13 camping days in the last 30 days

[foakes]

Joined some friends up in Northern California around the 1st of May for a 3-Day camping trip in the Humboldt Redwoods.

On the way back home, we took a detour to spend 4 nights at Morro Bay.

We just returned from a 6-Day trip to the Wishon and Courtright areas of the Western Central Sierra. This was a boondocking trip where we had no neighbors and were 1/2 mile down a 4X4 road. Elevation was 6614’.

Used this remote area as a base camp for the (6) days.

Fished Wishon & Courtright, did a couple of day hikes, explored, took some photos, checked out other places to go close by — since this area is only 2 hours from home, played some scrabble and rummicube, read some books and magazines, relaxed.

Read The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.

Returned Saturday since Sue has Jury Duty this week.

Used the Honda 2200i for the Microwave and heater.

Saw 4 American Eagles, 2 Osprey, 2 male Western Tanangers, 1 Marmot, 1 Bobcat, and quite a bit of other wildlife.

Sue had prepared (5) meals ahead of time — and I BBQ’d Ribeye one night.

Humboldt was nearly constant rain, Morro Bay mostly wind, and this last area mostly Sunny with scattered clouds.

Best, Fred

 

[profdant139]

Great photos and trip report -- I can only imagine living within a couple of hours of the Sierra. For us, it is a six to eight hour slog (depending on traffic in So Cal) to get to the backcountry.

On the other hand, the beach is 20 minutes away.

On the third hand, I have to share the beach with millions of folks.

Fred, I notice you live in Auberry -- have you ever taken the trailer out toward the Kaiser Wilderness area? I've heard that the road can be a little tricky.

 

[foakes]

Yes, we are actually a little higher up above Auberry by 2000’.

Closer to Shaver Lake.

Been to the Kaiser Wilderness long before it was ever designated a Wilderness — and hundreds of times since then.

Hiked and backpacked to most of the 2 dozen or so lakes — and beyond to Edison, Florence, Evolution Valley, Onion Springs, Ansel Adam’s Wilderness, etc..

Pulling a trailer like yours would be no problem.

It is 21 miles of one to one and a half curvy lanes road that goes up to 9000’.

Takes a little over an hour.

Most folks don’t know the trick though! Go at night. Oncoming vehicles (if any) can be seen from a few hundred yards away — and they can see you also.

Problem is — most of the area has burned during the Creek Fire 20 months ago. 384,000 acres — we were under mandatory evacuation for 19 days. Nearly all of the trails and roads are still closed.

If you ever need any info — let me know. I have known the area intimately for 52 years.

Best, Fred

 

[profdant139]

Very sorry to hear about the fire damage -- so much of the Sierra has burned in the past few years, and here we go again with yet another dry and hot year.

Great tip about going at night -- it makes sense, but I never would have thought of it!