Looks like I'll have far fewer leaves to rake in a few weeks.
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).
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