June 24, 2020 - Shuteye Peak

Title: June 24, 2020 - Shuteye Peak
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's :  Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Road 8029

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Central Camp Road

Destination: Shuteye Peak

Actual Destination: Not even close to Shuteye

Distance:  2.85 miles

Start Time: 12:14

End Time:    2:26

Travel Time:  2:12 (1.29 mph)

Moving Time:  1:34 (1.82 mph)

Elevation Rise:  453'

Descent: 293‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,518'

GPS Tracks

Road to our starting point

Description:

Caution: this is being written up three weeks after the day we had. So my mind may be creating a few things.

I thought I got up early enough. But then I saw that Korra and Steven had gone for a walk down to Chilkoot and Willow Creeks. Judging by Steven’s pictures, early morning is when you should go down there. So quiet and still. Plus the gentle colors of morning makes the whole beauty of it stand out.

Willow Creek

I enjoy the quietness of the morning in the chair Sherri got me for Christmas. A bit low, but comfortable. Andrea and Lawrence emerge after a while. And Sherri comes out as well. By this time Korra and Steven have returned.

This morning’s breakfast is pancakes. We have several versions of mix, but mostly Krusteaz. We managed to finish off the other mixes and left with only about half of a box of the Krusteaz. I cook the pancakes and I can tell it has been awhile since I made them as each person gets a unique version of pancake. Some have black bottoms, others raw in the middle (actually I think some are both), some are scrambled, but some are noumenon and come out according to specs. But nobody is complaining. I think we are just all happy to be together.

What are we going to do today? Seems like we want something and that something is just not going to be sitting around enjoying the air and each other and trying to avoid the mosquitos. But what to do? After talking it over I have said that I have wanted to go up to Shuteye Lookout since we hear him over Sierra’s radio. So that is our destination for today.

We make our lunch-peanut butter and something. Mine is Nutella, obviously. And then we are off in two cars-the Oakland and the Fresno car. We continued on up Beasore Road until we hit Central Camp Road. We take the dirt road which at least starts off OK. As far as dirt roads go, not too bad. I am in the lead because we have the higher clearance vehicle. I try to pick my way around obstacles knowing the Subaru which is following me will have a bit more issues with clearance.

Korra and Steven, with Sherri and Andrea in background

We make a turn-still on Central Camp Road, but it is a sharp turn otherwise the road goes on to Gaggs Camp. About a mile later we came to a creek. I stop and look at it. I think my Highlander would make it across OK. But everybody else thinks this is the end of the line for the cars. So we backup and find a place off the road to park. We get ourselves ready for our hike. Not sure how far away from Shuteye we are, but I think it probably is out of reach today.

We cross the creek without incident. Korra does not seem to mind the water. The road gradually slopes upward, but not bad. It is a bit hot and a bit dusty. We are pretty much masked up anytime we get close to a person outside of our circle. Still, it is pleasant enough walking with Andrea and Lawrence.

Lawrence and Andrea

We come to another no-name creek. But we can tuck ourselves into the shadows and out of the sun. There is a small crack in a rock where the water splashes down. Relaxing on the eyes. Besides, it is after 1pm, so it is time for lunch. It is a nice spot to eat, even if I do say so myself.

I think the heat is getting to me a bit. Not like in heat exhaustion, just feeling it sap my strength. After lunch there is no spring in my step. We continue on up until the road makes a sharp turn. By now, everybody else has come to the conclusion that we are not making it to Shuteye. So before the final ascent to Little Shuteye Pass, we turn around.

Even going downhill the spring does not return to my step. But we do make a bit faster time. We all stop in front of a sugar pine tree. Now that I think about it, it may not be in awe, but in fear as those cones are hanging straight down. One of them hits you and it will do damage.

We make it past the tree to cross our creeks and back to the car. It certainly is hot. Even though I have been sipping water like crazy, I do not feel refreshed and maybe a bit dehydrated. The drive out is the same as coming in.

Steven

When we reach Beasore Road, we decide to go on up it aways, maybe take in Chilkoot Lake. But I passed that, and Jones Store. By the time I realize it, I am five miles past the store. We turn around and stop at the store. But they are closing, having run out of food around 2:00pm. Still have not eaten there.

So what do we do? Why go back to our camp at Chilkoot. There we rest. I also have a first: that is falling asleep in the hammock Steven got me for Christmas two Christmas’ ago. Felt much better when I got up. You sort of get the feeling that I am using Christmas gifts this trip.

Jones Store Hold Up: Steven, Lawrence and Andrea

Now the question is where to eat or more accurately, where to pick up the food, around Bass Lake. Several places were mentioned, but we decided to try Miller’s Landing.A friend of Andrea’s had recommended it. So Andrea and Lawrence go ahead and we order it when we have a phone connection. When they get to the place, this looks like a cesspool of potential COVID-19 incubation. They tell us there is no social spacing, about a quarter of the people are wearing masks and even the staff have a very “relaxed” attitude about the potential dangers.

Andrea and Lawrence risk their lives while we go back and search for a place to eat. We find a day use area called Lakeside. A bit of a mess this late in the day. But we found a clean set of tables to eat at. The food was good enough. We watch the crowded boats swish by and wonder and hope that nobody is on board with COVID-19. As we are leaving, somebody from the California Land Management comes into the parking lot. This gives us impetus to leave as technically this is a $10 fee area, which seems a bit steep for 40 minutes of use.

Dinner view of Bass Lake

Back at camp, we sit and talk and enjoy each other as the skies darken. We get to bed around 9:30. I read for a while and quickly fell asleep

Extra Photo's

Morning on Willow Creek

Hiking the road: Korra, Steven, Lawrence, Andrea and Sherri

Korra and Steven

Korra

Andrea, the bandit

As far as we would go

Hill of flowers

Shade and shady characters: Lawrence, Andrea, Gary, Steven

 
Flowers and Plants

Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush

Sugar Pine

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.

February 6, 2018 - Deer Camp Trail

Title: February 6, 2018 - Deer Camp Trail
Hike Info : Description 

Trail head: Turn out around Yosemite West turnout

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Deer Camp Trail

Destination: As far as we can go

Actual Destination: About four miles along trail

Distance:  8.11 miles

Start Time: 11:09

End Time:    3:50

Travel Time:   4:41 (1.73 mph)

Moving Time:  3:18 (2.46 mph)

Elevation Rise:  607'  ¹

Descent: 435‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,430'

GPS Tracks

 ¹Starting elevation was 5,922’; ending 6,132’ for a 210’ difference. More like an elevation rise of 500’

Description:

Sherri and Rose were to be planning this trip after the ambiguity of times and places to hike from last time. But a couple of things happened. Our good friend Betty is up at Bass Lake and is joining us. Her recently repaired hand limits her for the time being to the trails she can be om. So we thought about doing Willow Creek near Bass Lake. But after a brief reconnaissance, that was a no go-to many place to slip and fall. Also Sherri got sick and cannot go, so it is off to Deer Camp.

Going through Buck Brush

I pick up Rose at 9 and Betty at 10. We get to the Deer Camp Trailhead a little after 11. The weather is cool, but sunny. After putting on our boots we are ready for our hike. This is a hike I have done several times and have noted it is not a destination, but journey hike. The trail is flat, so we are able to walk. But it is closing in on two years since I last walked this trail-back on Memorial Day weekend in 2016 when we backpacked into Deer Camp with Wayne and Michelle. There is a bit of freshness because of not walking on it for awhile.

We are hiking at a pretty good rate-like I said it is flat. But considering how much I have moaned about my lack of stamina and being out of breath, I am going pretty good at 6,000. Betty has not been able to hike for about four months is going good, while Rose with a 16 pound training pack is keeping right up there. It is a good day to walk. Temperature reaches the upper 50’s/low 60’s.

Cranberry Girl

There are three creeks along our path: Rail, Strawberry and Bishop. Each has some wetness to them, but the only one really running is Rail. We stop for lunch after an hour and a half of mostly walking-only a break or two to look at something interesting before lunch. This is a far cry for me from the hikes I have been on for the past month. Lunch is a bit longer than average. But it is a good rest.

I think we will hike another 30-45 minutes, then we should get to a turn around point so we can be back at the car by 4:00pm. So onward we charge. There is a long ridge after Bishop Creek. This ridge separates Bishop from Alder Creek and I would like to round the end of it. But it gets to be time to turn around. (When I check the map the next day, I found that we stopped about a tenth of a mile and 60’ short of rounding the ridge.) There is a big boulder which I rest against for a few minutes. Then we start back again.

Brush at Rail Creek

The return trip has mostly a gradual downhill slant. So we make a bit better time coming back. While the scenery is the same, and does not very, I still enjoy the walk. Just amazing that we are walking this trail this year rather than snowshoeing it. Not saying we did not see snow, or even that there was not snow on the trail. Still an inch occasionally does not mean we need to set on snowshoes!

Dishes on Henness Ridge

Towards the last mile, my legs start feeling tired, but I was able to maintain my stride instead of shortening it. Fortunately, there are little things to help you stop and enjoy. Such as spotting the data dishes at Henness Ridge or a plant along the way. So I still have a little ways to go before being in shape. But I am getting closer.

We got back to the car before 4, then get packed up. I think we all are a bit tired, but glad we hiked it today. When we get back to El Cids, Betty invites Rose and I to a Mexican restaurant in Bass Lake with her husband. After a quick glance at each other, off we went. The restaurant is Casa Velasco. Not sure if it is connected to the Velasco Mexican Restaurant in Prather. Food was pretty good, just a bit spicy making ti sharp. I guess I am getting a bit less of a spice eater in my old age. I drop Rose off at her place at 7:00pm and back home to Fresno by 7:30. I talk with Sherri a few minutes before getting into the shower-she is still pretty lethargic from being sick. Shower feels good.

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