November 20, 2013 - McKenzie TableTop

See Note Below

Title: November 20, 2013 - McKenzie Table Top

Trail head:  Parking Lot at Sierra Foothill Conservancy

Hike Info:

Trail: Table Top

Destination:  Table Top

Distance:  6.26 miles

Travel Time: 5:10 (1.21 mph)

Moving Time: 3:15 (1.93 mph)

Elevation Rise:  1,132'

Maximum Elevation:  1,847'

Description:
If it is Wednesday, it must be time for another Mid-Week Meetup Hike with John, Jerry and Cathey. Preceding this day, the weather forecast was for stormy weather-rain which we sorely need. But on the day of the hike, the ground was a bit wet from a light rainfall that night. But the skies were clearing. So it looks like another beautiful day in the Central Valley.


This hike is at the Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve, 2600 acres held in trust by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy for open spaces and to continue ranching. Part of this preserve is Table Mountain and is not a public access area. Nat is a docent with the Conservancy and was able to get us permission to go on the property. A couple of weeks ago, I hiked along the northern base of the mountain along the San Joaquin River Trail. This time, we will climb the Table Top, to the side of Table Mountain, from the south and go to the top. Exciting. 

Meetup Marching Along

We got to the McKenzie parking area, just off of Audberry road a little before 9, after driving from the Kohl's parking lot in RiverPark. It turns out there is another group who is also on the Preserve today-a group from Gateway High School in Clovis. Looks like there is 15 of them. We will be leapfrogging them all morning. So Nat has altered our route a little bit so we will be hiking separate trails for about half of our walk today.

This takes us more to the west and up a single track trail, along the spine of a small ridge. After maybe a third of a mile, we meet a dirt road. This contours around the Table Mountain and then below the Table Top area-a separate plateau from Table Mountain. We are starting to enjoy the views of the foothills. After a ways, we are done sluffing off. The climb starts in earnest when we leave the road and return to a trail.

This is slow going for a couple of people--they are huffing and puffing. but what makes us feel good is that we have caught up to some of the high school students and they are doing worse than us. It is a perverse pleasure to observe someone having more trouble with a slope than you are. But we all make it to the top of the ridge and have lunch there.

Upper end of Millerton Lake

Most of us proceeds to the Table Top. It is a short climb from the ridge. Once on top, we see where the top has been somewhat weathered and is rough with small stones, just trying to catch your toe and making you trip. So even though it is level, the going is slow since we do not want to fall. On top we get some good views. First to the north where we see the upper end of Millerton Lake. Then towards the south and the area which Audberry Road goes through. 

Nat talking about the grinding holes

The sun is nice; the sky is clear and blue; and we get a bit warm. On the return trip, I hike down in shorts and a T-shirt, feeling very comfortable.  On the way down, Nat takes us around a different way. First there are some grinding holes used by the Native Americans in the area, maybe Yokuts. We pass several places where there are holes. Then Nat takes us to a place where the miners in the 1870's would crush rock in a fashion, similar to how wheat is ground. A donkey is fixed to  pole and drags around a heavy stone, crushing the ore.

Illustration from Nat

A short walk later, we are back to our cars. We finish up at 2pm. Then it is on to Don Fernando's's Mexican resturant, just a couple miles up the road. A good way to end the hike.


Note:
The map above and the path we took do not exactly line up correctly, particularly on top of the Table Top. Use this as an approximation.

November 9, 2013 - San Joaquin River Trail

Title: November 9, 2013 - San Joaquin River Trail

Trail head:  Wellbarn Rd, Clovis, CA

Hike Info:

Trail:  San Joaquin River Trail

Destination:Sky Harbor Road, Clovis, CA

Distance:  12.93

Travel Time: 6:03 (2.14 mph)

Moving Time: 4:44 (2.73 mph)

Elevation Rise:  2,180

Maximum Elevation: 1,376

Description:

It was a pretty cool morning and I am a bit apprehensive. Why you might ask, it is just a hike? Well yes, but I am not sure if I will be able to keep up. This is a faster group than I usually hike with and the trail is advertized as being 14 miles. I am pretty sure about the mileage, but not sure about the speed.

Upper end of Millerton Reservoir

We meet at Starbucks and then head out. We need to leave one set of cars at Sky Harbor Road. We drive mine and Lori's cars over to Wellbarn Road for the start of the hike.  We are close to 1000' up and the trail will sort of wander between here and Millerton Reservoir. So the elevation will nto be an issue. There are eleven of us on this trip. Many of the people I know-Bill, Gary F, Lori. But there are many others who are new to me: Carter, Rose, Monica, Harold, Mark, Theng Theng and Darrell.

Looking to the west down Millerton Reservoir

We set out at a good clip, of course it is downhill on a dirt road, going towards the river. But we are in good spirits as the walking is fine. After about a mile, we then start on a long journey through rolling terrain. We also change from a descending dirt road to a trail, walking more single file. I walk with Lori for the first three miles. We talk and I get to know her a bit better.

The TRIAL Sign

There is an outhouse conveniently located at the three mile mark. Then in a short distance from there, we see a sign saying this is the San Joaquin River TRIAL and it is seven miles to the parking lot where we left our shuttle cars. Somehow that sign is a bit suspect.

All in a line

At this point I drop back a ways and hike with Bill, Gary F, Mark and Harold. The morning has changed from being cool to starting to warm up-good hiking weather. We go in and out of views of Millerton Reservoir, well the upper end that is. It really reminds me of a the Horseshoe Bend/Dead Horse area of the Colorado River, albeit on a smaller and less grander scale. The somewhat twistiness of the gorge with the 700' high bluffs above the river and reservoir.

At the six mile mark, we stop for a lunch break in sparse, but sufficient shade. We enjoy the break with both Gary's laying down and resting our eyes. Others decide to investigate some of the black cows around us. I get up feel a bit refreshed.

Fall Colors

As we travel along, we go into some ravines where there is a good 15 degree difference in temperature-feels good. Also it is here where you see some diversity  of growth. Some of the leaves have started changing colors. Others, such as the oaks, have fully grown leaves to fan us with. There are numerous gates to go through and close behind us.

The Reservoir

The last two miles now brings us on the big uphill for the day. It is a seven hundred foot climb out of the reservoir area to close to the top of the Pincushion Ridge. While the climb itself is not bad, particularly with one foot in front another attitude. But it does come at the end of the hike and the mind starts rebelling against the thought of the cruelty of this happening so late in the walk. But the trail is the trail so up we go. You get a nice closing view of the eastern park of the reservoir. We finally get some wildlife in the form of some tarantulas.  Cameras come out, but no animals are harmed--one of the tarantulas was alreadyed flattened when we first saw it. Now it is a descent down to the Sky harbor lot and to the cars to shuttle us back to the Wellbarn Road to pick up the rest of the cars.

A good day of hiking. Enjoyed the day. Even my earlier fears was allieved as I kept a respectable pace.

October 30, 2013 - Yosemite Valley Loop, East End

Title:  October 30, 2013 - Yosemite Valley Loop, East End

Hike Info:

Trail: Yosemite Valley Loop, East End

Starting location:  Yosemite Valley Chapel

Destination:  Yosemite Valley Chapel

Distance:  12.1 miles

Start Time: 11:45am

End Time: 5:00pm

Travel Time: ( mph)

Moving Time: 4:07 (2.9 mph)

Elevation Rise:

Maximum Elevation:

Description:

What a difference a week makes. And I am not talking about the difference in hiking nor that I am now 60. But just the scenery and environment. The Valley is still clothed in its Fall colors, but the colors are a bit more shabby than last week. But there is a fresh mantle of snow on the rim. Half Dome is attractive with his crown of white. Glacier Point's shoulders has a snowy crust. The air is more than nippy-it is downright cold.

Even with a late start-we hit the trail at 11:45-it is just above freezing. We see several frozen puddles of water. But that is why we layer our clothes. I am wearing a t-shirt, a pair of silks and a smart wool top. Also my lightweight raincoat is over all of that, along with gloves.

Stoneman Meadows and Half Dome

We head east out of the chapel area. It is pretty easy terrain.  We quickly pass by Housekeeping and the new residence areas, coming out close to Camp Curry. We do take a side excursion to wander over Stoneman Bridge for a few Capture California points.

Stoneman Meadow has sunshine on it, so we go by it rather than through Camp Curry-it is warmer that way. A mile farther, we make use of the facilities at Happy Isles, and then take a lunch break at the start of the JMT.

Glacier Point

After lunch, we walk the east end of the Valley loop over to Mirror Lake, about two miles from our lunch spot. Along the way, one lady mumbles and looks at me and says, John Muir. I raise my hat in acknowledgement, smile and continue walking. When we get to where Mirror Lake should be-it is dry, there are some people from Rogue River, Oregon. We comment that we just came from there and that they should be sure to stop at Rogue Roasters coffee shop-my cousins place. They said they already do enjoy their coffee. Small world.

After not seeing Mirror Lake, we continue up Tenaya Creek. We are getting neck strain from looking at Half Dome. Clouds Rest is before us with its western flanks covered by a thin layer of snow. Just beautiful. We come to the Snow Creek junction. At this point, are forced to turn around since the trail looping around Mirror Lake is closed from 2009 rockslide.

Half Dome through Autum Leaves

We retrace our steps and return back to Mirror Lake. The west trail we take as it will continue our loop around the Valley. This is a bit more rock with some up and down. We stop for our second lunch around 2.  Traveling  past Washington Column and Indian Caves, we come to the Ahwahnee Hotel. A few pictures are taken and then we move on.

There are five climbers in the rocks above the Ahwahnee. We watch them for a few minutes, then come to the Village. I have a question so we go into the Visitor Center. Afterwards it is on to the Ranger's Club for it a historical value. We are close to finishing up our hike, so we wander on down to the bathrooms at Yosemite Falls, along a paved path. To add a little more to our trip, we go back via Swinging Bridges. That is when we discovered our Capture California flag is missing. It has served us well. We make it to the car by five. A good hike.

Yosemite Falls and Reflection

We decide to see if the flag was dropped in the bathroom. Nope, but we did find it on the trail by where we parked the car. Yipee! Now it's on to fill our belly at Todd's and then on home.

October 28, 2013 - Pig Pond

Title: October 28, 2013 - Pig Pond

Trail head: Pacheco State Park

Hike Info:

Trail: Pig Pond

Destination:Pig Pond

Distance:  2.0 miles

Travel Time: 1:00 (2.00 mph)

Moving Time: 0:40 (3.00 mph)

Elevation Rise: 200'

Maximum Elevation:

Description:

We hiked this trail last year and enjoyed it. So this evening as we are coming home from visiting my parents, we stop at Pacheco Pass State Park and go for a short hike over to Pig Pond. We start from the parking lot-this is a fee area, but we have our State Park Pass for free admission.

After going through a gate—all gates should be left as you found them-we start to cross a field in what looks like a lightly used tractor track.. The trail then rises up a hill. With the sun low in the sky, the dried fields really do look golden. On top of the hill, we look back, in the distance you can see the traffic of 152 rushing over Pacheco Pass. Looking southward, the windmill blades slow turn. We head down after passing through another gate. We intersect the Cut Off Trail—which goes over to the Tunnel Monument. But we continue straight.

Another hill is climbed and we drop down the last third of a mile into the Pig Pond. On the way down, we scare up three deer which lope away. In previous visits, the pond is fuller with birds scampering along its shores. But tow]day, the pond is really no bigger than a mud puddle. Maybe because of the wind, there is no life to be seen. Since the sun is about to go down, we return the way we came without exploring around a bit. But we do get to admire the oaks against the darkening sky. Not a bad leg stretcher for those who have been stuck up in a car for awhile.

October 22, 2013 - West Yosemite Valley Loop

Title: October 22, 2013 - West Yosemite Valley Loop

Trail head: Yosemite Valley Chapel

Hike Info:

Trail: West Yosemite Valley Loop

Destination: Yosemite Valley Chapel

Distance: 13.0 Miles

Travel Time: 6:07 (2.13 mph)

Moving Time: 5:08 (2.53 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,291'

Maximum Elevation: 4,317'

Description:

In two weeks we will be walking a half marathon and we have grown lazy since doing the JMT. So the Two City's Marathon is pretty flat, so Yosemite Valley is a good place to have a practice hike. Last year we did a hike around the west end of Yosemite Valley. So this year instead of starting at Bridalveil Falls parking lot like last year, we decided to start at the Yosemite Valley Chapel, about two-thirds of the way up the valley.

We hit the trail at 10:20, in back of the chapel. We shortly hit the trail and started westwards down the valley. It is a bit cool. We have on long sleeves and breakers to keep warm. Today, the valley is alive in color. Maples, dogwood, cottonwoods, and oaks all changing colors. Striking against the shear rock cliffs which line the valley. You will notice the bounty of photo's emphasizing this display of color.

The trail itself is pretty easy. We show our lack of training as our pace does not match the ease of the trail. We rise about 20' and drop a little. We see hardly anybody. After an hour plus, we come to the base of Cathedral Rocks. Here we rise up a bit. There are several climber paths marked. We do not see any climbers. Shortly after this, the trail descends a bit down into the basin which Bridalveil Creek descends into. Of course, this year, we can hardly see a line of water coming down the Falls. So the creeks coming from the Falls are dry.

We cross the road and continue on the trail next to the Merced. We shortly stop for lunch next to a slow paced pool where the Fall colors reflect on the waters. What a good place to stop and enjoy. Lunch of course is basic-peanut butter and nutella sandwich.

Then it is a short walk down to Pohono Bridge. From here, it is time to start going back up the Valley. The return trip is on the north side, where we are bathed in sunshine. El Capitan is there in front of us, showing us the way. After 45 minutes of walking we get to the base. Here we start seeing people again. People not only on the trial, but there are three climbers on El Cap. We watch them for a few minutes, before continuing on.

Three Brothers

The trail now crosses the highway again and hugs the Merced for awhile again. All of this time, Sherri and I are gawking at the colors. We come into an area where the Native Americans hold ceremonies. There are some totem poles as well. Then we break into the legendary area call Camp 4, where climbing is in the soil. We pass through, glancing up at where Yosemite Falls have dried up. So we go across Sentinel Bridge and walk the short distance down to the Chapel parking lot and our car. It is time to go home after walking almost a half a marathon. Our time will need to improve a bit, but we now know we are not that far out of shape.

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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