Since moving to CA, I have wanted to visit Big Basin Redwoods SP. This time has come! About 3 hours from Fresno, it is the oldest state park in CA. It is really incredible to think that these redwoods have been here for a few thousands of years, they outlived previous generations and will outlive us.
Parking is quite limited, but at 9 AM is still good. The Berry Creek Falls Trail is rated as "strenuous", and my legs can tell you why. Because of the recent storm damage, the trail was closed in some parts, but detour was available. Most of the hiking is done in almost full shade, which is amazing during hot days (yes, it was one of those...). Depending on where you start the loop, you will ascend or descend close to 2,400 ft - a great exercise routine, especially considering that the length of the hike ended up being about 12.5 miles.
Photo credit: HJ
There were a few highlights, such as the main waterfall and a few smaller ones, all unique to this landscape. Everything around is really green; water here is not scarce like in the nearby Yosemite and Kings Canyon NPs. There were a few incredible spots with dozens of monarch butterflies just flying around, not sure why they were so excited about that spot.
Photo credit: HJ
I didn't do as much filming as usually, so this below is a 3 min clip of some highlights.
Since I bought a bicycle, I have wanted to ride along route 1 enjoying the view of the ocean. Today was the day this came to reality. I planned to first visit San Luis Obispo (SLO) to grab a cup of coffee and visit a farmer's market, check out the Bob Jones trail, a well-reviewed bicycle trail a few minutes away from SLO and finish the day with a ride along Hwy 1.
The drive to SLO took about 2.5 hrs. The skies were gray and gloomy as I approached my destination. It was getting a bit discouraging that I might have to ride in the rain, but it was certainly better than blazing heat. I stopped at Scout Coffee Company for a cup of cappuccino and pastry and was amazed by how fresh everything is there.
I then headed to the farmer's market that was supposed to be open on Sundays next to one of the hotels, but for whatever reason there was no sign of a farmer's market. Disappointed, I had a couple more bites of that heavenly croissant I purchased at the coffee shop and went to check out the Bob Jones Trail.
The trail did not disappoint. After a minor set back trying to adjust the brakes on the front wheel of the bike, I was riding along the trail together with few hikers and cyclers. The trail was very peaceful filled with wildlife and different species of birds in the midst of changing scenery. The trail ended at the beach where I turned around and cycled back.
My next stop was a point along Hwy 1 that I chose about an hour away from SLO. I pulled into the parking lot overseeing the ocean, got my bike out (this time experienced with how to adjust the brakes) and started my ride. While it was not the most peaceful ride given that it is right on the highway, the views were amazing. On the way back, I saw a coyote dragging the body of a dead deer from the side of the highway. As I passed by, he got a bit spooked, but stared right at me. I wondered if he would chase me, but then realized that he already had his meal ;)
5 miles on Bob Jones trail + 13 miles on Hwy 1 = exhaustion and peace. I loved SLO and will certainly come back.
Today I had a BBQ planned with a MeetUp, but felt that driving 2.5 hrs just to eat, drink and be merry was not good enough, so I decided to hike before the BBQ.
Mission Peak trail was mentioned to me a few times as one of the more popular hikes in the Bay area. I don't usually like to hike with dozens of people, but this time there was an excuse to try it out. There are two main trails leading to Mission Peak, one starts from Ohlone college and is 7.5 miles round trip, and the other one begins near Stanford Ave, is 5 miles, but has only 40 parking stalls. It is highly recommended to park at Ohlone college, and I can see why - there is plenty of parking and is $4 or free (depends on the time of the year). The parking garage was right across from the trailhead, very simple and convenient. This trail also has more shade, and believe me, you need that!
I started the hike early, at 8 AM I was already at the trailhead. It was supposed to be 90F today, so I really wanted to skip the heat. By the time I started, some people were already coming back. If I lived closer, I would have done the same.
Today I decided to wear shorts instead of my usual hiking pants because I saw that the trail is wide and sandy with no vegetation on the trail itself. I was right, I would not want to wear anything more than I did - it was hot! The climb is gradual, but consistent. In the beginning, I saw some bulls and cows really close by accompanied by dozens of flies. I can't even imaging how they can live covered in insects like that all the time! Cool experience that cattle is just grazing wherever they want to, some though were confined in smaller spaces. I was glad I am an aspiring vegetarian...
The nicer parts of the trail start about 2 miles in. You get a full view of the Bay and surrounding areas. It was clear and a big smoggy today, but visibility was not an issue. Once you are past the first 2 miles, it gets nice and cooler with somewhat of a stronger wind that brings some relief. The last part of the climb is intense, but the reward is so visible that you really can't stop.
At the top, many people are lined up to take a picture with a pole and the US flag, but I decided I didn't want to wait and just enjoyed the view before starting to descend. The way down is very enjoyable, especially as you watch other people starting at 10-11 AM and dying from heat at the very beginning of the trail. Do your research, people!
I love mushrooms! Love them! Hence, I was excited to go to a Mushroom Mardi Gras. Who cares that it's 2.5 hrs away from Fresno, we are going to eat mushrooms! Or not...
Here is a summary of the festival.
Positive:
1) street parking available within 3-4 blocks;
2) lots of food;
3) lots of vendors with expensive stuff;
4) drink ticket booths are throughout the festival;
5) no cover charge.
Cons:
1) few booths actually have anything with mushrooms. I chose rice with mushrooms, and it was good, but I expected lots of different dishes with mushrooms at a mushroom Mardi Gras;
2) premium wine tasting is a joke. You can get a Groupon a few bucks off the tasting, buy on their Facebook page or on site with cash. $30 gets you 10 tastings. Only those who bought the tickets can go in, but if there are two people in your group, you can buy one punch card with a "complimentary" festival glass and just alternate who goes in (as long as you ask for the wrist band for each person). There are 4 wineries; each offers 2 reds and 1 white. Not a great selection, but wine is great.
3) everything is extremely overpriced, but I guess this is a festival...
4) few things to pick for a vegetarian. You'd think at a mushroom festival that would not be an issue, but it is.
5) some vendors are a bit annoying trying to cover you with their cream products without consent.
Overall, a bummer, don't think I would go there unless I lived nearby.
I wasn't even motivated to film, because there was not much to film, but here you go...
I loved picking blueberries two weeks ago at Big L Ranch, so we came back! At $5 per pound, you cannot go wrong with organic blueberries. And this time I fully comprehended the idea of "organic".
As we arrived, the parking lot was relatively empty. On Memorial Day weekend, many people must have gone out of town or just decided to enjoy the extra day off on their couches. Not us! We work for our food! Especially, food that is so delicious.
Two weeks ago I got about 4 lbs of blueberries. We came for the opening weekend, and many blueberries were still green. This time they were ripe and plentiful. The only thing is insects, lots of them! Little flying bugs were all over the bushes. As you reached for some blueberries and accidentally shake the branch, dozens of them would fly out, scared for their lives.
There were also some lady bugs, not as many. I kind of liked how graceful they are, and tried not to disturb them. If these blueberries were sprayed with something, bugs would stay away. So glad to have got the full picking experience, and kudos to Big L Ranch for farming organically!
From the title itself, you already understand that the hike did not completely happen. Well, it did, but not to Mitchell Peak. As we were driving to the trailhead, the road was closed due to washouts.
We parked right next to the gate and were planning to at least hike a little bit, if not to Mitchell Peak. As we were hiking, there was a service truck driving on the road. The guy said that they were also going to be doing prescribed fire, so we would see some smoke shortly. Strike two! And what did we do? We proceeded! It was a nice day, and we didn't want to drive all the way out to the national park to just turn around an hour later.
We found a nice waterfall and took a short break there. If you were driving, you probably would never have stopped by that spot.
The air felt thin due to elevation, and 4 miles into the hike, we decided to turn around. In the meantime, we discovered small elevations on the ground. As I looked closer, it was dirt coming out from the ground, probably from ants or worms digging their tunnels. I have never seen such a thing! Very interesting.
It was a peaceful, and for some reason exhausting hike. I guess it was thin air, but I was really tired. We stopped by the School House restaurant on the way back to have lunch. I have heard quite a bit about it, but it was about 45 min driving from Fresno, so I never had the desire to drive that far to try it out.
"This is gonna be tough," I said to myself. I have done trails with 3,500 ft elevation gain and 7 miles in length, but it does not get much easier even if you hike often like I do. In addition, it was going to be really warm, mid 70s, and in the sun probably even high 70s. "Here I come, Upper Yosemite Falls!"
Originally, I signed up with a group that was going to El Capitan, but I decided it was not for me (17 miles round trip). I arrived at the trailhead at 7.45 AM and started the hike around 8 AM. It took me 6 hours of pretty much non-stop hiking (except 25 min at the top) and by 2 PM I was back to my car.
The way up was hard. In the blazing sun with no shade as you reach the second half of the trail (pretty steep uphill) you just hope the end will come soon. On the way down it is much easier, but now you have to be careful of where you step because some portions of the trail are pure sand, others are covered in trickling springs flowing downhill. My knees were sore and the next day I felt like I have never exercised my calves. Was it worth it? Yes!
The views on the top were really incredible, and the waterfall full with water during this time of the year. As you hike near the falls, closer to the bottom of it, you are gently sprinkled with mist coming from the powerful waterfall. It felt incredible on skin and refreshing enough to continue going.
A few tips:
1) get at least 2 L of water;
2) bring sunscreen, and reapply constantly;
3) wear hiking shoes with good traction on the soles;
4) wear a had and sunglasses;
5) bring your good camera. I didn't and some pictures came out not so great because of lots of sunlight.
