Pinnacles National Monument -- November, 2009
Friday
This year the groups represented were: Akerberg, Clark, Hennenfent, Stefani, and Washbourne.
We had three adjacent sites on the camping loop, quite possibly the best sites at the campground. Everyone except Doug and Emily Clark showed up Friday night and had a lovely dinner of BBQ chicken, baked potatoes, beans with garlic, and lots of focacia; followed by desert of marshmallows.
Saturday
Saturday we planned a big hike (purple on the map below): hitting all five of the top five things to see at Pinnacles, listed below in order of excellence.
- The high peaks trail (steep and narrow portion)
- Machete ridge on the back side (Chaparral)
- The Balconies caves
- The Bear gulch caves
- The Bear gulch reservoir
Doug and Emily arrived Saturday morning, and we got underway at something like 9:25. We left two cars at the Old Pinnacles trail head (see X on map below), then packed everyone back to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area and headed for the Bear Gulch caves (number 4 on the list).
Photo credits: these are pictures from Doug, John, and Joe all mixed together.
The next pictures are from the Bear Gulch caves. Below is Gilles Hennenfent who is as yet un-encumbered by offspring. Here is Peeter Akerberg who gets the trip hero award for carrying Sarah on his back the whole way.
There were several narrow passages where Sarah needed special consideration.
A view up the stairs to the reservoir (just above).
The same view with pees.
the Bear Gulch Reservoir (number 5 on the list). 10 years ago we would go climbing all day and then swim in the reservoir, but swimming is not allowed any more.
Another picture of the Reservoir from the rim trail on the way up to the high peaks. There were tons of people out that day, including maybe six million boy scouts.
Heading up to the high peaks.
Robert and Jovanni hung out off the fron for most of the day. This early Erick is still up there with them.
This is a favorite scrambling area at Scout Peak, or "the bench" as Joe calls it.
Close now to the high peaks trail.
These railing are proof we are on the high peaks trail. Check out the
next couple pictures and see why the high peaks are number 1 on the list.
This is the final approach to where we had lunch.
Erick had no trouble going up this, but the next day when we were moving in the opposite direction he needed some help.
The price of having to carry your own water.
Lunch.
The (mostly) scenic view we enjoyed during our repast. Down in front!
This descent was not as fun as usual because it was crowded: there were fifty thousand boy scouts running around. We took the opportunity during a lull in scouts to go down this section. The following day, going the opposite direction, Erick was able to get up this by himself.
More high peaks.
The overhanging rock in many places forced Sarah to dismount.
You can really see the overhang in this photo.
Last bit of railing on the high peaks.
We are about to head down to the Chaparral side.
Just a lovely trail, and very fun to hike.
Lovely views and perfect weather.
Looking down on Robert (8) and Jovanni (13) from the switchbacks on the Juniper Canyon descent.
This is almost to the Chaparral Ranger Station on the bottom of the Juniper Canyon trail.
Departing Chaparral Ranger Station, headed under Machete Ridge (number 2 on the list) towards the Balconies Caves (number 3 on the list)
Just outside the Balconies caves.
Entrance to the Balconies caves (number 3 on the list). Sarah has been converted to a forward mounted baby carrying device.
In the Balconies caves.
Nice picture (photo credit Doug) of Sarah disappearing into the bowels of the earth.
Last picture on the trail, maybe 1 1/2 miles from the cars. We hiked 8.5 miles so major props to our youngest hiker Erick (5), and our most heavily burdened hiker Peeter.
We had a raging fire both nights, and Saturday was really enjoyable because we had everyone there.
John demonstrating the proper marshmallow toasting technique. Note that is a free range marshmallow, quite rarely encountered.
Jovanni demonstrating the proper smores eating technique.
Sunday
Sunday we planned a shorter hike (green on the map above), just a quick run up to the high peaks via Condor Gulch and then back down to the Bear Gulch visitor area.This is early on the start up Condor Gulch, and must be early in the morning because we are still wearing long sleeves. Doug got an A+ for arriving before 9:00 on Sunday, but he sort of cheated as he was right there in site #83.
From the Condor Gulch Overlook with some pinnacles in the background.
More Overlook pictures.
Some irresistible caves.
We had thinned out by this time, down to what you see plus me.
Switched photographers.
Going down in this direction Erick wanted some assistance.
Gilles on the high peaks.
We actually saw a California condor, but this photo was taken with a cell phone camera so not much zoom.
Jovanni imitating the condor.
Robert imitating Jovanni.
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