August 27, 2014 - White Chief Mine

 

Title: August 27, 2014 - White Chief Mine

Trail head: Eagle Lake

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: White Chief Mine Trail

Destination: White Chief Mine

Distance: 6.04 miles

Start Time:  9:11

End Time:    4:01

Travel Time: 6:49 (0.89 mph)

Moving Time: 4:41 (1.29  mph)

Elevation Rise: 2,038'

Maximum Elevation: 9,554'

Description:
We got up this morning and had a pancake and bacon breakfast. Rob and Robert, our camp mates, and us take off to go to the Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trail head, where we meet John and Cathey around 9. The five of us are the "A Team" and start a head of everyone else. John stays back to wait for the rest of the meetup team. I think they get there a little before 10.

A Team

Kaweah River Valley

The first mile or so is a gradual up. We are rising above the East Fork of the Kaweah and see the trail to Farewell Gap. It is good looking down this canyon. Our group s doing pretty well, which is surprising to me, with the altitude and stuff. A little after a mile, we come to the Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trail junction. We still have not been caught which gives us a feeling of, hey, we are hiking pretty good! Not that ones hike is ever judged by the speed. I judge my hikes by how much I enjoyed the hike, whatever the component: beauty, exercise, friendship or just the plain joy of experiencing God's world.

Rainbow Peak

But now we are on the section of the trail which does some serious ascension. The trail get seriously steeper and the breathing is more labored, with stops more frequent. Rob is setting a good pace for us as he gauges our struggles. This section is where the lead hikers of the late group first appear with Lee F and Daniel in the lead. But I noticed that there s a nice sheen of sweat on them, as well as the succeeding groups of our meetup hikers-they are laboring as much as we are. Almost all of the meetup group gladly enjoy the chocolate covered espresso beans from the Jelly Belly Factory, when offered.

 Usually with Sierra mountains, when you struggle, there is a reward. In this case with the strong ascension, we are able to see the upper granite lined basins around Mineral King. Such beauty is so good to experience.  A couple creeks coming down the side of Farewell Canyon into the East Fork of the Kaweah River reminds me of Kuna Creek dropping into Lyell Canyon in Yosemite-it is that beautiful.

Ruins of Crabtree's Cabin

As we top the lip of our side of the canyon, we become the last group again, our rightful place. The walking become milder, even though there is less oxygen. Walking through a little high Sierra valleys is always fun for me-it arouses my sense of wonder. As we round one corner, I realize this is where the map says the site of Crabtree's cabin is, so I walk the 40' off the trail and find the remains of a couple pipes, what looks like a ladder and the corner of the cabin. Nobody else wanders off the trail with me. So I get to reflect on the passing nature of us all.

Meadow above the lip

But this moment of reflection only lasts that long, a moment. Off I go and quickly catch up with my group. We trudge along, gently gaining elevation, appreciating that Crabtree did this day in and day out to go to his mine. The pockets of trees on top of the ridges give pleasant relief to the rock surrounding us. We finally break out into the final walk to the mine. We cross the small creek we have been following and climb to the White Chief Mine's entrance. The entrance is above a tailings dropping in white rock. This is not your dingy mine, but one which would appeal to a person of taste. The mine is open to the public and safe to walk the full 150' length. Many of us have headlights so we can explore. Others in our group go further on up the trail about 400' above to explore the basin below White Chief Peak.

Into the Mine

Back to the Mine Opening

Mine Opening

Descending from Mine

But we  start down the trail we came up on. It is a repeat in reverse of us going up. But this time our group stops and gawks at the ruins to Crabtree's cabin. Then it is off down the steeper slope. Jean, a new hiker, both to our group and to the hiking experience falls in with us slow ones and we chat for a ways about hiking, it's equipment and enjoyment. Judy, another hiker new to our group, but one of those who went to the upper basin briefly chats with us before running off. 

We all make it in. Sherri, Rob, Robert and I go to our camp, gather stuff up and take off to John and Cathey's cabin in Silver City. Most of the group has gathered around the shop for pie and enjoy the time. Then most hurry off back to Fresno. But some of us enjoy Cathey and John's hospitality and the chili beans. Good talking with them and a pleasant way to end our hike.

Cathey, Jean and Rob

Rainbow Mountain

Juniper

August 26, 2014 - Monarch Lake Trail

Title: August 26, 2014 - Monarch Lake Trail

Trail head: Timber Gap Parking Area

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: Monarch Lake/Sawtooth Pass

Destination: Monarch Lake

Actual Destination: 9,800' level, about a mile before Monarch Lakes

Distance: 6.67 miles

Start Time:  11:30

End Time:     5:16

Travel Time: 5:46 (1.16 mph)

Moving Time: 3:43(1.80 mph)

Elevation Rise: 2,0

Maximum Elevation: 9,778'

View of Farewell Gap area and Parking Lot

Description:
I got in a good walk this morning. Walked up to the a Eagle/Mosquito Lakes Trail head. Then I came down the nature trail back to camp. A pretty good walk, while watching the morning shadows being replaced by light. Sherri was just getting up. We finished our pancake breakfast around 9:30 and cleaned up our camp. Talked with the ranger about the area. Then went over to the ranger station to see if they had suggestions for us. We finally decided to go toward Monarch Lakes.

Monarch Creek

Around 11:30 we start off. In the first half mile, the cars look small. We have gone up 600' and have reached the trail junction with Timber Gap. We go right and our climb becomes more moderate. Make no mistake, we still are going up, but the trail seems almost gentle in comparison. We are exposed some to the sun, but today is a good hiking day.

Trail up towards Monarch Lake

With the trail rising, the sight of the southern part of Mineral King come into view, including where White Chief Mine is, our hike with the meetup group tomorrow. Also Sawtooth looms bigger in front of us. We cross Monarch Creek and find a nice spot for lunch. While having lunch, several groups come by-until now we had not seen very many, but it seems like everybody was deserting the backcountry, or at least completing the Monarch Loop.

Mineral King

As we go up, we get some nice views of the Mineral King  area. A division of low greenery and ragged mountain tops-country I like. But the afternoon is getting late and we did not start early enough to make it to Monarch Lake. Our 3pm turn around time looms as we get to the 9,800' level.

Sawtooth Peak

From 9,800' we turn around and head back, making pretty good time. When we cross Monarch Creek, there is a little trail heading north. I think it may go to a little mound to get an overlook, but the view is only ok. But the trail goes on and looks like it may continue up to Sawtooth Pass-something to look into. I turn around and catch up with Sherri. Before long, we are back at the car. 

Sawtooth Peak

Sawtooth Pass

Monarch Creek Area

When we return back to Cold Springs Campground, Rob has joined us. Sherri and I go on to Silver a City and gave a pleasant dinner with Cathey and John. By the time we return, Robert B has joined our campsite. After talking for a few minutes, it is time to crawl in my sleeping bag for a good night sleep.



 

Sawtooth Pass

White Chief Area

Sherri on way down

Parking Lot

Place: CA-Mosquito Lake (Mineral King)

Mosquito Lake-9,911' (Mineral King)   (36.4193601, -118.6138227)
Mosquito Meadow-8,890' (Sirretta Peak)   (35.9502251, -118.3534168)

Description:
Mosquito Lake-On the west slope of Miners Ridge at the head of Mosquito Creek. (US-T121) From GNIS database

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