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 14, 2013 - Hobler Lake

Title: August 13, 2013 - Hobler Lake

Trail head:  Maxson Trail Head

Hike Info:

Trail: Maxson Trail Head to Hobler Lake

Destination: Hobler Lake

Distance:  9.16 miles  (1.21 miles*) 

Travel Time: 5:55 (1.55 mph)     (0:48*)

Moving Time: 4:15 (2.16 mph)  (0:31*)

Elevation Rise:    1,384'   (152'*)

Maximum Elevation: 9,089'
*A group of people overshot Hobler Lake. The indicated information is the overshot amount

Description:
It has been awhile since Sherri and I have been on a hike with our meetup group, particularly with the mid-week folks. So it was good to be hiking with John, Jerry, Lee F, JerryJ, Nat,  and the female Lee-we missed having Cathey along. Also with other folks such as Rosie and Megan. Hiking can be a pretty socialable event, if done right. This was one of those time.

After gathering in Clovis we headed on up to Courtright Reservoir in Sierra National Forest.  But before arriving at the Maxson trail head, we made a brief stop to examine a unique geological exhibit, explaining the different type of rock and soils in the area. This brought interest to our trip as we were surrounded by domes.

John and Gary

The first leg of the hike was along the Dusy four-wheel drive road. But after about a mile, we branched off onto a hiking path. It was pleasant and gentle. While the affects of the drought was noticeable, the area  was forested so the total effect of going up the valley was refreshing. We came upon a group of backpackers who are going to go over Hell-For-Sure Pass, then up Evolution Valley and Basin before Muir Pass and out over Bishop Pass. One of the people, from Hawaii, had done the JMT last year and wants to do it again.

Elephant Head

At the next trail junction, at Chamberlain Camp area, we started the major ascent. John says about two hundred and fifty feet. But the map shows more like four or five hundred. Still, not as bad as a high Sierra pass. The trail is not as well graded, with some steps being up to three feet up. Not bad for me, but some people are not above six feet tall either. But once we got to the next fork--plenty of jokes about which way to go, the trail eases it grade and we go along pretty well. John shows Lee and I his elephant head burl-very curiously shaped. I think it has a tusk, but John says it is feeding himself. But everybody else misses this scenic wonder.

Hikers

Hobler Lake

After about three-quarters of a mile more, we come up to the lake, Hobler Lake. A nice lake, with plenty of grass on its northern and eastern end. But pretty pleasant. But wait! As we look around, no Sherri, no Megan. Where have they gone? Others think they may have seen them and shouted after them, but that group just continued on. So I took out after them. After a little more than half of a mile, I caught up to the four people who overshot the lake, and we went back to relax with lunch and a view of the lake.

Chamberlian Cabin

The trip back took us about as long as coming up. At the base of the steep ascent, at Chamberlain Camp, we went west, instead of returning back via the same trail. In about a hundred and fifty feet, we came across the Chamberlian's cabin. Built in 1945, it is padlocked closed. But recently, last May, an outhouse was put up by Backcountry Horsemen of California. We made use of the facilities and continued on.

Rocky Road with Gary, John and Lee F

This trail had many places where  we skirted around fallen trees. At the Voyager Rock campground, we hit the Dusy Road again. We follow it as it heads south, inland of Courthright Reservois. We do not get to see much of the reservoir, but do get to enjoy some brief views of Maxson Dome and the valley we walked up this morning. We also cross a long stretch of granite slab where the road goes, marked only by stone and a few blue highway bumps. A couple of four-wheel drive jeeps pass up-friendly folk--and we reach the cars around 2:30. Content.

But not completely content. We go down to Shaver Lake and try to eat at the Trading Post. But they do not start serving until 5. So across the street to Shaver Lake Pizza we go and order up. Now we are content as we wolf down the pizza and drinks of choice.

August 11-13, 2013 - Ostrander Lake

August 11-13, 2013 - Ostrander Lake
It has been three weeks since we have put a backpack on. The previous time was coming down Mt. Whitney to finish up the JMT. The question which was entering my mind was, "Am I ready for this?" While the body was in pretty good shape, except for a sore side, would I mbe mentally up to it. On the other hand, Ostrander is a good hike which I have enjoyed. As an added plus, Carol W and our son Steven is coming with us. So it should be a pretty nice three days.



Title:August 11, 2013 - Bridalveil Campground to Ostrander Lake

Hike Info:

Trail: Ostrander Lake

Starting location: Bridalveil Campground

Destination:  Ostrander Lake

Distance:  7.14 miles

Start Time:  3:05

End Time:  7:07

Travel Time:   4:01 (1.78 mph)

Moving Time:  3:18 (2.16 mph).

Elevation Rise:  2,118'

Maximum Elevation:  8,615'

Description::

I went to church  and hear Jeremy's sermon on shepherds and lambs. Picked up Carol and went home. We did the last minute packing and was able to leave Fresno a little after noon. There was a stopped in Oakhurst to pick up Subway sandwiches-both lunch and dinner. Then got our permit, from this year's favorite ranger Heidi P. She has been helpful each time I have gone in and today was no exception. The Ostrander trail head was full, but she suggested an alternative--Bridalveil Campground. This was where we used to leave from many years ago, so it was fine with us. We had our Subway lunch then on the lawn in front of the Wawona Hotel. Then it is on to the trail head.

Carol and her backpack

Left the car around 3:00. Instead of starting at our normal trail head, we started at Bridalveil Creek Campground. The first three miles are pretty flat, rising about a hundred feet. Bridalveil Creek is just a small, muddy trickle.  Actually, going this way is a bit prettier than coming up through the Ostrander trail head.  I start a few minutes later than the rest of them, but get caught up by the first junction. I am feeling pretty good about my walking; the stride is good and the cadence feels like I can keep it up for awhile. At the junction, we make a decision to go the prettier, but longer way to Ostrander. We continue up the west side of Bridalveil Creek until the second junction. This is the one which if we continued on goes to Turner Meadow and Deer Camp. We then cross over and meet the Ostrander trail in about three-quarters of a mile.

Fliterary

At this junction, we have a rest break, before the big climb up Horizon Ridge. There is a burnt out section of forest which each year seems to be recovering pretty nicely, finally, from the 1994 fire. The first mile and a half rises up 800'. This is a section which always tires me out, but this time I am able to do pretty good on it. Must be the 23 days on the JMT which makes this climb easier. Even though I doubt I will ever so climbing 800' is a piece of cake. When we get to the top of the ridge, we take another break. 

Climbing a hill

We have about 700' more to climb to get to Ostrander and the hour is getting closer to sun down. So Steven and I take off to see if we can find a camp site. Carol and Sherri will come up the trail as they can. I must be feeling really good as after a half of a mile, Steven steps aside and I pass him. One step at a time makes it up the slope. With the exception for a few minutes of gawking at the scenery, I make it up to Ostrander without stopping. Not bad for an old man.

Half Dome

When I get to the lake, I decide to go to the east rather than the more popular west campsites. But everyplace I look, people have already camped in those spots. By this time, Steven has caught up with me, so we go across the lake's outlet to the west. There are some campsites available, a bit crowded. but still good enough. We pick a spot between a family of about six or seven and two females looking like they will be taking pictures of the meteor's tonight.

Ostrander Lake

Steven goes back and gets Sherri and Carol. We set up camp-Carol and Sherri in the tent, Steven with his hammock and I under the stars. Dinner is the rest of our Subway sandwiches. We watch the glow on the mountains as the sun goes down, then turn in. A good day.

Title: August 12, 2013 - Hart Lake

Hike Info:

Trail: Cross Country

Starting location: Ostrander Lake

Destination:  Hart Lake

Distance: 3.29

Start Time:  10:11

End Time:    3:08

Travel Time: 6:56 (.47 mph)

Moving Time: 2:47 (1.18 mph)

Elevation Rise:  770'

Maximum Elevation: 9,180'

Description::

What a great night! Woke up at 1:40, in time to see three meteors from the Pleiades shower streaking across the sky. Went back to sleep until the alarm went off at 2:15 to watch the main show. The prediction was 60 meteors every hour, but I think we got more than our share. The meteors would come in groups, then stop for five minutes and start up again. Annie Dillard is right to say the least we can do is show up when we have this kind of show going on for us. You will need to trust me that it was as spectacular as what I think it was. Took pictures, but unless you like shots of black, nothing came out.

Eventually went back to sleep, maybe after an hour or so. The morning sun woke me up. But the slug I am, I stayed in the bag for the next hour just enjoying the light playing with the trees; shadows hiding from the sun. But around 7:30 got up and had my quiet time. Sherri and Carol got up shortly afterwards. We do not have much on the schedule, so we just sort of lolly-gag around.  Eventually we have breakfast-oatmeal and stuff. Steven gets up around 9 and has breakfast as well.

Sherri and Horse RIdge

Today we will go on a short cross-country trip to Hart Lake. As we are leaving, we see that our neighbors with the better campsite have left. We decide to take over the camp. So we lug everything over before setting out to Hart Lake. This is a cross country trip of about two-plus miles. We go past the Ostrander Ski Hut, then start to follow the ridge. As we went, we went higher and higher up on it. We passed the large pond east of Ostrander and then climbed up higher still. The walking on granite was pretty easy and the climb was not strenuous. Along the way, we could look over much go the Clark Range, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and most of the center of Yosemite.

Hart Lake and the Clark Range

Then things started to get interesting. I saw Steven going a bit upward and then lost track of him. But he then went contouring across and down. Sherri and I continued upward until we came to the top of the ridge. We were able to look down on Hart Lake, as expected, and on Steven and Carol, which was unexpected. So down Sherri and I came. We went down one narrow place where we needed to stretch always, not bad. Sherri was not happy with that piece. But we met up with Carol and Steven.

Happy Sherri after boulder descent

There was a lot more down to go-a lot of boulders to make Sherri unhappy. I think the previous down took something out of Sherri, because she became a lot more tentative around the boulders. But we made it down OK. Steven and Carol were waiting for us by the lake.

Steven, Carol, Sherri and Gary at Hart Lake

We ate lunch-peanut butter, Nutella, crackers and pepperoni sticks. Took some pictures and then was on our way back. We stayed a lot lower coming back, contouring more. The walking was good, and the rocks did not give us trouble. We did run out of water when we got to the little ponds above Ostrander Lake. But that was not too bad. It was only about half an hour back to camp, around 3:30.

Hart Lake

We sort of had a leisurely rest of the afternoon. Steven and I took a dip-I to my knees, Steven up to his waist.  Read some, wrote some and helped Carol with her crossword puzzle. Steven and Sherri took a nap. Sun shine relaxing-not too warm, not too cold.

Ostrander in the background

Tonight's dinner is a combination of Szechain Noodles and Mountain House Terriaki Chicken.

Title: August 13, 2013 - Ostrander to Ostrander Trail Head

Hike Info:

Starting location: Ostrander Lake

Destination:  OstranderTrail Head

Distance:  6.34 miles

Start Time:  9:53

End Time:  13:23

Travel Time: 3:30  (1.81 mph)

Moving Time: 2:28 (2.57 mph)

Elevation Rise: 350'

Maximum Elevation: 8,518'

Description:

Last night was another night of watching the meteor shower. But I did not stay up nearly as long and I think that there was about a third of the activity of the night before. So I was ready to get up pretty early. Carol wanted to see the sunrise on Half Dome--I also enjoy watching this as well. Sometimes the whole dome turns pink. So I woke her up and we walked on the other side of the ridge which separates Ostrander Lake from Illilouette. Not a long or hard walk. We found a rock and waited for the sun to start shining on the dome. But it was a bit longer than expected. Still the air was warm enough. When the sun finally lite some of the far away peaks, it was more the bluish-yellow, not the hoped for pink. Still it is awesome watching Half Dome come into the light, followed by the surrounding domes and mountains.

Sherri, Gary, Carol, Steven

When we got back, Sherri and Steven were still asleep, but not for long. We made breakfast of oatmeal and stuff. Then broke camp a little after 9:45. First we stopped by the Ostrander Ski Hut. Yesterday we found out that the hut was nominated to be included on the National Registry of Historic Places. These were the NPS carpenters who were working on the place. So a few more pictures were taken and we started off.

Half Dome and Beyond

On the march

Ghost Forest

The next three miles went by pretty quickly. We returned the same way we came up. Through the same ghost forest-which we will also see lower on. But when we reached the first intersection, we headed off towards the Ostrander Trail Head rather than the way we came.

Fireweed

Buckwheat

This area, particularly earlier in the Summer can be a glorious show of color from all of the flowers. Now, it is drying up a bit. Still there is enough flowers--lupine, buckwheat and some goldenrod to make the scenery worth looking at. Also an amazing number of fritillary flutter around.


When we reach the second junction, about a mile away, we make a decision. Sherri and Carol will go on to the Ostrander Trail Head while Steven and I get the car at Bridalveil Campground. We  make some pretty good time. Then reached the car and went over the mile-plus to pick up Sherri and Carol. Then onwards to Todd's in Oakhurst.

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.

August 3, 2013 - Big Stump

 Title: August 3, 2013 - Big Stump

Trail head: Big Stump Parking Lot, Grant Grove

Hike Info:

Trail: Big Stump

Destination: Loop Around Big Stump

Distance: 1.75 miles

Travel Time: 0:56 (1.88 mph)

Moving Time: 0:45 (2.39 mph)

Elevation Rise: 548'
Maximum Elevation: 6,436'

Description:
The last time we went on this trail, it was covered with snow. We had gone with Karol and our meet up group. But today, we got to enjoy this trail with Carol and Mike W, some friends of ours in our house church..

Mike, Carol, Sherri

The day was bright and beautiful. Mike, Sherri and I had come up to the Grant Grove area because our church was doing a family campout over at Aspen Hollow, near Hume Lake. We decided to do a short hike and thought that the Big Stump Loop would file the bill.

Big Stump Meadow

The trail starts at the picnic area, which used to also serve as the guard station. Now that the entrance station has been built on the road, the parking lot has reverted back to the public's use. The first part of the trail drops down a couple hundred feet to the Big Stump Meadow area. Once in the meadow, you understand why it is called Big Stump. The area is littered with stumps from Sequoias which were cut down in the 1800's.

Mike on a stump

Looking at the stumps you think about the destruction which occurred to those trees. You also see how focused these men were on the progress they were trying to establish. It helps to bring our world and time into perspective. What are we doing to our world now, which looks alright, but in a hundred years will leave future generations shaking their heads?

There is an option to look at a feather bed-where when bringing down a Sequoia, they would try for a soft landing to avoid shatter the lumber. Then on to a stump where we can stand and gaze from on top of the stump.

Balanced Rock on return trip

After that, we cross the highway and do a return trip above the road and the big Stump area. We have an enjoyable chatting with Carol and Mike and before we know it, we are back at the parking lot.