About 20 years ago or so, the private pack station in Mineral King closed. The Park built a corral and their own tack shed. They usually bring up stock so they can resupply the trail crews in the backcountry, but this year we hadn’t seen any evidence of Park stock. Last year the Park brought […]
Working Weekend in Mineral King
A week or so ago, I told you about areas of neglect in Mineral King. Our cabin is not one of them, because it is our responsibility, not the Park’s*. It takes continual maintenance to keep a 100+ year old rustic structure together, and although we enjoy plenty of leisure time up the hill, there […]
Meandering in Mineral King
Ugh, smoke. A hint of the coming fall. Ugh, smoke. Sierra Gentian just don’t photograph worth a hoot, but they are truly striking, and always appear at a spring between the pack station and Crystal Creek in August. Trail Guy pointed out the marmot sunning on the rock. I asked him how he knew that […]
Fire Thoughts
Almost 3 weeks ago, there was a thunder and lightning storm in Mineral King. A lightning strike started a fire, and it looked as if it would be quick to suppress the thing. Being somewhat cynical, perhaps because we’ve lived through the “easy to suppress” lightning strikes in 2020 and 2021, I had my doubts […]
Noticing in Mineral King (and a little Neglect)
Timber Gap Trail The bottom part of the Timber Gap/Monarch/Sawtooth trail is usually dusty, hot, and always steep, with steps that seem to be made for giraffes. One morning I walked up it a ways, intending to go to the junction. The trailhead is another site of the Park’s neglect. There is nothing indicating what […]
Noticing More in Mineral King
Short Walk to Crystal Creek One day a friend and I made the 2 mile round trip walk to Crystal Creek to fulfill my overwhelmingly vigorous commitment to exercise. (No need to be impressed.) We realized that this is the first year we both sort of like goldenrod and concluded it must be the abundance, […]
Noticing Again
Heading up to the Eagle/White Chief junction. Instead of hiking, I am taking short walks of about 2 miles round trip. I thought I was seeing a new flower; after some careful study (about 5 seconds), I realized that it is sulfur flower as it is aging. I love the intense greenery of the thimble […]
Still Far Away
I am far away but like to keep these blog posts coming for my tens of faithful readers. Here are a few photos for you with my usual chit-chat. Farewell Gap in the morning light looks much better in real life than with my PHD* camera. Ditto in the evening light. With the short season, […]
Trail Guy Went to White Chief Again
In late July on a non-smoky day, Trail Guy went to White Chief. He hasn’t hiked much this summer; it might be my fault because my feet won’t let me go. On the other hand, he might just be busy, always helping cabin neighbors. Whatever the reason, when he has a chance to hike, he […]
Noticing, Neglected, and New: New
New Although Sequoia National Park in Mineral King appears to be understaffed, with many things in a neglected state, things that are under the purview of private individuals are getting spiffed up. Cabin life is often about maintenance, and it is excellent to see this taking place. Finally, the Honeymoon Cabin has been painted! Yes, […]