Callie and I did several hikes on our roadtrip. Here they are in more detail.
If you want to read about our roadtrip go to carileeroadtrip.blogspot.com
Carlsbad Caverns Loop June 7, 2010
Stats:
Length: 1.5 miles loop
People: Callie and me
We did not have a lot of time to spend at Carlsbad Caverns National Park unfortunately. As a result we were not able to walk down through the natural cave entrance to the main cavern. Instead we took the elevator down 700 feet underground and exited into the dark gift show at the bottom. They have only the amount of lighting absolutely needed for the caves so it took our eyes a little bit to adjust.
As soon as we entered the main cavern we were completely awestruck. That something of this magnitude and beauty exists down here. And that we can access it is amazing. They have a well paved path that leads through and around all the pools, stalactites, stalagmites, abysses, drop offs, arches and bat guano. The whole time we were walking through we had our mouths open in wonder. We attempted to capture the cavern with our cameras but it was way too dark to show the place properly. Here are a few things we liked the most.
This is really one of those National Parks that you have to see it to believe it. Pictures don’t even come close to showing the vastness of the cavern. Which is almost 3 football fields long, it took us 1.5 miles to loop around the whole cavern.
I would love to go back, because we missed a few things, like hiking down through the natural entrance. There are also side trips to other parts of the caverns and other caverns in the area that you can do. And most importantly, I want to see the bats fly out of the cave in the evening.
Petrified Forest June 11, 2010
Painted Desert Rim Trail
Stats: 1.2 miles round trip
People: Callie and me
We of course stopped at the ranger station before we began our journey through Petrified Forest National Park. It was an overcast day for us while we were there, so unfortunately the Painted Desert was not as vibrant as it could have been. But we still thought it was lovely. We made our first stop at the Painted Desert Rim Trial that starts at Tawa Point and ended at the Painted Desert Inn. We did the short trail along the rim that gave sweeping views of the multi colored desert for as far as we could see. The trail was a nice red dirt trail that was fairly level and easy. It was .6 miles one way. Once we reached the Painted Desert Inn we turned around. It was not an impressive hike but we were limited on time so we wanted to make sure we didn’t do anything too time consuming.
Rainbow Forest Trail
Stats: 0.4 mile loop
People: Callie and me
After driving along the road that bisects the park we found our way to the end where the Rainbow Forest Ranger Station is located. All along the road we kept seeing outcroppings of rocks, which were actually parts of the Petrified Forest. The Rainbow Forest is a large clustering of the Petrified rocks that the ranger station has fenced in hopes of preventing any theft. Which is the big environmental emphasis in this park, Don’t take the rocks! The look starts out the back of the ranger station and winds you around and by large trees that have turned to stone where they lay. And little stumps and large parts of trees. It was really great to see all the different colors that were there in the rock/trees. And because we are good National Park people, we went over the gift shop and Callie purchased 2 boxes of petrified wood that was collected outside of the park.
Grand Canyon – Bright Angel Trail June 12, 2010
Stats: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Wild Life Spotted: 3 mountain goats
People: Callie and me
When you are at the Grand Canyon it is a requirement to hike a little of the infamous trail down to the bottom of the canyon. Since we were once again limited on time, and definitely not fit enough to make the whole (18 mile/3,500 foot elevation gain) hike I decided that we should at least go to Restroom Stop #1. This was 1.5 miles down the canyon trail and right by our cabin. We started the decent with much awe, because as you go down the trail you begin to see a whole different side of the canyon, you really see the color changes at each level because you are walking right through it, and you get a perspective of how small you are and how big the canyon is. From the rim of the canyon you are wowed by expanse, from inside the canyon you look up and you are wowed by the enormity and depth. We only went 1.5 miles down and we passed through the top white area of stone into the red sandstone. It was an easy trip down and a longer slower trip back up. But we stopped a lot and took in the scenery, watched the afternoon thunderstorm roll in and look at the 3 big horned sheep we saw in the canyon with us. Because we started early we passed a lot of people coming down, a few for the whole trip and a few just to one of the restroom stops like us. It was really worth the struggle of the hike though as the hike was truly the highlight of the Grand Canyon stop. It began to rain as we reached the last ¼ mile of the trail so we booked it as fast as we could back to our cabin.
We had also meant to hike part of the rim trail later that day to see the canyon and hike on the edge of the rim but the thunderstorm lasted from around 11am to 5pm when we went to dinner, so we ended up riding the tram to each of the rim stops during that time and faced hailstorms and down pours of rain.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Yosemite Falls… Again May 8, 2010
Stats:
Length: 7.2 miles
Elevation Change: 2,700 feet
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor, Rich and me
Let me start by saying, I think I took an insanity pill on the day I suggested we do this hike. 11 months almost to the day since I did this hike and here I am at it again. What was I thinking?! Had I forgotten the grueling switchbacks up the side of the hill, or the length of the hike? I had not, but I also remembered the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment when I reached the top… and the bottom of the falls. This is what lead me to take this hike again.
We all headed up the morning of the hike with my mom in tow and we all clambered out of the car at Camp 4, base camp for El Capitan. And in order to keep from repeating myself I will direct you to the trail descriptions of the Yosemite Falls hike from June 9, 2010. I will share with you all the wonderful photos I got just to prove to you how worthwhile this hike is.
This trip was a little different, first because it was sunny and beautiful. The weather was perfect for hiking such a strenuous hike.
Second, it was still early May, so there was a ton of snow in the surrounding mountains, making it very picturesque.
And last, there was a lot of water, everywhere on the trail and coming off the falls and coming from mountain side, it made the hike an adventure.
The hike was just as strenuous as before but I did not push myself as hard as last time so I made it to the top in 4 hours instead of 3.5 hours.
What I found at the top was SNOW! Lots and lots of snow. The trail over to the waterfall was covered in snow, and the trail over to the bridge and beyond was all snow.
I found my group, and I found out the Jeremy and Vitor had trekked through the snow and over to the Yosemite Point, the falls overlook, an extra mile of hiking (No Thank You!). I got to spend some time at the top and enjoy the view before I nearly froze.
We all headed back down the trail, I made it back in 2 hours.
Then we headed over the Awahanee for our traditional meal after hiking Yosemite at the bar. It was a wonderful way to end the day. It was also nice to have my mom join us before and after the hike because she could hear all the stories from the group and drive us home when we were all tired.
And I will not end this blog the way I ended my last Yosemite Falls hike, because to be honest, I probably will do this hike again, and it could very well be next year again.
Length: 7.2 miles
Elevation Change: 2,700 feet
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor, Rich and me
Let me start by saying, I think I took an insanity pill on the day I suggested we do this hike. 11 months almost to the day since I did this hike and here I am at it again. What was I thinking?! Had I forgotten the grueling switchbacks up the side of the hill, or the length of the hike? I had not, but I also remembered the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment when I reached the top… and the bottom of the falls. This is what lead me to take this hike again.
We all headed up the morning of the hike with my mom in tow and we all clambered out of the car at Camp 4, base camp for El Capitan. And in order to keep from repeating myself I will direct you to the trail descriptions of the Yosemite Falls hike from June 9, 2010. I will share with you all the wonderful photos I got just to prove to you how worthwhile this hike is.
This trip was a little different, first because it was sunny and beautiful. The weather was perfect for hiking such a strenuous hike.
Second, it was still early May, so there was a ton of snow in the surrounding mountains, making it very picturesque.
And last, there was a lot of water, everywhere on the trail and coming off the falls and coming from mountain side, it made the hike an adventure.
The hike was just as strenuous as before but I did not push myself as hard as last time so I made it to the top in 4 hours instead of 3.5 hours.
What I found at the top was SNOW! Lots and lots of snow. The trail over to the waterfall was covered in snow, and the trail over to the bridge and beyond was all snow.
I found my group, and I found out the Jeremy and Vitor had trekked through the snow and over to the Yosemite Point, the falls overlook, an extra mile of hiking (No Thank You!). I got to spend some time at the top and enjoy the view before I nearly froze.
We all headed back down the trail, I made it back in 2 hours.
Then we headed over the Awahanee for our traditional meal after hiking Yosemite at the bar. It was a wonderful way to end the day. It was also nice to have my mom join us before and after the hike because she could hear all the stories from the group and drive us home when we were all tired.
And I will not end this blog the way I ended my last Yosemite Falls hike, because to be honest, I probably will do this hike again, and it could very well be next year again.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Bolinas Ridge Trail - March 20, 2010
Stats:
Location: Point Reyes, CA
Length: 9 miles
Elevation Change 1,000 ft
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor, Serena, Josh, Jamie, Chris, Mocha and Lucy
We went to visit our friend Jamie for the weekend and get in a great hike. Friday night we arrived at Jamie’s and her boyfriend’s, Chris, mountain home around . They have an incredible home they are renting right on the edge of the Point Reyes National Seashore area. The house has one room, bathroom, living room and kitchen with a wraparound porch. Off the back side of the house and porch is an awesome little solarium at the top of a set of stairs that give a fantastic view of the city of Point Reyes.
Upon arriving Jamie informed us that there had been a mountain lion around that had eaten 2 of her chickens just a few days before. So we all opted to sleep inside the house and solarium. Mocha and Lucy became fast friends… in a sense (more to come on that).
The next day we took it easy while we ate fresh eggs from the chickens in the yard and caught up with Jamie and what is happening in her life. Then we discussed which trail we should or could take. Jamie’s house was literally right next to the Point Reyes rim trial which was one of the few trails that allows dogs. But we ended up going with the Bolinas trail outside of the National Seashore area.
The trail is a one-way hike so we dropped off the majority of people and Jamie and my dad went to drop off a car at the picnic area at the end of the trail. The beginning of the trail was on a farm road walking right through a herd of cows. I haven’t had much experience with cows, other than driving by them on the 99 in McFarland, so to walk by the cows I realized how huge they are and how small I am. Of course to Lucy, Jamie’s dog, thought they were just giant dogs that were meant to play with. Despite all the yelling we did at her she decided to chase the cows around the field.
The cows did not like this at all, especially because there were calves in the group and they started to charge Lucy. Chris got a hold of Lucy and we walked as quickly as possible through the cows. I am proud to say that Mocha started to follow Lucy’s lead but with a quick holler or two to her she stayed on the dirt road and left the cows alone.
The trail meanders up the pasture for about a mile where you have to walk through fenced areas and more cows. We managed to make it to the mile marker that told us we were on the right path. We followed it the rest of the way cow free, thank goodness. It meandered along a hill crest where there were views of the coastal mountains on both sides. Since we were still in the wet season everything was green and there were ponds and puddles all over the place. At one point we came to a grove of eucalyptus tree which were the thickest I had ever seen them get. Serena and I got a chance to hike quite a while together and chat it up. It was really fun to catch up and get to know each other.
Shortly after the eucalyptus grove we climbed a rolling hill and came to our turn off, 6 miles in. The turn off then took us 1.5 miles straight down the hill side on a fire road. I have never hiked such a steep trail! Serena and I went down it together and we had to stop a couple of time because our toes kept hitting the front of our shoes. Once we reached the bottom we found the dogs, Jamie, Chris, Vitor and my dad down by the river enjoying the scenery. We all continued together along a flat trail to a parking lot where we found Jeremy and Josh waiting for us because they didn’t know where to go from there.
From that point we traveled another 1.5 miles on a nice flat trail that was right next to the river. The dogs enjoyed being able to run along and not be hindered by cows. We ended at a nice little picnic area where Jamie and my dad had left the car. We pulled out the cooler and started frying up some burgers. I proptly pulled out the Renu Poison Ivy soap and washed all the exposed skin, just in case, because I don’t remember seeing a bunch of poison ivy, but knowing me, if there was even a leaf out there it would make me get oozing sores all over. The BBQ was a great way to end the hike, good food, good friends and the dogs finally calmed down enough to be normal. After that we all piled into the and headed back to Fresno.
Location: Point Reyes, CA
Length: 9 miles
Elevation Change 1,000 ft
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor, Serena, Josh, Jamie, Chris, Mocha and Lucy
We went to visit our friend Jamie for the weekend and get in a great hike. Friday night we arrived at Jamie’s and her boyfriend’s, Chris, mountain home around . They have an incredible home they are renting right on the edge of the Point Reyes National Seashore area. The house has one room, bathroom, living room and kitchen with a wraparound porch. Off the back side of the house and porch is an awesome little solarium at the top of a set of stairs that give a fantastic view of the city of Point Reyes.
Upon arriving Jamie informed us that there had been a mountain lion around that had eaten 2 of her chickens just a few days before. So we all opted to sleep inside the house and solarium. Mocha and Lucy became fast friends… in a sense (more to come on that).
The next day we took it easy while we ate fresh eggs from the chickens in the yard and caught up with Jamie and what is happening in her life. Then we discussed which trail we should or could take. Jamie’s house was literally right next to the Point Reyes rim trial which was one of the few trails that allows dogs. But we ended up going with the Bolinas trail outside of the National Seashore area.
The trail is a one-way hike so we dropped off the majority of people and Jamie and my dad went to drop off a car at the picnic area at the end of the trail. The beginning of the trail was on a farm road walking right through a herd of cows. I haven’t had much experience with cows, other than driving by them on the 99 in McFarland, so to walk by the cows I realized how huge they are and how small I am. Of course to Lucy, Jamie’s dog, thought they were just giant dogs that were meant to play with. Despite all the yelling we did at her she decided to chase the cows around the field.
The cows did not like this at all, especially because there were calves in the group and they started to charge Lucy. Chris got a hold of Lucy and we walked as quickly as possible through the cows. I am proud to say that Mocha started to follow Lucy’s lead but with a quick holler or two to her she stayed on the dirt road and left the cows alone.
The trail meanders up the pasture for about a mile where you have to walk through fenced areas and more cows. We managed to make it to the mile marker that told us we were on the right path. We followed it the rest of the way cow free, thank goodness. It meandered along a hill crest where there were views of the coastal mountains on both sides. Since we were still in the wet season everything was green and there were ponds and puddles all over the place. At one point we came to a grove of eucalyptus tree which were the thickest I had ever seen them get. Serena and I got a chance to hike quite a while together and chat it up. It was really fun to catch up and get to know each other.
Shortly after the eucalyptus grove we climbed a rolling hill and came to our turn off, 6 miles in. The turn off then took us 1.5 miles straight down the hill side on a fire road. I have never hiked such a steep trail! Serena and I went down it together and we had to stop a couple of time because our toes kept hitting the front of our shoes. Once we reached the bottom we found the dogs, Jamie, Chris, Vitor and my dad down by the river enjoying the scenery. We all continued together along a flat trail to a parking lot where we found Jeremy and Josh waiting for us because they didn’t know where to go from there.
From that point we traveled another 1.5 miles on a nice flat trail that was right next to the river. The dogs enjoyed being able to run along and not be hindered by cows. We ended at a nice little picnic area where Jamie and my dad had left the car. We pulled out the cooler and started frying up some burgers. I proptly pulled out the Renu Poison Ivy soap and washed all the exposed skin, just in case, because I don’t remember seeing a bunch of poison ivy, but knowing me, if there was even a leaf out there it would make me get oozing sores all over. The BBQ was a great way to end the hike, good food, good friends and the dogs finally calmed down enough to be normal. After that we all piled into the and headed back to Fresno.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Big Sur March 13, 2010
Little Sur River
Stats:
Length: 5.6 miles
Elevation Change: 1,200 feet
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor, Mocha and me
We have recently found the beauty and attraction of the coast in the winter. While it’s cold and foggy in the central valley we can travel 2 hours to a warm sunny place called Big Sur. There are also great places like Carmel, Monterey and Pismo to visit too. And all those pretty coastline pictures with cliffs and bridges come from Big Sur, so you can imagine how spectacularly beautiful it is there.
We have been to Big Sur a couple of times before but this trip was specifically to do a nice hike and scope out fun things to do during Thanksgiving when the Nimon Family comes to Carmel, CA. As soon as we turned off of Highway 1 we were under towering trees and small moss covered houses. Jeremy’s tagline for the area was, “Hate Sun, come live here.” To get to the first hike we took a narrow winding road to the top of a coastal mountain. Once we reached the top we could see all the way to a small little campfire that was burning off in the distance,
which we assumed would be our end destination. The trail followed a fire road for the first 1.8 miles going very steeply down the hillside. The views of the Coast Mountains were gorgeous, definitely a different view of Big Sur. There was then a turn off before you get to the boy scouts camp that takes you down a deer trail the remaining 1 mile. It was nice and shaded.
Then we were down by the river, at a quaint little spot with 2 camping spots right next to the river. It was very pretty and tranquil and cold! We did not stay down there for long.
Then we hiked back out! And man did it suck! Or maybe I sucked… sucked air that is. It was entirely uphill, no flat area, no dips in the trail, just up, up and away.
The best part was once we got to the top my mom wandered down to walk the last ¼ mile back with me because she claimed that the boys ditched me. To which I laughed because I am so used to hiking on my own, as the slowest hiker in the group. Plus those 3 guys are close to the fastest hikers I know. Once at the top we hopped back in the car and continued to the next more scenic and easy hike.
Partington Tunnel
Stats:
Length: 1 mile
Elevation Change: 280 feet
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor and me
This was a cool hike my dad found in the Day Hikes Around Big Sur book he has. The trail is right off Highway 1, a little hard to find but well worth the hassle. It takes you down a short but steep fire road and over to an old tunnel.
The tunnel cuts through a cliff and spits you out at a “Pirate Cove”. This cove actually used to be used for loading and unloading lumber in the good old days
before the Sierra Club… oops did I type that out loud?! It was a wonderful view, right up next to the ocean and the crashing waves and no sand on your feet or between your toes. In my opinion the whole coast should be like that. And look like that, smog free and salty tasting, so maybe there is a place in this world for the Sierra Club.
Out on the rocky, cliff side point there was a bunch of people fishing and there was a nice bench to sit and relax. It was a serene place. After that we hoofed it back up to the top to meet up with mom and Mocha at the car. Jeremy made sure to stay back with me while coming up the hill so that my mom wouldn’t get mad again.
McWay Falls
Stats:
Length: 0.5 miles
People: Mike (Dad), Kathy (Mom), Jeremy, Vitor, Mocha and me
This is a hike we do every time we come to Big Sur. It is the picture on the front of the Big Sur hiking book and my dad had to find it. We also found out it is one of the most photographed places in California. And you will see why. The trail is very easy, flat for the most part. The trail takes you to a view point that shows the waterfall perfectly! And it also puts you right at the base of an old house that has been demolished and grown over for the last 50 years, the history person in me loves that. It is just breath taking. Which I know I have been saying on all of these hikes, but they really are spectacular, which is why we like this newly discovered gem we have found on the central coast of California!
Stats:
Length: 5.6 miles
Elevation Change: 1,200 feet
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor, Mocha and me
We have recently found the beauty and attraction of the coast in the winter. While it’s cold and foggy in the central valley we can travel 2 hours to a warm sunny place called Big Sur. There are also great places like Carmel, Monterey and Pismo to visit too. And all those pretty coastline pictures with cliffs and bridges come from Big Sur, so you can imagine how spectacularly beautiful it is there.
We have been to Big Sur a couple of times before but this trip was specifically to do a nice hike and scope out fun things to do during Thanksgiving when the Nimon Family comes to Carmel, CA. As soon as we turned off of Highway 1 we were under towering trees and small moss covered houses. Jeremy’s tagline for the area was, “Hate Sun, come live here.” To get to the first hike we took a narrow winding road to the top of a coastal mountain. Once we reached the top we could see all the way to a small little campfire that was burning off in the distance,
which we assumed would be our end destination. The trail followed a fire road for the first 1.8 miles going very steeply down the hillside. The views of the Coast Mountains were gorgeous, definitely a different view of Big Sur. There was then a turn off before you get to the boy scouts camp that takes you down a deer trail the remaining 1 mile. It was nice and shaded.
Then we were down by the river, at a quaint little spot with 2 camping spots right next to the river. It was very pretty and tranquil and cold! We did not stay down there for long.
Then we hiked back out! And man did it suck! Or maybe I sucked… sucked air that is. It was entirely uphill, no flat area, no dips in the trail, just up, up and away.
The best part was once we got to the top my mom wandered down to walk the last ¼ mile back with me because she claimed that the boys ditched me. To which I laughed because I am so used to hiking on my own, as the slowest hiker in the group. Plus those 3 guys are close to the fastest hikers I know. Once at the top we hopped back in the car and continued to the next more scenic and easy hike.
Partington Tunnel
Stats:
Length: 1 mile
Elevation Change: 280 feet
People: Mike (Dad), Jeremy, Vitor and me
This was a cool hike my dad found in the Day Hikes Around Big Sur book he has. The trail is right off Highway 1, a little hard to find but well worth the hassle. It takes you down a short but steep fire road and over to an old tunnel.
The tunnel cuts through a cliff and spits you out at a “Pirate Cove”. This cove actually used to be used for loading and unloading lumber in the good old days
before the Sierra Club… oops did I type that out loud?! It was a wonderful view, right up next to the ocean and the crashing waves and no sand on your feet or between your toes. In my opinion the whole coast should be like that. And look like that, smog free and salty tasting, so maybe there is a place in this world for the Sierra Club.
Out on the rocky, cliff side point there was a bunch of people fishing and there was a nice bench to sit and relax. It was a serene place. After that we hoofed it back up to the top to meet up with mom and Mocha at the car. Jeremy made sure to stay back with me while coming up the hill so that my mom wouldn’t get mad again.
McWay Falls
Stats:
Length: 0.5 miles
People: Mike (Dad), Kathy (Mom), Jeremy, Vitor, Mocha and me
This is a hike we do every time we come to Big Sur. It is the picture on the front of the Big Sur hiking book and my dad had to find it. We also found out it is one of the most photographed places in California. And you will see why. The trail is very easy, flat for the most part. The trail takes you to a view point that shows the waterfall perfectly! And it also puts you right at the base of an old house that has been demolished and grown over for the last 50 years, the history person in me loves that. It is just breath taking. Which I know I have been saying on all of these hikes, but they really are spectacular, which is why we like this newly discovered gem we have found on the central coast of California!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Yosemite December 26, 2009
Who can resist the crisp cool air of winter in the mountains? That distinct tang or pure oxygen, pine trees and fresh snow. I know I can’t, so when my roommate mentioned that he was taking his parents to Yosemite on Saturday I pretty much begged to go with them.
The four of us piled into my dad’s SUV and drove up the windy mountain roads to the winter wonderland of Yosemite National Park. I have not been up there in the winter in at least 8 years, maybe longer.
The four of us piled into my dad’s SUV and drove up the windy mountain roads to the winter wonderland of Yosemite National Park. I have not been up there in the winter in at least 8 years, maybe longer.
It was beautiful, the contrasting white with the gray granite and green pine trees. Neither Jeremy or his parents had ever been to Yosemite before so I got to give them the grand tour. We started at Bridal Vail, because where else do you start in the park. There was a little bit of water still flowing from the falls but no mist.
The paved path had large patches of ice from all the foot traffic but it was an adventure slipping and sliding along the path. From there we headed to Curry Village, stopping briefly to check out the skating rink. We passed that up for some lunch over in the Curry Village. It was different seeing everything covered in snow, only the indoors eating was open. The other thing I have not gotten used to is the cabins being closed. I looked over there and spied the stone crushed wood of the cabin we stayed in when I did Half Dome.
After lunch we hitched a ride on the bus to Mirror Lake. We walked the mile to the lake, which is more of a large river basin. It was a easy hike other than trying to traverse the icy patches on the path. But the view was new, even for me. The trail brings you directly under Half Dome. It made the face look oddly obtuse, and added to the grandeur and mystic of the mountain.
After lunch we hitched a ride on the bus to Mirror Lake. We walked the mile to the lake, which is more of a large river basin. It was a easy hike other than trying to traverse the icy patches on the path. But the view was new, even for me. The trail brings you directly under Half Dome. It made the face look oddly obtuse, and added to the grandeur and mystic of the mountain.
I look forward to taking the trail further in the summer when it opens up and you can view Half Dome from the left side. After the stroll we made our way back to the car via the bike path instead of the bus. Then we drove to the Ahwahnee to see it all decked out in snow and Christmas decorations. It was super crowded in there, probably because everyone was trying to stay warm. After that we headed home. It was getting late in the day and we did not want to get stuck driving after dark.
The entire trip was a blast. We laughed most of the time as the Cole family recounted family anecdotes and crazy relative stories. And the most fun was just to get out of Fresno, even if it was just for a few hours.
The entire trip was a blast. We laughed most of the time as the Cole family recounted family anecdotes and crazy relative stories. And the most fun was just to get out of Fresno, even if it was just for a few hours.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Olympic National Park Sept. 4-7, 2009
Another Labor Day weekend spent up in the Seattle, WA area with Amy and the family. We flew there on Friday night and drove to Silverdale, WA for the first night. The next morning we met Amy (since she took a ferry over) where the 3 & 104 meet. We drove to Port Angeles for Breakfast and then it was time for the National Park tour. The main Visitor Center is located just outside of Port Angeles on the road up to Hurricane Ridge. We stopped in for some information and then took the road up to the ridge. I made Amy stop so many times because the scenery was just gorgeous, to which Amy replied, this is how Washington always is. Those of us from dry, hot Fresno were impressed. It was pretty cold, windy and cloudy at the top so we didn’t get to see any of the glaciers or Olympic Peak (we never did see the mountain). We headed to the next destination, Crescent Lake and Marymere Falls (See hike description below). We went to the Crescent Lake lodge after, it made me feel like I was in the 50’s or on the set of Dirty Dancing. We had dinner there on the patio looking out over the lake, it was beautiful. Then we went along the winding Highway 101 by Crescent Lakes. We took the road up to Sol Duc Hot Spring and Sol Duc Falls (See hike description below). After the hike we went to check out the Hot Springs and Resort. It was a very nice facility. Then we drove to our hotel in Forks, yes, it is the Forks from Twilight.
By happy coincidence my dad booked us a hotel there without even knowing the significance. The guy who checked us in was a great resource. He knew all the great trails in the area and recommended some restaurants. He had to be around 70 and was telling us that he wanted to hike the Seven Lakes Basin one more time before he wasn’t able to. Now that is something to aspire to, backpacking at 70. After we checked in, us girls went to the local market to pick up dessert since Brandon had been promised some goodies. We decided to pick up some breakfast and snacks as well. However we discovered that the hotel room had no dishes or silverware so we ran to the local gas station and got plastic cups and spoons.
The next day we let mom and Brandon sleep in and Amy, dad and I went to hike the Hoh Rainforest River Trail (See hike description below). It was raining constantly while we were in the rainforest, which was appropriate. We met up with Mom and Brandon in time to catch the Ranger talk and walk through The Hall of Mosses (See hike description below). Then we headed back to the hotel to get dry, take showers, take a nap, etc. We did stop in one of the Dazzled by Twilight stores just to check it out but I got out of there as quickly as I could. We headed over to La Push to get some dinner. I do have to say, the one Twilight thing I liked was, when entering La Push, there is a sign that says, “No Vampires Allowed Past this Point” “ßTreaty Lineà” And I also like being able to bring to life some of the scenery from the book. We ate at the Three Rivers Restaurant which was recommended by the hotel guy, and was a great little place over the ocean with a great view of the nearby islands. We left the restaurant at sunset and the clouds had lifted enough to give a nice color. Inspired by this my dad decided to have us hike down to Second Beach to catch the sunset. But by the time we parked and started to hike we missed the main part of the sunset, and the trail was really strange because it wound away from the beach. We ended up turning back and walking to a little observation platform to see what remained of the sunset. Then we headed back to the hotel and played some Phase 10 before bedtime.
Monday the hikers once again took off early and we hiked the third climate of Olympic NP, the beach. The hotel guy had highly recommended Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Rock (See hiking description below). We made it back to the hotel in time to shower, change and throw our stuff into the cars. We drove to Kingston to catch the ferry to Edmonds and then drove into Seattle. The main purpose of going into Seattle was because Brandon had specifically requested we eat at the Pink Door. However, they do not serve dinner until 5pm so we perused Pikes Place Market until that time came. I had this aflredo mushroom dish, Brandon had his much anticipated Seafood Bisque, Amy got their famed lasagna, Mom got their clam linguini, and dad got one of their specials. It was delicious as usual. As soon as we left there, it was time to drive say our farewells to Amy. At the airport we ran into Rich Wathen and his family who were traveling back on the same flight. Unfortunately, they checked in after us and were told that the flight had been over booked and Rich would have to stay behind for the next flight.
It was a wonderful weekend of hiking, friends, family, beautiful scenery and another NP to check off my list. I am really looking forward to returning next Labor Day weekend for a long backpacking trip to be able to explore some more of the park.
Marymere Falls
1 mile roundtrip
Starting from Crescent Lake the trail gently goes up to Marymere Falls. This was our first taste of the mossy beauty of the Olympic Rainforest. Amy, dad and I took the high loop that takes you up 400 feet to just level with the output of the falls. The falls was not very big but it had its own beauty. There was a tree jutting out from the top of the falls and many more trees at the base that had been washed down and were creating a natural dam for the water. At the bottom viewing area there was a tangle of roots from all the trees, covered in moss and dirt, just beautiful.
Sol Duc Falls
1.6 miles roundtrip
Starting from just past the Sol Duc Hot Springs resorts and campgrounds you take a path that is pretty level to the falls. It winds through the forest of tall spruce, cedar and pine trees that are common to Olympic NP and Northwest Washington. The clouds were getting lower with the evening drawing near and it made a very eerie look, but as most thing in this region, a beautiful look as well. We walked over a small creek and past a shelter house (we had many theories about what the shelter house was for). The trail we were on is also the trail to go to Seven Lake Basin and into the whole of the Olympic Park. We are planning to come back and do this trail, starting at Sol Duc Falls and coming out at the Hoh river trail. We came to the falls, which are three tall off shoots that go down into a ravine. The green of the foliage, black of the rocks and white of the water was a stunning contrast. Amy and I had fun taking pictures there. Then we hurried back because the cloud cover was making it pretty dark.
Hoh River Trial
4 miles roundtrip
This trail starts at the visitor center and winds its way along the Hoh River. The river was this massive fast flowing body of water that was gray with silt. Later on a ranger told us you did not want to get your water from the river, better to get it from a stream. The entire time we were hiking it was raining, but like Amy said, It would almost be wrong if it wasn’t raining in a rainforest. The scenery on the hike was amazing, moss over everything, giant mushrooms, green everywhere and giant trees covering the sky.
We came across several backpacking groups leaving the rainforest and most were just miserable with the rain, but one group was enthusiastic just to be hiking in the rainforest. We hiked a short while with a musician who was up for a few performances and we got to talk with him awhile. A lot of the trail reminded us of the movie “Romancing the Stone” because it looks like where they got stuck in the land slide. Our plan was to hike in for an hour and then hike back out for that amount of time in order to meet up with mom and Brandon. It worked out perfect.
The Hall of Mosses
0.75 mile loop
This trail started from the visitor and took off from part of the Hoh River Trail. It took us up on a little hill where we could really see the full growth of the rainforest. It was raining even harder during this hike than on the River Trail and I was the only person with an umbrella. The Ranger was really great on our walk/talk, giving us all kinds of little tidbits about the rainforest. Things such as, when a tree dies the new trees grow over it drawing the nutrients from it. And this creates an interesting effect that I can’t describe, the best is to show you the picture.
Then she told us some funny things like, there is a disease the trees get called “Cubical Butt Rot” which we thought was awesome and used as a phrase when we hiked Rialto Beach. Then we got to The Hall of Mosses, which is a stunning area of trees and moss all over the place, hanging in all shades of green, yellow and brown. 
Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Rock
3 miles roundtrip
This trail is all the way at the end of the road in La Push on the north side of the rivers. We got there at low tide so that we could walk through the Hole-in-the-Rock.
The beach was full of drift wood, but this isn’t your typical drift wood, it was whole trees upon more whole trees. The sand was a beautiful black coarse rocky shore and the fog hadn’t lifted when we started the hike, making the scenery (once again) stunning. 
About half way we came to a small river that we had to cross. Amy and I didn’t want to take off our shoes and we saw some drift wood making a helter-skelter bridge. We attempted to get across and it proved incredibly difficult as the wood was all slimy. It took us a significant amount of time to cross and some very dirty pants (here entered the Cubical Butt Rot). Let’s just say that on the way back we took off our shoes. All along the way we saw groups of backpackers on the beach, just waking up. However, after this short hike I told my dad that hiking the beach was not an option for next year, it was more tiring than any of the other hikes of the weekend. We reached Hole-in-the-Rock, which was beautiful, with a nice tidal pool at its base with all kinds of colorful creatures in there. 
We skedaddled back after that because we were running short on time. Not ignoring the wonderful scenery that was starting to show up out of the fog. We had hoped to attempt the Second Beach trail as well but ran out of time.
By happy coincidence my dad booked us a hotel there without even knowing the significance. The guy who checked us in was a great resource. He knew all the great trails in the area and recommended some restaurants. He had to be around 70 and was telling us that he wanted to hike the Seven Lakes Basin one more time before he wasn’t able to. Now that is something to aspire to, backpacking at 70. After we checked in, us girls went to the local market to pick up dessert since Brandon had been promised some goodies. We decided to pick up some breakfast and snacks as well. However we discovered that the hotel room had no dishes or silverware so we ran to the local gas station and got plastic cups and spoons.The next day we let mom and Brandon sleep in and Amy, dad and I went to hike the Hoh Rainforest River Trail (See hike description below). It was raining constantly while we were in the rainforest, which was appropriate. We met up with Mom and Brandon in time to catch the Ranger talk and walk through The Hall of Mosses (See hike description below). Then we headed back to the hotel to get dry, take showers, take a nap, etc. We did stop in one of the Dazzled by Twilight stores just to check it out but I got out of there as quickly as I could. We headed over to La Push to get some dinner. I do have to say, the one Twilight thing I liked was, when entering La Push, there is a sign that says, “No Vampires Allowed Past this Point” “ßTreaty Lineà” And I also like being able to bring to life some of the scenery from the book. We ate at the Three Rivers Restaurant which was recommended by the hotel guy, and was a great little place over the ocean with a great view of the nearby islands. We left the restaurant at sunset and the clouds had lifted enough to give a nice color. Inspired by this my dad decided to have us hike down to Second Beach to catch the sunset. But by the time we parked and started to hike we missed the main part of the sunset, and the trail was really strange because it wound away from the beach. We ended up turning back and walking to a little observation platform to see what remained of the sunset. Then we headed back to the hotel and played some Phase 10 before bedtime.
Monday the hikers once again took off early and we hiked the third climate of Olympic NP, the beach. The hotel guy had highly recommended Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Rock (See hiking description below). We made it back to the hotel in time to shower, change and throw our stuff into the cars. We drove to Kingston to catch the ferry to Edmonds and then drove into Seattle. The main purpose of going into Seattle was because Brandon had specifically requested we eat at the Pink Door. However, they do not serve dinner until 5pm so we perused Pikes Place Market until that time came. I had this aflredo mushroom dish, Brandon had his much anticipated Seafood Bisque, Amy got their famed lasagna, Mom got their clam linguini, and dad got one of their specials. It was delicious as usual. As soon as we left there, it was time to drive say our farewells to Amy. At the airport we ran into Rich Wathen and his family who were traveling back on the same flight. Unfortunately, they checked in after us and were told that the flight had been over booked and Rich would have to stay behind for the next flight.
It was a wonderful weekend of hiking, friends, family, beautiful scenery and another NP to check off my list. I am really looking forward to returning next Labor Day weekend for a long backpacking trip to be able to explore some more of the park.
Marymere Falls
1 mile roundtrip
Starting from Crescent Lake the trail gently goes up to Marymere Falls. This was our first taste of the mossy beauty of the Olympic Rainforest. Amy, dad and I took the high loop that takes you up 400 feet to just level with the output of the falls. The falls was not very big but it had its own beauty. There was a tree jutting out from the top of the falls and many more trees at the base that had been washed down and were creating a natural dam for the water. At the bottom viewing area there was a tangle of roots from all the trees, covered in moss and dirt, just beautiful.
Sol Duc Falls
1.6 miles roundtrip
Starting from just past the Sol Duc Hot Springs resorts and campgrounds you take a path that is pretty level to the falls. It winds through the forest of tall spruce, cedar and pine trees that are common to Olympic NP and Northwest Washington. The clouds were getting lower with the evening drawing near and it made a very eerie look, but as most thing in this region, a beautiful look as well. We walked over a small creek and past a shelter house (we had many theories about what the shelter house was for). The trail we were on is also the trail to go to Seven Lake Basin and into the whole of the Olympic Park. We are planning to come back and do this trail, starting at Sol Duc Falls and coming out at the Hoh river trail. We came to the falls, which are three tall off shoots that go down into a ravine. The green of the foliage, black of the rocks and white of the water was a stunning contrast. Amy and I had fun taking pictures there. Then we hurried back because the cloud cover was making it pretty dark.
Hoh River Trial
4 miles roundtrip
This trail starts at the visitor center and winds its way along the Hoh River. The river was this massive fast flowing body of water that was gray with silt. Later on a ranger told us you did not want to get your water from the river, better to get it from a stream. The entire time we were hiking it was raining, but like Amy said, It would almost be wrong if it wasn’t raining in a rainforest. The scenery on the hike was amazing, moss over everything, giant mushrooms, green everywhere and giant trees covering the sky.
We came across several backpacking groups leaving the rainforest and most were just miserable with the rain, but one group was enthusiastic just to be hiking in the rainforest. We hiked a short while with a musician who was up for a few performances and we got to talk with him awhile. A lot of the trail reminded us of the movie “Romancing the Stone” because it looks like where they got stuck in the land slide. Our plan was to hike in for an hour and then hike back out for that amount of time in order to meet up with mom and Brandon. It worked out perfect.The Hall of Mosses
0.75 mile loop
This trail started from the visitor and took off from part of the Hoh River Trail. It took us up on a little hill where we could really see the full growth of the rainforest. It was raining even harder during this hike than on the River Trail and I was the only person with an umbrella. The Ranger was really great on our walk/talk, giving us all kinds of little tidbits about the rainforest. Things such as, when a tree dies the new trees grow over it drawing the nutrients from it. And this creates an interesting effect that I can’t describe, the best is to show you the picture.
Then she told us some funny things like, there is a disease the trees get called “Cubical Butt Rot” which we thought was awesome and used as a phrase when we hiked Rialto Beach. Then we got to The Hall of Mosses, which is a stunning area of trees and moss all over the place, hanging in all shades of green, yellow and brown. Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Rock
3 miles roundtrip
This trail is all the way at the end of the road in La Push on the north side of the rivers. We got there at low tide so that we could walk through the Hole-in-the-Rock.
The beach was full of drift wood, but this isn’t your typical drift wood, it was whole trees upon more whole trees. The sand was a beautiful black coarse rocky shore and the fog hadn’t lifted when we started the hike, making the scenery (once again) stunning. About half way we came to a small river that we had to cross. Amy and I didn’t want to take off our shoes and we saw some drift wood making a helter-skelter bridge. We attempted to get across and it proved incredibly difficult as the wood was all slimy. It took us a significant amount of time to cross and some very dirty pants (here entered the Cubical Butt Rot). Let’s just say that on the way back we took off our shoes. All along the way we saw groups of backpackers on the beach, just waking up. However, after this short hike I told my dad that hiking the beach was not an option for next year, it was more tiring than any of the other hikes of the weekend. We reached Hole-in-the-Rock, which was beautiful, with a nice tidal pool at its base with all kinds of colorful creatures in there. We skedaddled back after that because we were running short on time. Not ignoring the wonderful scenery that was starting to show up out of the fog. We had hoped to attempt the Second Beach trail as well but ran out of time.Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Marble Falls - July 25, 2009
The Stats
8 miles round trip (or so we think)
Somewhere between 1,500 and 2,100 feet elevation gain (we had conflicting sources)
90 degrees at the bottom of the trail
Animals Spotted: 1 goat, a gazillion squirrels, 1 snake, a few lizards
In attendance: Jeremy Cole, Callie Burruss & Me
We set out from Clovis over to Sequoia National Park’s south entrance.
The trail starts you right off with a quick couple of switchbacks up the side of the mountain. Then for the majority of the trip you are going along the side of the canyon steadily up, but it is not down by the river. Jeremy said the trail was recommended in Spring, which I would probably agree with. The scenery was nice, but I could see in the spring it being really lush and green, with a lot more water. And Great Blazes, it was hot. It was still worth it though. I had a moment of weakness in which I stated I might not make it because of the heat, but luckily for me Jeremy kept pushing on and about 2 miles in the trail went under more trees and altitude made it a little cooler. As we started to get closer the rock turned from the expected granite of the Sierras to white marble.
It made it really beautiful to come across an outcropping of bright white rocks. Then we got to the falls. It was more of a cascade but it was cascading over enormous boulders of white marble with huge pools of green river water. We immediately took off our shoes and walked through some water up to a place to put our feet in. It felt so good. It was nice and icy cold. 
Jeremy did some exploring while I sat in the shade and enjoyed the water and scenery. There was a really cool waterfall that fascinated me because it went through this split between 2 boulders and the water did a streaming thing (I don’t know if I can explain it to you so I will show you). 
After about 30 minutes we zoomed back down the trail. The closer we got to the car and further down we were the hotter it got. It was ridiculously hot by the time we met up with Callie back at the car. We decided to go over to the river by the car and put our feet in. We ran into a family from Hawaii in the river and there was this great spot right below a mini waterfall. The water felt like a Jacuzzi tub on the toes. Then we headed home. It was a pretty quiet ride home as I think we were all tired from the hike and heat.
8 miles round trip (or so we think)
Somewhere between 1,500 and 2,100 feet elevation gain (we had conflicting sources)
90 degrees at the bottom of the trail
Animals Spotted: 1 goat, a gazillion squirrels, 1 snake, a few lizards
In attendance: Jeremy Cole, Callie Burruss & Me
We set out from Clovis over to Sequoia National Park’s south entrance.
The trail starts you right off with a quick couple of switchbacks up the side of the mountain. Then for the majority of the trip you are going along the side of the canyon steadily up, but it is not down by the river. Jeremy said the trail was recommended in Spring, which I would probably agree with. The scenery was nice, but I could see in the spring it being really lush and green, with a lot more water. And Great Blazes, it was hot. It was still worth it though. I had a moment of weakness in which I stated I might not make it because of the heat, but luckily for me Jeremy kept pushing on and about 2 miles in the trail went under more trees and altitude made it a little cooler. As we started to get closer the rock turned from the expected granite of the Sierras to white marble.
It made it really beautiful to come across an outcropping of bright white rocks. Then we got to the falls. It was more of a cascade but it was cascading over enormous boulders of white marble with huge pools of green river water. We immediately took off our shoes and walked through some water up to a place to put our feet in. It felt so good. It was nice and icy cold. Jeremy did some exploring while I sat in the shade and enjoyed the water and scenery. There was a really cool waterfall that fascinated me because it went through this split between 2 boulders and the water did a streaming thing (I don’t know if I can explain it to you so I will show you). After about 30 minutes we zoomed back down the trail. The closer we got to the car and further down we were the hotter it got. It was ridiculously hot by the time we met up with Callie back at the car. We decided to go over to the river by the car and put our feet in. We ran into a family from Hawaii in the river and there was this great spot right below a mini waterfall. The water felt like a Jacuzzi tub on the toes. Then we headed home. It was a pretty quiet ride home as I think we were all tired from the hike and heat.
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