am thankful for. These are redwood trees on a windy road. When we got to Cave Junction, we would usually stop at Taylor Sausage. But they do take a bit of time, so we go across the street and enjoy a meal at Dairy Queen.

Then I drove all the way to Roseburg. We go to our hotel, Sleep Inn, arriving about 2:25. We had asked for an early check in, but they were not quite ready for us. By 2:40, we got into our room. We spent a few minutes resting, then changing into the clothes for the wedding this evening.

Moriah’s wedding is at Delfino Winery in back of the ridge where Dennis and Bonnie live. It takes us about 20 minutes to drive there. We arrived there and then mingled. The first person whom we meet is Jeremy, Dennis’ son. He is directing parking. After signing the guest picture, we talked with Bonnie and Dennis. The wedding gets off a little late-one of the bride’s maids is sick so there is a substitute being set up.

But when all is said and done, Moriah and Alex do get married which is the point of the whole thing. We enjoy this as we have watched Moriah grow up over the many years. We meet friends of Dennis and Bonnie and talk with them a lot of the evening. There is dancing on a platform which Dennis has made. By 9, we are ready to go back to our hotel and sleep, which we do. We have a long drive tomorrow.

September 26, 2025 - Eureka

 

Title: September 26, 2025 - Eureka
Hike Info : Description : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking 

Trail head: 

Trail: Headwaters

Destination:  None specified

Actual Destination:  First Bridge

Distance: 4.26 miles

Start Time: 11:08

End Time:    1:37

Travel Time: 2:28  (1.73 mph)

Moving Time: 1:50   (2.32 mph)

Elevation Rise:  543'

Descent: 482‘

Maximum Elevation: 281'

GPS Tracks

Description:

The Trail

I got up at 7 feeling pretty refreshed. This was after 9 hours of sleep. David is up. I write for a while and then David and I talk about things such as estate planning. It is an easy morning. Both Sherri and I have cereal for breakfast. Then a bit more easy time just talking about things.

We decided to go on a hike to the Headwaters. This is a favorite as it is close by. The area is lush. Often it is wet after a rain, but David points out that it has been dry here for a while. We leave David’s house a little before 11 and get our boots onto the trail, not dirt, by 11:15.

Sherri and I get our boots on, even though the trail truly does not need it. We have gone down this trail before. The mile is paved. David said that since Eureka has been pretty dry, so is the trail beyond. Usually this area gives the impression of rain forest, being perpetually damp .Today, it definitely is an overgrown forest, but maybe not like it would take you over. Still where the former town of Falk was, there is no trace.

We continue our walk past the pavement. We meet a few people, but not a lot, after all most humans still need to work on Fridays. It is enjoyable walking this. After another mile, we get to the first bridge and decide to have lunch there.

Moss covered branches

In a former life, Sherri and I would have been gung ho to continue on. But neither of us have done much hiking this Summer, so we decided this would be a good place to turn around. It is amazing what you can see on a return trip, just by observing. There are a few blackberries on vines, the sun coming through the leaves and a banana slug or two cross our paths.

When we got back to David’s car, I think Sherri and I both realized while we could have gone on further, this was a good length for a hike at our stage of fitness. On the way back, David stops at his chain saw place where he has gotten his chain sharpened. Then we stop at the Humboldt Smokehouse to pick up dinner for tonight. David and Sherri share a Cadillac Burrito, I get a Texas Sandwich.

When we get back toDavid’s house, it is nap time. Then a bit of chatting, followed by dinner-what we picked up from the Smokehouse. Contentment. A good visit. We chatted some more and then off to bed by 9.

 

Flowers and Plants

September 25, 2025 - Eureka

 

Title: September 25, 2025 - Eureka

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Trails within Humboldt Botanical Gardens

Description:

Coneflowers

It is Sherri’s and mine anniversary. As I put out on Facebook, it is our 111x111 binary anniversary. Or for those of you who are not programmer types, our 7 squared years. Or for those who do not like math, it is 49 years together today.

I slept 10 hours, I am not sure when I have slept that long. We had our breakfast and then played what do you want to do today. I suggested Humboldt Botanical Gardens. David has not been yet. When we were in Atlanta, we had gotten a membership to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens-it was not that much more than the entrance fee. This membership allows us to us a reciprocal agreement with any American Horticultural Society gardens which the Humboldt one is. So free entrance it will be. As it turns out, the entrance cost is only $7 to get into the Humboldt Gardens for seniors.

 

David among the flowers

About noon we leave for the gardens. I think we mostly doddled before that. The Gardens are located on the College of the Redwoods campus. Kevin, David’s close friend used to teach here and lives just over the ridge from it. When you go someplace for the first time, you have a set of expectations. I was thinking it was going to be a small, underdeveloped area with a few mangy beds.

Instead the initial area is well laid out on a slope where there are colorful beds and well maintained. We came at the end of the season, so some of the plants, such as the Coneflowers are at the end of their bloom. Still there is enough color for the eyes to enjoy. We wander the beds, enjoying the sites, looking for identifications for plants which look interesting and wondering how many of these we could introduce to the heat in Fresno.

A little bit of the gardens

While this developed area may be the star of the Gardens, it takes up only a small part of the land which the Gardens resides on. There are three miles of trails. Where there is a trail,our feet try to find their way along it. We take a series of paths towards the end of the Gardens which the volunteer at the entry station noted.

It is called Santino's “All Happy Now” Earth Sculpture. This is a hill which is a hemisphere. They have overlaid a Fermat Spiral over this. So there are two paths to the top, each starting at opposite sides of the hill. The spiral is made so each path runs side by side until they meet at the top. Each will go an equal distance. And that is what Sherri and I do, start at each starting place and meet at the top. The idea is to do this more as a place of calming and meditation rather than as a hike or a competition. I will admit, I did it more as a walk than a meditation. Maybe if I was to do it again, I would look more as a meditation.

Sherri on the Happy Hill

 

 

We then start back along the service road. Maybe the only real fault which I have to the Gardens is the lack of a restroom. The only place where there is an outhouse is at the start-and I needed to go, so I went back to the start, leaving David and Sherri to meander down a few other paths. When I emerged, they had made it back to the terrace area.

We go back to David’s house. David cooks us a meal worthy of our anniversary dinner. He cooks us top sirloin with bread, veggies and a salad. Pretty good. Then more talking and into bed around 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra Photo's

View from the Happy Hill

 

Heather

 Animals

Banana Slug

Banana Slug

 
Flowers and Plants