To clarify, Mineral King is still open to the public, officially closing in another week (sorry, don’t know the actual date). Trail Guy and I closed our cabin over the weekend, and just in time too. This week will be full of catching up at home and in the studio, so I’ll just fill this week of posts with Mineral King photos and chit-chat.
Heading up the hill, I did a quick drive-by of looking upstream from the Oak Grove Bridge. Supposedly this fall is when the county will begin tearing up the landscape upstream to prepare the way for a new bridge. The old one will become a pedestrian bridge only, not that there is any place to walk on the road. It just happens to be a beautiful historical structure in Tulare County, which doesn’t have very many of those.
How it looked on Friday, just aiming upstream into the sun. Next time we drive over it on the way up the hill (unless we make an unplanned trip) this will be all torn up.
We passed these types of scenic views on the way up. The road construction continues through the fall, and I don’t know when they’ll finish this year. The project is supposed to last through 2027.
Because of the fires in 2020, 2021, and 2024, there are clear views to Sawtooth (unless it is cloudy or smoky or smoggy or. . . )
Trail Guy and the Farmer stopped at the cabin owners’ dumpster to see if it was full. Hiking Buddy and I opted to walk up the Nature Trail to our cabins. (What? Would you rather hang around the dumpster, discussing its capacity, waiting for the dudes to make a decision and then have a ride up the final mile?)
More on fall color along the Nature Trail tomorrow.
2 Comments
Both MK Road gates will be closed and locked on Wednesday, October 29.
I have to admit, I am not looking forward to see what the govmnt. has planned for the Oak Grove Bridge. Whatever they do will reduce the charm and rural feel of the crossing, although I suppose it’s better than tearing the whole thing down and erecting a steel monstrosity. *sigh*
Regarding opting for the Nature Trail over a dumpster, you have chosen . . . wisely!
Thank you for the info, Sharon. I was too overwhelmed while writing the post (surrounded by messes brought down the hill) that I didn’t look up the closing date.
I am dreading the mess of the Oak Grove Bridge project, both while it is happening and the permanent change to the landscape.
Dumpster + ride or walk up the trail? No contest!