October 20, 2013 - South Shore Trail, Millerton

Title: October 20, 2013 - South Shore Trail, Millerton

Trail head: Blue Oak Picnic Area

Hike Info:

Trail: South Shore Trail

Destination: Winchell Bay

Distance:  6.51 miles

Travel Time: 3:02. (2.15 mph)

Moving Time: 2:21 (2.77mph)

Elevation Rise:  573' ¹

Maximum Elevation:  617'

Description:
This meetup hike fit Sherri's and mine schedule--thank you Karol. We met at a Starbucks at 1pm and then drove up to Millerton State Park, about 15 minutes away. It was a bit warm in the afternoon, getting up to the mid-80's. But considering a month ago, it was 10-15 degrees warmer, nobody was complaining.





This is a hike which we have been really blessed with. We first did it in May 2012 and came close to an eagle. What a trip! (More info on the actual trail in that blog entry.) Then Karol led us on our first meetup hike last December. Since that time we have gone on hikes with Karol and our mid-week meetup. So you can see, this trail has some good memories for us.

Trail under an oak

Today we started about a mile and half up from where we previously started--at Blue Oak Picnic Area. The 15 of us made a fine looking line as we started our walk. This first part of the trail has us going along the road, most of the time at a little distance. But since the road is not busy, we are not bothered by it. The sun is overhead, so we are a bit warm, but our hats keep us protected. I do see a couple red-tailed hawk overhead, but evidently nobody else does. 

Millerton Reservoir

Some of the meetup group

When we finish this segment, we stop briefly at an outhouse. Some folks go down to the lake and get a bit wet to cool off.  Then it is onward for the two miles to Winchell Cove. The scenery gets a bit more interesting since we now walk above the lake, about 40-60 ' above the surface. Not a whole lot of boats this Sunday afternoon. Maybe Summer really have come to an end and everybody is tired of the water. 

The scenery, particularly in the Fall, is not really noteworthy. Maybe it is the straw colored grass or the unbroken blue sky with a warm sun, or the smoggy air, but the scenery is a bit plain. Of course, the oaks which line up on the hills around us give a sense of gentleness and serenity. But this also leads one to focus on conversation with this around you, such as Marlene, Maggie, Kelly, Mark and Jeff. That is one of the great things about the meets, is the conversations which you have.

Oaks in front of sun

We get to the end of the trail at Winchell Bay. We make use of the facilities, and rest for 15 minutes. Then it is time to head back. I walk back with Kelly and Kendrick--a pleasant time. The trail back is pretty much a repeat of the trail over in reverse.

We get back to the cars around 4:30, then go over to Sandals in Friant  (Fresno Bee article) for dinner. A good day.



¹This elevation gain seems high. On the May 2012 trip we showed an elevation gain of 188'. Considering we went farther today, an elevation gain of 250-300' may be more appriopriate.

October 16, 2013 - Monterey Coastal Trail

Title: October 16, 2013 - Monterey Coastal Trail

Hike Info:

Trail:  coastal trail from Monterey Aquarium to Lovers Point

Destination:  golf ourselves close to Point Pinos

Distance: 5.65

Travel Time: 3:17 (1.72 mph)

Moving Time: 2:11 (2.59 mph)

Elevation Rise:  323'

Maximum Elevation: 48'

Looking out over the ocean

Description:
The original plan was to hike in Sequoia  National Park. But with the federal shutdown, our Mid-Week hiking group decided to go for our outing on the coast, around Monterey. Like many change of plan trips you go through a small period of "what are we doing?" I don't know, what do you want to do?"  But that was quickly decided on. We had initially stopped at the public restrooms close to the Monterey Aquarium. We then decided to walk towards Point Pinos, close to one of the golf courses in the area.

Coast line of our walk

We were entertained right from the get go by a number of marine life. The elephant seals lounging on the rocks, elephant seals longing on rocks in the ocean, elephant seals even swimming a bit, sea otters playing amongst the kelp. Squirrels scurrying about, sea gulls diving, sparrows swooping, and black cormorants resting on ocean rocks. Lots there to keep us occupied through this walk. But wait there is more! Then you have a hoard of people on bikes, in strollers, running, walking and gabbing. If that was not enough, we even climbed on some rocks and enjoyed being the top dog for five minutes.

 

Gary and Konnie rock climbing

Ocean spray

The walk itself was not of the strenuous type. Mostly level with very little up or down. The path is a paved bike lane with a side walking area on packed soil. So the effort is minimal. This path is made so that if you can move, you can enjoy it. The weather was warm and clear. Just a glorious day to be out. 

View from trail

Gary on rocks

Our group proceeded in a leisurely fashion, befitting the mood of the season. We explored the various social trails found on the bluffs, we climbed a few rocks, and of course, observed life around us-both marine and human. After coming back for lunch at the First Awakenings restaurant, we were content. the wrapper to this fine day was to finish up with an excursion to Asilomar State Beach where we enjoyed sunshine, sand and surf, as well as the tide pools.

Egert on kelp

Comonmmerts

Shell on beach

October 9, 2013 - Trail of the Lone Oak

Title:  October 9, 2013 - Trail of the Lone Oak

Trail head: Basalt Area

Hike Info:

Trail: Trail of the Lone Oak

Destination: The Lone Oak

Actual Destination: Ridge, about a mile from the Lone Oak

Distance:  4.68 miles

Travel Time: 2:27 (1.91 mph)

Moving Time: 1:53(2.48 mph)

Elevation Rise: 676'

Maximum Elevation: 724'

Description:

Road to Start

This trail was really should have been in Pacheco Pass State Park, but Gary missed the turn off and 152 is no place to back up on. We were returning from dropping Gary's parents off after our San Diego trip. We have stretched our legs out here before and wanted to do it again. But absent the correct turn off, we continued on down 152 until we got to the Basalt Area turn off, at the base of the B.F. Sisk dam. Then headed around to the the boat ramp, after showing our State Park Pass.

San Luis Reservoir

Now, if we had understood where we were going to pick up the Trail of the Lone Oak, we would have gone a short ways up a dirt road at the sweeping curve right before the day use parking lot by the boat ramp. But we did not, so we parked in the parking lot and then walked a quarter of a mile back to the dirt road which leads up to parking for our trail.

Gary on trail

Lone Oak Bay

Because we are hiking in the fall, the hills are golden, but the reservoir is low, very low. The trial descends to a dirt road, which we walk for about 100 feet. Then we turn off. There is a small ravine of water--more of a muddy area where marshmellow is growing.  then it is time to head back up a ways and contour around the lake. We get to a ridge which ends in Quien Sabe Point. We are now able to see Lone Oak Bay-which is pretty dry. We do get a good view of the windmills towards Pacheco Pass.

Barbwire

After crossing over the ridge, we start to contour around the lake. Pretty soon, we get to a barbed wire fence. From what we have read, this fence marks the spot where the State leases land to graze livestock. We are allowed  on this land, just be courteous. Also, as one author said, you do need to have some skill in getting over or under barbwire.

We go maybe about 3/4 of a mile further before spying the Lone Oak, a ways in the distance. But then we think, we need to be out of the park by 7 and we still have a ways to drive back to Fresno. So the remaining mile we leave to another day. 

The return trip is retracing our steps. But we do see a red-tailed hawk circling above us. Also a deer on top of a hill before getting back.

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August 28, 2013 - Weaver Lake

Title: August 28, 2013,    Weaver Lake

Trail head:  Big Meadows

Hike Info:

Trail:  Weaver Lake

Destination: Weaver Lake

Distance:  6.58 miles
Start Time: 8:14am
End Time:  1:33pm

Travel Time: 5:17  (1.25 mph)

Moving Time: 3:38  (1.81 mph)

Elevation Rise:  1,608'

Maximum Elevation:  8,738'

Description:
Another mid-week meetup group hike with John and Cathey. We met at Kohl's parking lot at 6am. Jerry J rode with us up to Grant Grove and the then to the Big Meadow Trail head. There are two trail heads for Weaver Lake--Big Meadows and Fox Meadow. The Fox Meadow trail head is shorter, steeper and harder to drive to as there is a passable, but rutted dirt road up to it. Big Meadow's trail head is paved road and parking lot with a pit toliet--easier to access.

Sheriff talks about missing hiker

When we got to the Big Meadows Trail Head, we were greeted by Tulare County SAR. The previous day, an experienced hiker had gotten lost returning from Weaver Lake and they were trying to find her. We were asked to keep a lookout for her as we walked. We would meet other SAR personnel during the day and see helicopters flying. From the Tulare County log: 
LOCATION: Big Meadow Camp Ground DATE: 08-28013 TIME:
CASE NUMBER: VICTIM: 46 year old female CITY: Pasadena
***UPDATE:  Overdue hike Cheldea Griffie located. Subject is in good condition and has been reunited with her party.
The Sheriff's Department is Searching for an overdue hiker in the Big Meadows area. Further info will be provided as is becomes available.



 

Mountains

The trail is pretty broad and beaten as it is a popular trail. But it is not that dusty and is pleasant to walk on. Sherri and I walk with john and Cathey, enjoying a pleasant talk about a range of subjects--the most popular is good places for ice cream around Fresno-unfortunately none of us can think of any besides the likes of B&R and Cold Stone. Cathey comes up with places in Bakersfield and Sacramento. The trail goes up nicely. Certainly seems easier than the last time we went up it. But things are a lot drier. But as we climb, we can see a bit of the mountains north of Kings Canyon--an enjoyable sight to ponder.


After a little more than a mile, we come across the trail from the Fox Meadow trail head and also find the trail's name sake. It is past its seasonal prime-few wildflowers. Shortly after this junction, we meet up with the Jennie Lake trail head and its creek. We take a break here as it is roughly the half way point on our trail. In most seasons, there is a nice little creek here--not today, it is dry (hear the repetitive theme this year?)

Weaver Lake and Shell Mountain

Then it is onward. The trail still rises, but does not seem that it has as much of a grade.  After about two and half miles, the trail levels out and we do a counter until we get to the trail split--the trail continues on to Rowell Meadow while we take the other trail up to Weaver. It is a short distance, maybe a third of a mile.

Today, there is much helicopter activity, looking for the lost hiker. But even before seeing them, we have been hearing them below the ridge line. On the way up, we talked to a couple SAR personnel. They were interested in some cross-country routes. I showed them a route from Weaver over to Jennie which we had taken several years ago.

Weaver and Clouds

But Weaver Lake is pretty nice. We are the only ones here-later on a couple comes up, but they have lunch on the west side of the lake. Everybody lounges around the lake for awhile. Jerry K decides to walk around the lake. Later, I meander around the boulders on the west side, getting some nice shots of the clouds. Enjoyable.

Weaver and Clouds

It is then time to return back to the trail head. We take the same route back. I walk with John and Cathey. Sherri has a fit of energy and hikes with a faster group. The trip back is made pretty quickly and without incident.

August 20, 2013 - Lower Lewis Creek Trail

Title: August 20, 2013 - Lower Lewis Creek Trail

Trail head: Cedar Valley Road

Hike Info:

Trail: Lower Lewis Creek Trail

Destination: Meandering

Distance:  4.12 miles

Travel Time: 2:43 (1.52 mph)

Moving Time: 2:08 (1.93 mph)

Elevation Rise:  967'

Maximum Elevation: 4,102'

Description:
We needed to get out of the house today. That is needed like in imperative. The house had been fogged for bugs and we needed to get out. So what better excuse do we have for going on a hike? So after running a few errands, we headed up to Oakhurst and the Lewis Creek.

Sherri walking in the woods

This is an hour's drive away from Fresno, so we do this trail often, but usually not in the middle of Summer. When we reach the trail head on Cedar Valley Road, it is about 90--and will climb higher as we walk. As we go along today, we take a some side trips rather than the usual from Cedar Valley up to Red Rock Falls and Sugar Pine. So this turns out to be the same, but different type of trip we usually do on Lewis Creek. Same trail for some of the way; different in that we spent at least half the time exploring different places.

When we reach Corlieu Falls, it is just a trickle of the usual flow. But even in its trickle, there is beauty. We see different patterns in its falling than what we usually see.  The falls do not mask the little rivulets which are flowing into the creek. One of which turns out to be from a spring.

Warm Springs

On the last meetup hike, Jerry and John had talked about a warm spring off of the Lewis Creek trail. Steven, our son, said he had been up to it. So when we reached the top of Corlieu Falls, Steven takes us over the creek-which is a trickle right now. There is the springs (N37 25.012 W119 37.462), just about 50' on the other side. It definitely is not a hot springs. Today, it feels like air temperature. But on a winter's day, it would feel good. Sulfur in the air as well.

Corlieu Falls in Aug 2013

Corlieu Falls-March 2013

Steven and I see some pipe leading out of the spring and a path. There are some cables, so we start following all three. This path is not for the faint of heart, and as far as we followed it, it did not lead to anything really great. But we enjoyed the journey. From the YosemiteArea.com web site, Falconer said: My wife and I have a cabin not to far from the hot springs. I found out that it used to be lumber land. So the cables you see up on the cliff you'll notice have grow into the trees. At one point there used to be a cable with a basket so the lumber jacks could get across the falls. I have bee told that the whole area was clear cut at one time. The forest thats there now is only about 70 years old. I hope that helps.

We move on and continue on up Lewis Creek, crossing it again, on a bridge. Right now, it is a minor rock hop across it. A little ways later, Sherri sees this huge bird taking off from the creek. From a talk in the marsh lands in Mountain View, it looks like a gray heron to me. But looking at iBirds, it looks like a Little Blue Heron. Amazing. It is the last we see of the bird.

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A little ways further, we find a little ways further, we come across a little creek draining into Lewis Creek. There is a side path, so we decide to follow that up a ways. Glad we did. this creek is really pretty dainty, but there is an elegance with it. The little flow down the rocks leaves us wondering why we have not come up here before. Of course, in a few places it is a bit of scramble.

Gary Walking

When we get back to the main trial, we ask, which way. The vote is back to the car. The heat is taking its toll on us. So a quick trip back we make. A quick trip is right. There was a couple who were around Corlieu Falls, going up. When we get to the car, about a mile away, they just were pulling in. We did see where the temperature was in the upper 90's. Glad we turned back. besides, we were getting hungry and Todd's was beckoning us.

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