With the summer sun heating up the southland this Fourth of July, it was no surprise to have thousands of people migrating to the somewhat cooler climates of our coastal beaches.
In a reversal, we decided to head out to the lower Sierra mountains where we were more likely to see a bear on the trail rather than another human being.
The day before the Fourth, we quickly packed our gear into the Jeep, strapped the kids into their seats, and were on the road by noon. Driving north on highway 15, we steered toward highway 395, which would bring us to the high desert elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. By the time we reached our turn-off point from highway 395 and pointed our rig toward the climb into the Sierra Mountain's, the temperature would peak at 111 degrees Fahrenheit!
In a reversal, we decided to head out to the lower Sierra mountains where we were more likely to see a bear on the trail rather than another human being.
The day before the Fourth, we quickly packed our gear into the Jeep, strapped the kids into their seats, and were on the road by noon. Driving north on highway 15, we steered toward highway 395, which would bring us to the high desert elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. By the time we reached our turn-off point from highway 395 and pointed our rig toward the climb into the Sierra Mountain's, the temperature would peak at 111 degrees Fahrenheit!
With a full tank of gas and the Jeep fully loaded, we climbed nine mile canyon waiting for the outside temperature to relent from its 100+ degrees. The Jeep's engine temperature held close to normal and after shutting off the air conditioning and dropping the windows, the fresh outside air began to cool us as we meandered closer to the forest of Kennedy Meadows.
While our original plan was to camp out in Monache Meadows this long weekend, our dry California winter resulted in fire restrictions that would prevent anyone from having a camp fire in far reaching areas of the Inyo National Forest. And because we had planned to cook some of our meals on the open fire as well as marshmallow toasting for the kids s'mores, we needed to make a plan B.
As luck would have it, we had good friends camping in Troy Meadow this same weekend, where campfires were fortunately allowed. We decided to connect with our friends for a weekend of camping. While the larger group would be on two wheels and tackling the beauty of single track trails, us four-wheelers would seek out alternative routes for taking in the sights from the cool climate of the 8,000 foot elevation and forest covered mountains.
As luck would have it, we had good friends camping in Troy Meadow this same weekend, where campfires were fortunately allowed. We decided to connect with our friends for a weekend of camping. While the larger group would be on two wheels and tackling the beauty of single track trails, us four-wheelers would seek out alternative routes for taking in the sights from the cool climate of the 8,000 foot elevation and forest covered mountains.
While the mountain temperatures were expectedly cooler than the desert below, we planned to use our REI Kingdom 6 summer tent, which was the right plan as day-and-night time temperatures were warm and comfortable.
Fourth of July morning kicked off with a hot coffee from our Jet Boil french press. Plus some half and half to make a quasi-latte.
Here I am with my homemade Warn coffee mug that was my co-pilot for making breakfast burritos.
Here I am with my homemade Warn coffee mug that was my co-pilot for making breakfast burritos.
After breakfast, we went out for some initial exploration on Beach Meadow and Lion Meadow trails. We knew the second day of wheeling would be an all-day adventure, so we tempered our ambitions.
Here is the 21S02 trail head off of Kennedy Meadows Road, approximately one-half mile from Black Rock Station.
Here is the 21S02 trail head off of Kennedy Meadows Road, approximately one-half mile from Black Rock Station.
Before heading too far into Beach Meadow trail, we aired down for a softer ride. Everyone seemed happy for letting air out of the tires.
Beach Meadow trail is fairly tame and provides for beautiful views of the distant hills and the valleys below.
Along Beach Meadow trail, the single track motorcycle trail parallels some sections and eventually drops down into the meadow. We decided not to hike down to the meadow and instead continue on. However, Beach Trail eventually came to an end with overgrown plants and small trees.
Along Beach Meadow trail, the single track motorcycle trail parallels some sections and eventually drops down into the meadow. We decided not to hike down to the meadow and instead continue on. However, Beach Trail eventually came to an end with overgrown plants and small trees.
After reaching the end point on Beach Trail, we regrouped and considered our options. We determined we should back-track and try a few other trails.
We explored Lion Meadow trail, however, this too turned out to be a dead end. But nevertheless, it was fun exploring new territory.
And finally, we took Little Horse Meadow trail, which to no surprise was a dead-end as well. However, there is a nice plateau at the end of Little Horse Meadow trail and would provide for an excellent remote campsite. The bonus is a view of Mt. Whitney in the far distance.
A closer look at Mt. Whitney in the distance with a lone cloud floating above and a few patches of snow dotting the mountainside.
After our wheeling adventure, we headed back to camp to cook dinner over the open fire. Salmon and corn on the cob. Our new grill worked very well and provided ample space for cooking our dinner as well as for our friends that decided to take advantage of this authentic cooking convenience.
 |  |
We will also be posting pictures from our second day of wheeling, where we explored Monache Meadow for an all-day adventure of trails, river crossings, and a little rock crawling. Come back soon or connect with us on twitter to get our next update.
Photo editing credit goes to Robin Reid. Thanks Robin!
Photo editing credit goes to Robin Reid. Thanks Robin!
RSS Feed