9.06.2022
9.22.2008
Blowin' in the Wind
California may be over, but Ohio has just begun. After arriving via Memphis and Nashville, I find Cincinnati to still catching its breath after the gusting winds of Hurricane Ike. Power is still out in some areas and gas prices are just as high as CA. Unfortunately, my property sustained substantial damage as several trees were felled by the 70-80 mph gusts. Miraculously, the house was completely unscathed.
Looks like I'll have far fewer leaves to rake in a few weeks.
Looks like I'll have far fewer leaves to rake in a few weeks.
9.16.2008
A Place with a Familiar Name
It's been a wild crazy ride in California and I've adventures all of the state and region. However, the Channel Islands National Park (abbreviated CHIS by the NP system) seemed to be a perfect finish to an outstanding summer. The islands are a group of 5 volcanic rocks about 20 to 50 miles out from the Santa Barbara/LA coast. Because of the incredible array of plants, animals, birds and marine life only found in these islands, they are often referred to as "America's Galapagos."
After a night spent watching the OSU/USC football game and tenting in Los Padres National Forest, I took an early morning boat out to Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands. Here is the Scorpian Cove landing on East Santa Cruz:
The darker splotches in the ocean are kelp forests that boast lobster, rays, fish (many kinds), sharks, seals, otters, turtles, starfish, sea things and lots of underwater vegetation. My biggest regret is not bringing along some snorkling gear.
Another view of East Santa Cruz. Here some of the sea caves are clearly evident. These caves are a big draw for sea kayakers and the rugged coastline has many to explore.
Besides for aquatic life, Santa Cruz island is famous for its Island Fox. These fox are only found within the Channel Islands and just a few years ago were considered critically endangered. While hiking through a canyon, I had the pleasure of being followed by one of these foxes. I was told they were small, but I was surprised by their size (about the size of a house cat -> my sister would think they are very cute). Overall, I had three encounters with the foxes (I guess I know where to look).
While Day 1 was spent hiking along the eastern side of Santa Cruz, Day 2 would involve a hike along the north-eastern coastline and into inland hills. The beauty is breathtaking
The wind is also breathtaking... and very strong. Here's my sun and wind-torn self overlooking the Potato Harbor outcropping.
View looking from the highest point on East Santa Cruz into the middle and western portions of the island.
After a brief overnight stay, it was time to head back. If anything, the boat ride was worth the price of the ticket. We had 6 to 8 foot swells and I enjoyed riding out the waves on the bow of the boat. While I was impressed, the skipper mentioned that it was a 3 on a roughness scale of 1-10 (10 being white-knuckle). I can definately see myself coming back to CHIS, although I believe I'll bring along a nice kayak and snorkling gear.
After a night spent watching the OSU/USC football game and tenting in Los Padres National Forest, I took an early morning boat out to Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands. Here is the Scorpian Cove landing on East Santa Cruz:
The darker splotches in the ocean are kelp forests that boast lobster, rays, fish (many kinds), sharks, seals, otters, turtles, starfish, sea things and lots of underwater vegetation. My biggest regret is not bringing along some snorkling gear.
Another view of East Santa Cruz. Here some of the sea caves are clearly evident. These caves are a big draw for sea kayakers and the rugged coastline has many to explore.
Besides for aquatic life, Santa Cruz island is famous for its Island Fox. These fox are only found within the Channel Islands and just a few years ago were considered critically endangered. While hiking through a canyon, I had the pleasure of being followed by one of these foxes. I was told they were small, but I was surprised by their size (about the size of a house cat -> my sister would think they are very cute). Overall, I had three encounters with the foxes (I guess I know where to look).
While Day 1 was spent hiking along the eastern side of Santa Cruz, Day 2 would involve a hike along the north-eastern coastline and into inland hills. The beauty is breathtaking
The wind is also breathtaking... and very strong. Here's my sun and wind-torn self overlooking the Potato Harbor outcropping.
View looking from the highest point on East Santa Cruz into the middle and western portions of the island.
After a brief overnight stay, it was time to head back. If anything, the boat ride was worth the price of the ticket. We had 6 to 8 foot swells and I enjoyed riding out the waves on the bow of the boat. While I was impressed, the skipper mentioned that it was a 3 on a roughness scale of 1-10 (10 being white-knuckle). I can definately see myself coming back to CHIS, although I believe I'll bring along a nice kayak and snorkling gear.
9.01.2008
The Land of the Domes
With the great Yosemite National Park just two hours north of me, a trip to visit the famous valley and granite domes seemed long overdue. With my backpack once again stocked with granola, fruit cups and Pop Tarts (of course all in a protective bear-resistant canister), I embarked on another weekend trek through the forests, mountains and streams.
My trip started in Mono Meadows, a trail-head a few miles south of the Yosemite Valley, and the first day was spent traveling through dense pine forests and rolling hills that still exhibited signs of a 2004 lightening fire. These fire-scorched spots proved to be difficult to hike in (the loose sand made it seem as if I was walking on a beach...with a 40 lb beach bag), but provided some excellent views of the granite peaks and domes that surround the Yosemite Valley.
After a long night with a few bear visitations (on their behalf, I did pitch my tent in an area with obvious signs of recent bear activity... but it was getting dark and I needed the spot to lay my head), I reached the Nevada Falls junction on the eastern edge of the Valley. Below is a view of the famous Half Dome and Liberty Cap.
From Nevada Falls, I turned eastward to follow the Merced River through the Little Yosemite Valley, Lost Valley and Echo Valley. While not as strikingly majestic as the Yosemite Valley, the beauty of granite peaks, mountain streams and evergreens is universal.
Little Yosemite Valley:
Nature's slip'n'slide: (I was very tempted to bring back my childhood at this point and take the dive)
Merced River:
The journey east along the Merced River trail was a hot and tiresome 10 mile hike and I went through 5 liters of water during my efforts to reach my final destination. However, the trip was worth every drop of sweat and I arrived at Merced Lake with enough time left in the day to sit and read a book by the lake for a few hours.
My reading spot:
Next morning by the Merced Lake:
Me:
The next morning I was craving a hot shower, a hamburger and a milkshake, therefore I decided to gut out the full 18 mile trek back in one day. This cut out my proposed hike to Glacier Point, instead, I drove to the point to complete my Yosemite experience.
View into the Tenaya Canyon and the picturesque side of Half-Dome:
Though foul-smelling and grissled, I mingled with the assortment of tourists, had a well-deserved Cherry Coke and got of the ubiquitious European tourists (we'd close down our National Parks if it wasn't for foreign tourists) to take the classic Yosemite picture of me.
Overall, I was incredibly impressed by the magnitude of the park's beauty and am certain I will return someday to experience it again (preferably in the spring when the creeks and falls have not dried up).
My trip started in Mono Meadows, a trail-head a few miles south of the Yosemite Valley, and the first day was spent traveling through dense pine forests and rolling hills that still exhibited signs of a 2004 lightening fire. These fire-scorched spots proved to be difficult to hike in (the loose sand made it seem as if I was walking on a beach...with a 40 lb beach bag), but provided some excellent views of the granite peaks and domes that surround the Yosemite Valley.
After a long night with a few bear visitations (on their behalf, I did pitch my tent in an area with obvious signs of recent bear activity... but it was getting dark and I needed the spot to lay my head), I reached the Nevada Falls junction on the eastern edge of the Valley. Below is a view of the famous Half Dome and Liberty Cap.
From Nevada Falls, I turned eastward to follow the Merced River through the Little Yosemite Valley, Lost Valley and Echo Valley. While not as strikingly majestic as the Yosemite Valley, the beauty of granite peaks, mountain streams and evergreens is universal.
Little Yosemite Valley:
Nature's slip'n'slide: (I was very tempted to bring back my childhood at this point and take the dive)
Merced River:
The journey east along the Merced River trail was a hot and tiresome 10 mile hike and I went through 5 liters of water during my efforts to reach my final destination. However, the trip was worth every drop of sweat and I arrived at Merced Lake with enough time left in the day to sit and read a book by the lake for a few hours.
My reading spot:
Next morning by the Merced Lake:
Me:
The next morning I was craving a hot shower, a hamburger and a milkshake, therefore I decided to gut out the full 18 mile trek back in one day. This cut out my proposed hike to Glacier Point, instead, I drove to the point to complete my Yosemite experience.
View into the Tenaya Canyon and the picturesque side of Half-Dome:
Though foul-smelling and grissled, I mingled with the assortment of tourists, had a well-deserved Cherry Coke and got of the ubiquitious European tourists (we'd close down our National Parks if it wasn't for foreign tourists) to take the classic Yosemite picture of me.
Overall, I was incredibly impressed by the magnitude of the park's beauty and am certain I will return someday to experience it again (preferably in the spring when the creeks and falls have not dried up).
8.19.2008
New York New York
I found a city that has my same soul... New York. At least that's what my 2 days in the city revealed to me. Maybe it was because my hurried walking pace did not look too unnatural there. Or maybe it could have been the cacophony of darting taxis, clanking subways, barking dogs and dozens of spoken languages. All I know is that the motion and feel of the Big Apple seemed to strike the right chord with me. Besides, there is nothing like the mixed smell of NY pizza, hot dog charts and coffee to bring a tear to a man's... stomach.
Well, thanks GE for the week of training and my chance to spend 2 days as a tourist. So here I go...
The city has incredible panoramic views and dozens of well-known attractions. I pretty much hit most of the major sites (I have blisters on my feet... literally) and I'll refrain from posting pictures of these sites since it is most likely redundant with your own mental image.
On of the coolest things I did was spend $20 to take an elevator ride to the 67-69th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza (that's the NBC building, owned by GE, and yes, no employee discounts) . The top of the building offered great 360 degree views of the city. There is something about the Empire State Building that looks great in black and white:
View north into Central Park:
Speaking of central park, my meager hostel-like hotel was on the upper west side of Manhattan (71st st) and was a couple blocks from Central Park. Here's the view down a typical upper west side Manhattan street.
Of course I had to take a picture of the M&M world store in Times Square. 3 floors of milk chocolate splendour
Wall street was more impressive to me than I anticipated. NY still has a little flag-waving patriotic feeling from the post-911 era as shown on the NYSE building. Notice the Chinese flag honoring the Olympic hosts.
Although I went to Ground Zero, I didn't take any pictures out of reverence, however, the scars from the 911 attacks are still clearly visible and the scene is still very moving. On Saturday morning I took a ferry around the harbor and took a picture where the World Trade Center buildings once stood. The gap you see between the buildings in the picture below is Ground Zero. Moreover, the picture does not give justice to how massive this void really is. The buildings between the gap in the background are quite a distance from those in the foreground and the site is still being worked on to this day to remove debris and correct damage to surrounding buildings.
Let freedom and liberty continue
Well, thanks GE for the week of training and my chance to spend 2 days as a tourist. So here I go...
The city has incredible panoramic views and dozens of well-known attractions. I pretty much hit most of the major sites (I have blisters on my feet... literally) and I'll refrain from posting pictures of these sites since it is most likely redundant with your own mental image.
On of the coolest things I did was spend $20 to take an elevator ride to the 67-69th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza (that's the NBC building, owned by GE, and yes, no employee discounts) . The top of the building offered great 360 degree views of the city. There is something about the Empire State Building that looks great in black and white:
View north into Central Park:
Speaking of central park, my meager hostel-like hotel was on the upper west side of Manhattan (71st st) and was a couple blocks from Central Park. Here's the view down a typical upper west side Manhattan street.
Of course I had to take a picture of the M&M world store in Times Square. 3 floors of milk chocolate splendour
Wall street was more impressive to me than I anticipated. NY still has a little flag-waving patriotic feeling from the post-911 era as shown on the NYSE building. Notice the Chinese flag honoring the Olympic hosts.
Although I went to Ground Zero, I didn't take any pictures out of reverence, however, the scars from the 911 attacks are still clearly visible and the scene is still very moving. On Saturday morning I took a ferry around the harbor and took a picture where the World Trade Center buildings once stood. The gap you see between the buildings in the picture below is Ground Zero. Moreover, the picture does not give justice to how massive this void really is. The buildings between the gap in the background are quite a distance from those in the foreground and the site is still being worked on to this day to remove debris and correct damage to surrounding buildings.
Let freedom and liberty continue
8.11.2008
Highest Man in the Lowest 48
In the Sierras, jagged granite peaks piercing the horizon seem to be ubiquitous. However, in paper and in person, one specific ridge-line rises above the rest. At 14,497 ft, Mt. Whitney, on the western border of Sequoia NP and Inyo National Forest, is the highest point in the lower 48 states (and Hawaii, 16 mountains in Alaska are higher than Mt. Whitney). The mountain was tempting me all summer to attempt the hike, so when I was able to snag a scarce permit, my roommate and I took off on our quest.
Although just due east of Hanford, CA, access to the Mt. Whitney Portal involves a trek around the southern loop of the Sierras and back up the eastern Sierras. From Lone Pine, CA, The peak sits centered between two ridges with a lush valley filling the canyon. The entire landscape had a majestic feel, with the smaller jagged peaks on either side giving Mt. Whitney the appearance of a crown.
After a night spent at the portal, we picked up our permits and were off to hike the 6 miles from the Whitney Portal to Trail Camp. This took us from 8,500 ft to 12,300 ft and passed through several forests, valleys and lakes. This picture is one of the valleys midway to the Trail Camp.
Reaching Trail Camp, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing, acclimatizing to the high altitudes and drinking water from the rather algae-ridden pool.
At base camp, with Mt. Whitney looming in the background. Only four and a half miles and 2,200 ft elevation to go.
Summit day: 4:10 a.m. "alpine" start, temperatures in the low to mid 30's. Our goal was to summit early to have the peak to ourselves and then leave well-before the unpredictable afternoon weather rolls in.
When you are at this altitude, the night-sky is blurred with countless stars and cosmic smears, the day-sky is a deeper shade of blue, and the sunrise is spectacular.
The first portion of the way up from Trail Camp is the infamous "96 switchbacks" that take you up to the Trail Crest at 13,600 ft. Pictured below is a view of several of the switchbacks and Trail Camp (next to the green-algae pool). I realized how nice knocking these out in the cool of the night and morning was after watching others trudge along with the sun beating down on them.
After finishing the switchbacks, we breakfasted at Trail Crest and began our traverse northward to Mt. Whitney. The western view over the ridge into Sequoia National Park
Rounding a bend, the end was in sight. Notice the old meteorological shelter at the very peak.
Tallest man in the lower 48:
We had a beautiful day to summit with the wind coming in short mild bursts and a clear sky. Another summit view, looking south-west
Another summit view, looking north-east:
Eastern view over the edge towards the valley below:
View to the north:
View to the south:
View to the east:
View to the west:
Overall, completing this hike gave me a wonderful sense of accomplishment. There is nothing like overcoming the demands of high-altitude hiking and reaching the top... plus the views are incredible and the terrain like nothing else on Earth. It is going to be hard to top this experience this summer, although I have a few more weeks to try.
Although just due east of Hanford, CA, access to the Mt. Whitney Portal involves a trek around the southern loop of the Sierras and back up the eastern Sierras. From Lone Pine, CA, The peak sits centered between two ridges with a lush valley filling the canyon. The entire landscape had a majestic feel, with the smaller jagged peaks on either side giving Mt. Whitney the appearance of a crown.
After a night spent at the portal, we picked up our permits and were off to hike the 6 miles from the Whitney Portal to Trail Camp. This took us from 8,500 ft to 12,300 ft and passed through several forests, valleys and lakes. This picture is one of the valleys midway to the Trail Camp.
Reaching Trail Camp, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing, acclimatizing to the high altitudes and drinking water from the rather algae-ridden pool.
At base camp, with Mt. Whitney looming in the background. Only four and a half miles and 2,200 ft elevation to go.
Summit day: 4:10 a.m. "alpine" start, temperatures in the low to mid 30's. Our goal was to summit early to have the peak to ourselves and then leave well-before the unpredictable afternoon weather rolls in.
When you are at this altitude, the night-sky is blurred with countless stars and cosmic smears, the day-sky is a deeper shade of blue, and the sunrise is spectacular.
The first portion of the way up from Trail Camp is the infamous "96 switchbacks" that take you up to the Trail Crest at 13,600 ft. Pictured below is a view of several of the switchbacks and Trail Camp (next to the green-algae pool). I realized how nice knocking these out in the cool of the night and morning was after watching others trudge along with the sun beating down on them.
After finishing the switchbacks, we breakfasted at Trail Crest and began our traverse northward to Mt. Whitney. The western view over the ridge into Sequoia National Park
Rounding a bend, the end was in sight. Notice the old meteorological shelter at the very peak.
Tallest man in the lower 48:
We had a beautiful day to summit with the wind coming in short mild bursts and a clear sky. Another summit view, looking south-west
Another summit view, looking north-east:
Eastern view over the edge towards the valley below:
View to the north:
View to the south:
View to the east:
View to the west:
Overall, completing this hike gave me a wonderful sense of accomplishment. There is nothing like overcoming the demands of high-altitude hiking and reaching the top... plus the views are incredible and the terrain like nothing else on Earth. It is going to be hard to top this experience this summer, although I have a few more weeks to try.
8.03.2008
Hiking Among the Kings
One of the greatest benefits of Hanford, aside 100+ degree heat and agrarian life, is its proximity to several National Parks and the Sierras. Since the fires scrapped my Yosemite plans, I ventured out to the home of the deepest canyon in the U.S.; Kings Canyon National Park. My goal was to spend 4 days, 3 nights hiking out to a series of high altitude lakes, all while recharging in the cooling mountain air.
Day 1: Set out from the trail-head (5300 ft) and hiked along Bubb's Creek. This trail meandered along a mountain stream with near vertical granite cliffs towering on either side.
Night one was spent at 8500 ft along the creek in the company of several white-tailed deer. Some of them have no fear of humans and will walk through your camp on their way to the stream.
Morning of Day 2, just upstream of my campsite:
The second day consisted of a short hike to Charlotte's Lake (10300 ft). This transition offered incredible views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks.
At last, Charlotte's Lake, well worth the aches and pains of reaching it. I spent the rest of the day relaxing on the shores, hiking the eastern valley and recovering.
As previously mentioned, deer are quite prevalent along the trails. I found this photogenic buck while hiking around Charlotte's Lake.
After a chilly night (temps in the low 30's), I set out to reach Glenn Pass (11978 ft) and the Rae Lakes beyond. On the way up, I took a peak at the valley below:
View east from the top of Glenn Pass. The highest peak on the right is Mt. Brewer at 13570 ft.
View west from Glenn Pass:
Me at the top. The verdant area to my right is the Rae Lakes area. It was still early in the day so I set out down the other side of the pass to have lunch on the shoreline.
View of Glenn Pass from a few hundred feet down on the eastern side, lots of granite.
This picture could not capture the beauty of Rae Lakes. The water was absolutely clear and so still that the fish looked like they were swimming in air. Vertical granite walls surrounded the basin and the whole scene was the essence of tranquility. I spent a good couple hours here relaxing, eating and sunbathing (also drying my socks and shoes after a stream-crossing mishap).
From Rae Lakes, I re-hiked the climb to Glenn Pass and down to Charlotte Lake where I broke camp and headed back towards home. Fortunately, I took a slight detour out to Bullfrog Lake and snapped my favorite picture of the trip:
Self portrait:
Night 3 was spent along another mountain stream. Below is sunrise on day 4:
Overall, the Kings Canyon offered so many incredible views that I had to conserve my camera's memory space. I learned quickly that behind every hill/peak is an even more impressive view. Once again, I left in awe of the beauty and complexity of God's creation.
Day 1: Set out from the trail-head (5300 ft) and hiked along Bubb's Creek. This trail meandered along a mountain stream with near vertical granite cliffs towering on either side.
Night one was spent at 8500 ft along the creek in the company of several white-tailed deer. Some of them have no fear of humans and will walk through your camp on their way to the stream.
Morning of Day 2, just upstream of my campsite:
The second day consisted of a short hike to Charlotte's Lake (10300 ft). This transition offered incredible views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks.
At last, Charlotte's Lake, well worth the aches and pains of reaching it. I spent the rest of the day relaxing on the shores, hiking the eastern valley and recovering.
As previously mentioned, deer are quite prevalent along the trails. I found this photogenic buck while hiking around Charlotte's Lake.
After a chilly night (temps in the low 30's), I set out to reach Glenn Pass (11978 ft) and the Rae Lakes beyond. On the way up, I took a peak at the valley below:
View east from the top of Glenn Pass. The highest peak on the right is Mt. Brewer at 13570 ft.
View west from Glenn Pass:
Me at the top. The verdant area to my right is the Rae Lakes area. It was still early in the day so I set out down the other side of the pass to have lunch on the shoreline.
View of Glenn Pass from a few hundred feet down on the eastern side, lots of granite.
This picture could not capture the beauty of Rae Lakes. The water was absolutely clear and so still that the fish looked like they were swimming in air. Vertical granite walls surrounded the basin and the whole scene was the essence of tranquility. I spent a good couple hours here relaxing, eating and sunbathing (also drying my socks and shoes after a stream-crossing mishap).
From Rae Lakes, I re-hiked the climb to Glenn Pass and down to Charlotte Lake where I broke camp and headed back towards home. Fortunately, I took a slight detour out to Bullfrog Lake and snapped my favorite picture of the trip:
Self portrait:
Night 3 was spent along another mountain stream. Below is sunrise on day 4:
Overall, the Kings Canyon offered so many incredible views that I had to conserve my camera's memory space. I learned quickly that behind every hill/peak is an even more impressive view. Once again, I left in awe of the beauty and complexity of God's creation.
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