Last Day

At Wheeler Gorge, the temperature dropped into the 30's during the night. I didn't sleep well and dreaded climbing out of my sleeping bag, but was motivated to get my day started early so that I could take one more hike before heading home. This was by far my favorite day.

A beautifully sunny (and cold!) morning at Wheeler Gorge Campground.















                           -- Hiking on the Lion Canyon Trail in Los Padres National Forest --

 Upon my return to the trailhead at Middle Lion Campground, I chose a picnic table near the creek to eat lunch and to read a bit from John Muir's writings. At the site directly behind me, an older, and somewhat scruffy, man was camped in an old van. I suspect that his van is home, and for a time, so is this campground. As I relished in the moment of reading and eating in the gentle breeze, this "scruffy" man began to sing, accompanied by his guitar. I could not have asked for a better way to end my little solo trip. As I left, I thanked the man for his serenade, and he in kind, thanked me. 

Day 3

Yesterday evening, the ranger visited each campsite to inform us of today's weather forecast: 70% chance of snow, mixed with rain, with temperatures dropping to the 20's. I had planned to camp for 3 days, but did not want to spend my third night and following day inside my tent shivering. So, I regrouped and decided to drive west to Wheeler Gorge Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. These are a few pics I took on my way down from the Sierras. The rest of my day was spent driving across the Central Valley and through the San Emigdio Mountains until I reached my destination at Wheeler Gorge. It rained for the entire drive and when I began to reach higher elevations on the very twisty road, there were manned snowplow trucks parked along the roadside. This was not what I wanted to see! I was already driving cautiously when I encountered dense fog, actually clouds, with about 20 yards visibility. As I descended, I was relieved to see the temperature rising on the car thermometer. Luckily, by the time I arrived at my soggy destination, the rain had passed.

As I drove through Springville on my way down from the mountains, I came upon many old Model T's and the like. I parked for a moment and happened to watch a lady, garbed in a 3/4 length fur, white lacy dress, white bonnet, and white Victorian lace-up boots, walking her dog in the gentle rain. A few moments later, she and her husband climbed aboard their antique automobile and drove away.

Day 2

I was not disappointed when I arrived at Camp Wishon. The campground sits next to a boulder lined creek and had only a few campers. And, yes, those are small redwoods that I was camped next to.

Hiking the Nelson Trail in Giant Sequoia National Monument section of Sequoia National Forest. 

Giant Sequoias along the trail gave me pause throughout the hike.

This tree, apparently, is a favorite photo spot (is featured on the brochure cover) even though I did not encounter a single soul the whole day along this trail.

The trail travels along the Tule River and encounters several other flowing streams.

Day One

 My intention was to stay at Coffee Camp Campground in the foothills since I would be arriving in the late evening. The campground was closed and I drove back down to Success Lake just above Porterville. 

Rolling hills and gentle breezes provided a peaceful beginning to my short trip.