May 21, 2016 - North Boundary and North Grove Trails

Title:May 21, 2016 - North Boundary and North Grove Trails
Hike Info : Description : Background

Trail head: General Grant Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: North Boundary and North Grove Trails

Destination:Loop

Distance: 4.82 miles

Start Time:  9:17

End Time:  12:52

Travel Time: 3:35 (1.34 mph)

Moving Time: 2:17 (2.11 mph)

Elevation Rise: 973'

Maximum Elevation: 6,717'

Red on Google map is the are of the Rough Fire

Description:
If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.  Luke 17:6

Our hikers on the North Boundary Trail

Last Summer, the Rough Fire tore through the Kings Canyon area. Since the fire went out, I have been wanting to lead a series of hikes around some of the fire area. So this is our first Destruction Hike to examine what the fire did. Today's will be around Grant Grove. There are ten of us, most of whom we who have had limited hiking experience with. Should be fun

We pick up our friends, Fernando and Nancy at 7:00 and meet the rest of the people at Eddie's Bakery. We leave at 7:40 and travel non-stop, at least my car does, up to the General Grant parking lot in Grant Grove.

By 9:15, we are ready to start our hike. I talk a few minutes about the fire, but these fine folks did not come to hear me talk, So off we go. Up beside a small creek for a little ways, then we cut over and pay a visit to the General Grant Tree, the third largest living thing. Some of our company has not seen this tree. I have commented in other blog entries that sometimes I got so used to the spectacular it becomes common, so it is good to see things through fresh eyes. Afterwards we stop briefly at the Gamlin Cabin.

There he goes again-pontificating

Now we take off along the North Boundary Trail, going counter-clockwise. I do a lot more talking about the forest, Sequoia seedlings, fire and cones. At one point I talk about the saying of Jesus and a mustard seed. In my mind I think more of Sequoia seeds and the tree that seed produces. But mostly I talk about how fire is needed for a healthy forest. To get Sequoia seeds germinated and onto the ground, fire needs to go through an area.

For the first part of this trail, we notice a few old burnt areas, but we would never know that the impact of Rough Fire was just a third of a mile away from us. We are still at awe with the wonders of the Sequoias with its red colored wood. We pass by the stables and then talk a bit about prescribed burns. This area had been burnt a few years back.

Gary and fellow hikers posing in front of burnt forest-photo by Kevin S

We hit the top of a ridge, and there we see a blacken forest. We stand and look. Even here, the trees are not all black-this is where a prescribed burn was done a couple of years ago. As we travel further, the burn areas are almost completely removed of vegetation. Almost, but not completely. It is a mystery to me why some small brush seems to have been bypassed, but a large tree was burnt to a crisp. Thoughts to ponder.

Results of Rough Fire-photo by Kevin S

We get to a place where we stop for a few minutes, probably less time than wanted, but it is cold, definitely in low 40's, maybe a bit colder. So I do not stop long. We are at the connector piece with the North Grove Trail.

From the top of this trail, the Rough Fire could be long ways off. Enough so, that our group enjoyed mugging before one of them. But shortly after  taking trail split-we are doing this loop counter-clockwise-we start seeing evidence of the fire, My two favorite trees are unscathed, but right below them the fire rampaged, leaving bare ground in place of vibrant green. We would go in and out of burnt areas until we hit the lowest part of the trail. Then it was a complete burn. I thought Sequoias would be almost invincible to fire, but we saw at least two of them giants completely burnt. So sad it is.

Remains of Rough Fire from McGee overlook-photo by Kevin S

Now it is time to go back up the trail till we hit the parking lot. A bit of the climb. I mentioned the McGee Overlook and our group was interested in seeing it. On our hike, we got a close up picture of the impact of the fire. But from this overlook and being able to see a couple miles of nothing but burnt acreage, it is sobering. Even more so that we are only seeing about a third of the fire. With this on our mind, we head down to Squaw Valley and the Bear Mountain Pizza for a bite to eat before returning back to Fresno.

Enjoying a Sequoia Gigantia

Background

• The Rough Fire started on July 31, 2016 from a lightening storm. Originally it was called the Garlic Fire because it was misplaced as being on garlic Ridge-the spotting was done in the twilight. It is the 13th largest fire in California's recorded history, burning 151,623 acres with 3,741 firefighters, 345 engines, 19 helicopters and 45 bulldozers used.
• Prescribed burns is used to remove fuels from an area. allowing for more vegetation to grow.
• Wikipedia
• Smokey the Bear
• NPS policy concerning fire. 
• Fire is needed for Sequoia seeds to be able to grow.
• McGee Fire was in 1955. The picture above is the extent of this fire.

September 3, 2014 - McLeod Flat/Chilkoot Creek

Title: September 3, 2014 - McLeod Flat/Chilkoot Creek

Trail head:

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: McLeod Flat 4WD Road

Destination: Willow Creek

Distance: 2.13 miles

Start Time:  8:17

End Time:  10:36

Travel Time: 2:15 (0.92 mph)

Moving Time: 1:15 (1.70 mph)

Elevation Rise:  434'

Maximum Elevation: 4,503'

Description:
Sherri, Jerry J, John, Cathey and I walked this trail in August, sort of a pre-hike. Today is much cooler, we also get an earlier start. We meet at Kohl's at 6am, then pick up a couple people in Oakhurst before making our way to Chilkoot Campground and Jerry J. After dropping off the food for our pot luck, we go to McLeod Flat 4WD road. Well sort of. Our car fell behind as we waited for one of the passengers. So we found the road and went down it, but no other cars were there. We turned around and the rest of the hikers came down the road-they were concerned about the roughness of the road and their vehicles.

DD and the Old Car

So we  all walk down the 4WD road, as it descends steeply.  I am thinking that my opinion of the trail is highly conditioned on the trails I have been on the last couple days; dropping into Yosemite Valley and climbing out of Kings Canyon. The dustiness and exposures a bit overbearing. But it is broken up by an abandoned car-it is the most noted thing in the area and our group plays around on it.

Log Crossing

Then we further descend to Willow Creek. We all walk the log bridge across-none fall in. There is not much water to fall into. Then we follow another, near level, dirt road about a half mile until it ends. It is nice to be under a canopy of leaves. But we come to the end of the road and find a little foot path to a large granite sheet. Here Willow Creek drops through a series of holes, eventually down to Bass Lake, but we stop here and enjoy the sight. I wonder what this would look like with water.

Willow Creek

 Our return trip takes us across the creek and up the other side. We navigate a combination of tracks and shelves. Not hard as all we have to do is gently rise up while curving around a ridge. We come out at the old car, then head up the dirt road until we reach our car. Others have to go a bit farther to Beasore Road to pick up their cars.

Willow Creek Valley

Crossing Willow Creek

Trail head: Chilkoot Campground

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: Chilkoot Creek

Destination: Chilkoot Creek

Distance:  .60 miles

Start Time:   12:35

End Time:      2:07

Travel Time:   1:31 (0.41 mph)

Moving Time: 0:32 (1.13 mph)

Elevation Rise:  177'

Maximum Elevation: 4,730'

Description:

Chilkoot Creek

After our potluck, and we did have a lot of luck with that pot, Jerry J leads us on a short walk to Chilkoot Creek. While not short, the trek down is steep. Once we get down, there are some slippery rocks to navigate then a dirt and rock embankment to going sharply down and avoid a degringolade. But all make it down, even though some do go around.

A couple of pools await us. Several frolic in them, but I being sort of stuffy, just lay on the rock, enjoying the sounds of splashing and the sun soaking my skin. After half an hour, we return back to camp. Another place which would be interesting in late Spring.

Jerry K by Willow Creek

Enjoying the shade

August 16-18, 2013 - Cedar Grove House Church Campout

Doug D is going off to college in a week, so his father and him planned a father-son trip to Ceder Grove in Kings Canyon. So they invited the men from our house church to go up with them. Doug and Greg went up Thursday, followed by Steven J, Stephen G, Steven D, and Peter J on Friday. Mike W came up Saturday morning. He took back Peter J and Stephen G that night.

Enjoyable time. When not hiking, we were playing games, reading, or just all around chatting. But we also got a fair amount of hike time in as well.

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Title: August 16, 2013 - Kanawyer's Loop

Hike Info:

Trail:  Kanawyer's Loop

Starting location:  Roads End

Destination:  Roads End

Distance:   4.54 miles

Start Time:  4:26

End Time:    6:38

Travel Time: 2:12 (2.06 mph)

Moving Time: 1:53(2.41 mph)

Elevation Rise: 509'

Maximum Elevation: 5,145'

Description:

In the late afternoon, after we had arrived from Fresno, Greg suggested we go on a hike. Originally we were thinking about doing the Lewis Trail. But then as we talked about the various trails in the area, we decided to do a loop out of Roads End, called the Kanawyer's Loop.

We did the loop counter-clockwise. The we in our group is Greg, Peter, and myself, Gary.  I am somewhat surprised that Peter is doing this walk as  this is not something he or really enjoys. But I am glad he is along.

Kings River around Roads End

The walk along the south side of the Kings is cooler, plus with the tree cover, we seem refreshed. We have crossed the Kings with the bridge. This is the same trail Sherri and I discovered last June, returning from Paradise Valley.  Only thing then, it was from east to west and because it was Spring time, every thing was  more lush. But even now, it is a good walk amongst the greenery and boulders.

Peter does well as we stop about every half mile. I think he is enjoying the effort, but probably not the actual walking. Even more so, there is a companionship amongst those which hike together. You discuss things both trivial and large. I think this is where Peter's head is really at in this hike-enjoying the talking.

As we get close to Bubbs Creek we can hear more of the water flowing. This is encouraging as I have a fear that a lot of the creeks are drying up. While the flow is down, it still is respectable and should not completely dry up this year. We cross the Bailey Bridge and come back along the north side of the Kings.

While this section can be hot and dusty, today it is a bit cooler, even though the temperatures are in the 90's. our walk seems faster than we do this. Must be the good conversations.

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Title: August 17, 2013 -  Zumwalt Meadows

Hike Info:

Trail: Zumwalt Meadows Loop

Starting location: Zumwalt Meadow Parking Lot

Distance:  2.08 Miles

Start Time:  11:29

End Time:     1:30

Travel Time: 1:37 (1.29 mph)

Moving Time: 1:08 (1.83 mph)

Elevation Rise:  210'

Maximum Elevation:  5,072'

Description:

Canyon View

Mike W has come up to join us for the day. He will be taking back Stephen G and Peter J. But before this evening, we have a lot of time together.  We decide to do a hike around Zumwalt Meadows, near the upper end of Kins Canyon.

Flowers in Zumwalt

One of many deer

It is already warm when we pile out of the cars. A group photo  is almost taken-in making room for me, Greg moved out of the picture. The hike is started. Because this is an interpretive hike, we will learn about the area. There are 20 stops in the 1.5-2 mile walk. One of the first ones talks about the native Americans who inhabited the area, the Monache tribe. But a little ways above the sign post was a plaque with Abram Agnew and Jesse Agnew on it, with what looked like a pile of stones underneath it.

Grave of the Agnews

Zumwalt and Canyon

Interpretive Trail

Shortly afterwards, we cross the Kings on a bridge, then head back east on the south side of the Kings. Pleasant walking. We go clockwise around the meadow-the wrong way for the interpretive trail. We get the the meadow view first, instead of last. This view is wonderful. It has the tall grasses and marsh plants up close, while the south rim of the canyon stands behind, including the Grand Sentinel.

Balancing Rocks

Zumwalt

Ready to Pounce

As we circle around and come to the returning trail, we hit the granite talus field. These boulders have fallen off the tall granite slopes of the canyon walls over the centuries. While they are stable in our terms, you do realize it is only a matter of time before more boulders come down. We get back to the cars around 1:15.

By Roaring River Falls

Time to head off back to camp for lunch. But first we stop at Roaring River Falls- only a quarter mile walk. The falls are only a shadow of their usual selves. But still fuller than the trickle we expect. I guess I will have to stop calling them the Roaring Trickle. We do get a group shot here. Then off to Knapp's Cabin to see a bit of history. Then a brief stop at Canyon View for another photo-op, and back to camp.

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Title: August 17, 2013 - Roads End to Sheep Creek Camp

Hike Info:

Trail: Along the Kings River

Starting location:  Roads End

Destination: Sheep Creek Campground

Distance:  7.08 miles

Start Time:  3:35

End Time:    6:13

Travel Time:   2:38 (2.69 mph)

Moving Time:  2:26 (2.91 mph)

Elevation Rise:  500'

Maximum Elevation:  5,121'

Description:

After lunch, Greg asks, who wants to go for a hike. This is the third time he floated the idea of going up the Lewis Trail.  But upon further consideration, we decide on a trail from Roads End to our camp. Mike will hike about half of it, with Greg, Steven J and myself doing it all. Part of this trail, about half of a mile we did this morning. But most of it will be along a couple of trails most people did not walk.

But us intrepid few do walk it and walk it well. We left Mike's car at Roaring River Falls parking lot and made our way to Roads End, where we left my car. Crossing the same bridge we did last night, we take off west along the Kings, instead of east like we did last night on the Kanawyers Trail. The walking is pleasant: ferns and boulders, burnt out pines and the Kings all along the way. But as we go west, the cover gets a bit sparser, but still pleasant enough. We come to part of the Zumwalt Meadow Loop and follow it for half of a mile. 

Zumwalt Meadows

Mike is setting our pace--and it is quick, even though the surface is uneven. As we get close to Roaring River, we are over taken by a solitary running, who then returns about 15 minutes later. Then we hear the thundering of hoofs a few minutes later. The a flock of gallimimus--you know that scene in Jurasic Park where a herd changes direction on cue and runs around--the doctor is in awe and the kids are concerned. Well this herd of trail runners do the same. They leave us alone, but we are expecting a T-Rex around the next tree. Fortunately, we make it to the Roaring River Falls parking lot before the T-Rex appears.

Mike then drives us back across the Kings River and drops us off at a dirt road. We walk a little ways down the road and find the trail. This one is definitely not used on a daily basis. Greg is in the lead and there are times it disappears on him. But even on the sunny side of the canyon, it is not too bad, as far as the heat. 

North Canyon Spires

You get a bit different perspective on the canyon as well. The sides of the canyon seems more vertical, rising to spires above us. Instead of the taller pines and ferns on the south side, there is more scrub brush, showing us the lack of moisture.  We reach the NPS wilderness stables. The trail sort of disappears and we decide to walk the road for a ways.

The road is not very dusty and pretty hard. So we make pretty good time. Conversation turns to ethics in our lives--how it plays out in how we work and live. After awhile a ranger comes driving by and asks how we are doing. Pretty friendly, but each of us has seen the rifle he has and that does make us a bit nervous-nobody comments on it until we are back at camp.

Afternoon Clouds

A short time later, we hit paved road and find the store. From  their, we cross the bridge back to the south side and go through the Sentinel campground. There is a paved trail over to our campground-Sheep Creek. When we get into our campground, we see Mike and Steven D driving the cars--they had fetched the Rav4 from Roads End. They give us a ride back to camp--a tenth of mile. But I am thankful, keeping a bit tired. All in all, a hike I enjoyed, mostly because of the companionship.

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Sunday, August 18, 2013

While not a hike, on Sunday morning we did have a service to refresh ourselves with our Lord. From my notes:

• Open with Prayer:
• Read Psalm 97, intersperse with Let the earth rejoice
• Service Theme: Endure till the end
• Entries from a John Muir Trail Hiker's(Larry ) journal:
• The beginning of trail was almost a breeze.  I felt my workout rhythm returning.  Mosquitoes swarmed.  I had a net for my head and ears, my pants were impenetrable, but there was nothing to defend the rest of me.  Dozens landed on my unprotected shoulders to suck my blood.  I imagined and then believed that the mosquitoes are "the sword flaming and turning" whose duty it is to keep us out of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24).
• We met a friendly Australian couple at a rest stop overlooking a gorgeous distant view of pointy, blue-gray, snow-frosted Bunnell Point.  He was white-bearded; she was older as well, mixing grapefruit juice and water in a cup.  Their vigor and cheer put me to shame.
• Then the horrors started again: staggering 1000 feet up Sunrise Mountain.  I felt no pain.  I just couldn't get enough air.  After every rest it took a minute or so before my legs stopped feeling numb and dead, as if it took a while for the oxygen in my blood to get to them to give them power. 
• Thoughts on the journal-very much like our Christian walk. We turn to Christ and it is Jesus and me. We walk together and life is wonderful. That is until the pests arrive in our life to distract us and make us wonder. We meet those on our way which refresh us and encourage us. Then the hard slodge happens and we need to endure to the top.
• Paul speaks to Timothy, to encourage him. 
•  Speaks to young men and Timothy in particular.
• College be the marketplace of our day
• Need to remember: You are chosen
• 1 Tim 4:4 -  everything is good. Receive with thanksgiving.
• 1Sam13:13-14. You have done a foolish thing. Not followed the Lords commands (Samuel says to Saul when he does not wait for Samuel to offer sacrifice). Follow God's commands, rather than the good which is out there.
• 1Tim1:18-19
• How to endure?
• Pray
•  Read the word
•  Fellowship with those who love God
•  Seek counsel from the wise and godly
•  Follow his commands
•  Gratitude
  
• 1 Tim 4:16 - Watch your life closely
• 1Tim 6;11-16
• As much as you will try, you cannot outrun Gods love.
• As Psalm 136 says, not once, not twice, but after each verse, his love endures forever
• Pray for Doug

August 9, 2013 - Buena Vista Trail

Title: August 9, 2013 - Buena Vista Trail

Trail head: General's Highway, Buena Vista

Hike Info:

Trail:  Buena Vista Trail

Destination:  Buena Vista Peak

Distance:  2.11 miles

Travel Time: 1:29(1.42 mph)

Moving Time: 0:56 (2.26 mph)

Elevation Rise:  596'

Maximum Elevation:  7,601'

Description:

Buena Vista Peak

This hike was sort of a impulsive one. We were searching around for a local peak to climb to satisfy an adventure for Capture California when we saw  Buena Vista Peak on the map. We have enjoyed the hike before and  thought this one would be a good one  to take, particularly since it might provide a good view of the sunset.

Up on the ridge

We got to the trailhead around 6:30 and started hiking. The first section rises about a hundred feet right out of the chute. Just enough to let you know not to take this trail for granted. Once on the ridge, it levels out some and roughly contours with a gentle rise around the mountain. There are two large fallen trees across the trail, a short distance from each other. Not hard to cross-at least after doing the JMT, there not too much which is too difficult. A couple of families which we came upon were really proud that they had built steps to help others over these fallen trees.

Sherri and Gary at Sunset

It is not long before we climb the final ridge up to the peak. The sun is just a little above the horizon. The sky is darling to deep blues with reds and pinks of the smoky air refracting the suns beams. What a wonderful time to be here.we spend at least 45 minutes on top, looking for a benchmark, climbing boulders and exploring the area. Also we take in the sun, just enjoying  its fading radiance. 

Above Kings Canyon with glow

Moon in night sky

It is time to return back to the car. We go down a lot faster than we did come up. Still, we are quickly losing light and the vision to see. But we are still able to make it down to the car around 8:30. It has been a nice little walk.