Last weekend, my spouse and I had quite an adventure - and I'm not just referring to hiking with two misbehaving dogs.
Every time we go to Toro Regional Park outside Salinas, we get lost. Never fails. The first time was the first time I tried to make it to Seamas Peak and came across a locked gate along Cougar Ridge, had to double back and try going up Gibson Gap in the heat and ran out of water. The second time was trying to find the cave run trail, which was not marked at all. This time, it was after we took the Black Mountain Trail and ended up in some farmer's pasture instead of back at the parking lot, had to jump a fence, and call someone to pick us up in the back of some ritzy neighborhood. But, that was towards the end of our hike.
The day started early, with one of our younger dogs and a friend's shepherd mix heading up to Ollason Trail. At first it followed a dried up creek bed, then we had to go through some cattle gates. There were a couple places where the trail diverged, and there were no markers to say which way to go - but thankfully some local mountain bikers came by and told us which way to go. The only real difficult pitch on the way up to Ollason Peak was just after it crisscrossed with Gilson Gap. Just a quarter mile from the peak, we noticed a canine type creature between a couple oak trees. It was taller but skinnier than the Shepherd Mix we had with us, and had big pointy ears. Coyote? If I didn't know that we don't have wolves in California, I would have sworn it was a wolf.
Finally, we reached Ollason Peak (1800 ft) by noon, and took a short break and some pictures. We could see all the way from Santa Cruz to Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, and out over the Pacific. The only thing detracting from the beauty was the stinky cow patties atop the grassy hill top. Yuck!
Then, it was time to try to make it to Seamas Peak. First, we had to descend a steep hill side with loose silt to a saddle point where Coyote Spring Trail intersects with Ollason Loop. Then, we saw the awful pitch we had to go up to make it to Seamas Peak. By the way, hiking on slippery terrain with a dog is a real pain in the @$$. Mostly because, at the worst possible moment our dogs would want to lounge one way or the other and almost knock us off balance. Not that we'd fall to our deaths, but we would probably get really scratched up and be in major pain AND THEN have to hike 6 miles out of there. Not my idea of fun. Halfway up the really awful pitch to the Seamas Peak Trail, I had to sit down and collect myself, but then it was just that much harder to get back up. Eventually I did, and really, I thought this awful patch would just go on forever and ever, but it was less than 100m long. After that, it was a real gentle rise and fall until we reached Valley View.
There, we could see all the way down the Salinas valley, from the Ocean to King City. Amazing! 2030 ft in the air. We also thought we had reached Seamas Peak, but as it turns out we were ~.25-.5 miles away from Seamas Peak - not to mention the steep ascents and descents we'd have to make in between to get there. My hips hurt so bad, so we decided to bag it and head home and try to reach it another day. So, we went down the Black Mountain Trail, which was clearly marked at the beginning, but it was heavily forested, thick brush, and tons and tons of false trails which eventually lead us out into someone's cow pasture.
We hiked from 8 AM until 5 PM, and didn't get to summit Seamas Peak nor did we even end back up in the right place. But, at least we got to summit something - Ollason Peak - and we learned more about the trails that lead up to Seamas. I'll get there eventually.
The Black Mountain trail was really cool, but it sucked getting lost, and that there were several places that the trail diverged with no markings. How were we supposed to know which way to go if the entire trial is not even on the map? Gah!
Showing posts with label Hiking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hiking. Show all posts
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Soberanes - Rocky Ridge Loop
Yesterday, I was able to cross of the Soberanes - Rocky Ridge Loop off of my bucket list. I had attempted it before, but my husband and I were so busy taking pictures that we barely got half way up Soberanes Canyon before we ran out of time and had to turn around. Yesterday, we started our endeavor at 8:30 AM and didn't have to be anywhere that evening.
Walking through Soberanes Canyon made us feel like we were walking through another time or another world. Much of the towering redwoods with carved out trunks that crisscrossed the Soberanes Creek looked like scenes out of The Lord of the Rings while they were trying to escape the black horseman of Mordor. I love the smell of Redwoods, and the sounds of the creek.
We passed a signpost that didn't have any actual wording on it, other than graffiti that said something like "save yourself." Although, otherwise ominous I figured it just meant that some out of shape hiker, like myself, was remarking on how strenuous the hike was going to be. I already realized this was supposed to be a "butt kicker" and that the state has abandoned maintaining the back country trail, so we pressed on. Thank GOD I brought my trekking poles, and there was one place through the redwoods where my husband had to boost my pack up so I could make it up a heavily eroded part of the trail that had exposed tree roots from where the rain washed out the dirt all around it. After we got passed the shade line, the flora changed from redwoods and lupines to maritime chaparral with no trees shading the trail. At least I had a hat!
There is a reason the trail connecting Rocky Ridge and Soberanes is closed! Mostly, it is because there has been zero maintenance done, and it is heavily heavily eroded. Lots of loose rock, and a fine silt of sandstone over harder sandstone which is then very very slippery. We basically had to make baby steps through most of the climb to avoid slipping backwards. There were several wide hard exposed faces with deeper caverns washed out where the steps used to be. We struggled with this short part of the trail for about two hours, even though it was only a mile long at the most.
After reaching the summit, all bad memories of the struggle to get there evaporated. My GOD what a view! We could see all the way to the Salinas Valley behind us, the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz mountains to the north of us, and Carmel Bay, Point Lobos, closer to us to the north and all way way down the beautiful Big Sur Coast. The view took my breath away, and I felt like I was dancing on top of the world.
Eventually we had to leave Nirvana, and head down Rocky Ridge. I'm glad we were able to walk down towards the ocean on this trail, because otherwise there isn't much to see and it would be a whole lot of punishing climbs what looked like a never ending rock. Never could I have imagined how glorious the top was going to be, and I probably would have given up. Going down Rocky Ridge was no bargain either. More slippery silt, and loose rock that would easily twist an ankle, and even my husband was having a hard time with it. Yet, we saw people trail running down the trail - they must have better balance and more experience with the trail than us because there was no WAY we could do that.
All and all, I am so grateful we were able to make the trip. Not for the faint of heart, and maybe next time we go we'll add the Peak Trail to our excursion. We'll have to leave earlier, and not stop to take so many pictures.
-------------------
Trail highlights
While climbing up the connecting trail, we saw a deer acting as sentinel looking down the canyon. She was only there for a moment, saw all of the hikers and then disappeared back into the chaparral.
Lots and lots of turkey vultures, and we thought we may have seen a baby condor because it had white underneath the shoulders but it was way way too small to be an adult condor.
Red tailed hawks circling the redwoods. We could only see them from above looking back at Soberanes Canyon.
Hearing sea lions below while on the top of Rocky Ridge.
The bench overlooking the ocean on Rockey Ridge trail. you have to climb over a rock formation to get to it, and keep from tossing anything down the front of it by accident.
Walking through Soberanes Canyon made us feel like we were walking through another time or another world. Much of the towering redwoods with carved out trunks that crisscrossed the Soberanes Creek looked like scenes out of The Lord of the Rings while they were trying to escape the black horseman of Mordor. I love the smell of Redwoods, and the sounds of the creek.
We passed a signpost that didn't have any actual wording on it, other than graffiti that said something like "save yourself." Although, otherwise ominous I figured it just meant that some out of shape hiker, like myself, was remarking on how strenuous the hike was going to be. I already realized this was supposed to be a "butt kicker" and that the state has abandoned maintaining the back country trail, so we pressed on. Thank GOD I brought my trekking poles, and there was one place through the redwoods where my husband had to boost my pack up so I could make it up a heavily eroded part of the trail that had exposed tree roots from where the rain washed out the dirt all around it. After we got passed the shade line, the flora changed from redwoods and lupines to maritime chaparral with no trees shading the trail. At least I had a hat!
There is a reason the trail connecting Rocky Ridge and Soberanes is closed! Mostly, it is because there has been zero maintenance done, and it is heavily heavily eroded. Lots of loose rock, and a fine silt of sandstone over harder sandstone which is then very very slippery. We basically had to make baby steps through most of the climb to avoid slipping backwards. There were several wide hard exposed faces with deeper caverns washed out where the steps used to be. We struggled with this short part of the trail for about two hours, even though it was only a mile long at the most.
After reaching the summit, all bad memories of the struggle to get there evaporated. My GOD what a view! We could see all the way to the Salinas Valley behind us, the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz mountains to the north of us, and Carmel Bay, Point Lobos, closer to us to the north and all way way down the beautiful Big Sur Coast. The view took my breath away, and I felt like I was dancing on top of the world.
Eventually we had to leave Nirvana, and head down Rocky Ridge. I'm glad we were able to walk down towards the ocean on this trail, because otherwise there isn't much to see and it would be a whole lot of punishing climbs what looked like a never ending rock. Never could I have imagined how glorious the top was going to be, and I probably would have given up. Going down Rocky Ridge was no bargain either. More slippery silt, and loose rock that would easily twist an ankle, and even my husband was having a hard time with it. Yet, we saw people trail running down the trail - they must have better balance and more experience with the trail than us because there was no WAY we could do that.
All and all, I am so grateful we were able to make the trip. Not for the faint of heart, and maybe next time we go we'll add the Peak Trail to our excursion. We'll have to leave earlier, and not stop to take so many pictures.
-------------------
Trail highlights
While climbing up the connecting trail, we saw a deer acting as sentinel looking down the canyon. She was only there for a moment, saw all of the hikers and then disappeared back into the chaparral.
Lots and lots of turkey vultures, and we thought we may have seen a baby condor because it had white underneath the shoulders but it was way way too small to be an adult condor.
Red tailed hawks circling the redwoods. We could only see them from above looking back at Soberanes Canyon.
Hearing sea lions below while on the top of Rocky Ridge.
The bench overlooking the ocean on Rockey Ridge trail. you have to climb over a rock formation to get to it, and keep from tossing anything down the front of it by accident.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Through Hiking Ft Ord
For months I've been dreaming of through hiking across the Ft Ord National Monument, and today I finally did it!
My dog and I headed out at 8:00 across Parker Flats Rd, which was beautiful just an hour after dawn. Gossamer spider webs collected dew which glimmered in the morning sun. The hills were alive with the sound of rustling deer, calling quail, and soaring hawks.
Then we turned down Eucalyptus Rd, and followed that through several cattle gates until it became Jacks Rd out past Barlow Canyon. We finally came across a pool out in Ft Ord, that looked pretty mucky since it was mostly dried up. There were still a few mallards and other species of fowl, but we didn't spot any egrets or herons.
Then, came our first major hill. It wasn't too bad, but we stopped half way up so Maggie could finally get some ice water, and I could have a cool drink. It was about 11:30, and we had already covered about five miles in 3.5 hrs. There were plenty of game trails that ran from the tops of the mountains down to the pool, since I think this is their only reliable water source.
After about ten minutes, we decided to press onward up the hill, until finally we came to the top near Pilaricitos Ridge was off to the northwest, and Lookout Ridge was off to southeast. From there, we could see Mt Toro, ahead of us, and the ocean behind us, and a small canyon in front of us until we had to climb our next hill. At this point, I felt truly on top of the world and wasn't tired at all.
We took off down the hill, and towards the bottom I discovered a public restroom, which I didn't try to use but I was glad to know it was there. One could also see the evidence of vernal pools that had long since dried up. There were tall reeds, desiccated ferns, and tons and tons of poison oak!
While staring up my next hill, my legs still felt great and I had plenty of water - but that wouldn't last long. In this short span from the pool on Jacks Rd and Crescent Bluff to the top of Three Sisters, one gains and loses 500 ft in elevation twice in only a mile and a half. This last hill was especially steep, but I still felt up to the task. Half way up, I could feel my heart beating through my chest, my head spinning, and my stomach was in major pain. I could only walk 16-30 steps at a time, then I would have to stop and turn around to rest my calves, wait about ten seconds and then press on again. By the way, it was already noon at this point and the hottest part of the day.
Finally, I reached the top, and as I came around the hill the view opened up and I could see SALINAS! I have never been so happy to see the entire Salinas Valley in my life! For, at this point, I knew my end was in sight. Suddenly, my legs got a second wind and my puppy and I walked down 500 ft until Jacks Rd turned into Oil Well Rd. It was still fairly hot, and there wasn't much of a breeze but I knew soon I would be meeting up with my ride.
As I was going along Oil Well Rd, I saw the marker for Station One Rd, but didn't stop because it went back up hill and the last thing I wanted to do was go back up a hill! To my dismay, according to the map it was the only way to get back to Creekside Terrace, where my ride was waiting for me. Ughhh!
But, up we went. It was more mentally challenging than physically challenging, because I was just ready to be done hiking. It actually doesn't go up very much, especially in comparison to climbing Jacks Rd across Ft Ord, but my ankles were tired, I was hot, and I was about out of water. The trail went behind the fire station, and followed along the creek bed and had very very thick brush that a mountain lion, bob cat, or coyote could easily hide in. So, I started singing silly songs and talking to my dog more. I kept seeing more and more of Hwy 68, but I just couldn't see the Creekside Terrace Entrance. But, it was only another mile and there we were, at our finish line!
----------------------------
Other highlights of our hike
1) Meeting Viva, a Queensland Mix, and talking to her owner that was a bobcat biologist.
2) Realizing I forgot my trail map at home, which sucked. I eventually found a plastic bag in the sensitive habitat area, which I picked up and then started collecting other trash such as numerous plastic bottles, cliff energy shot wrappers, Styrofoam cups, etc until one piece of trash was actually a map! It was if God blessed me for helping take care of His creation.
3) Having a whiteish hawk fly right past me
4) Having nice ice cold water waiting for me at my ride.
Go out, and get hiking!
My dog and I headed out at 8:00 across Parker Flats Rd, which was beautiful just an hour after dawn. Gossamer spider webs collected dew which glimmered in the morning sun. The hills were alive with the sound of rustling deer, calling quail, and soaring hawks.
Then we turned down Eucalyptus Rd, and followed that through several cattle gates until it became Jacks Rd out past Barlow Canyon. We finally came across a pool out in Ft Ord, that looked pretty mucky since it was mostly dried up. There were still a few mallards and other species of fowl, but we didn't spot any egrets or herons.
Then, came our first major hill. It wasn't too bad, but we stopped half way up so Maggie could finally get some ice water, and I could have a cool drink. It was about 11:30, and we had already covered about five miles in 3.5 hrs. There were plenty of game trails that ran from the tops of the mountains down to the pool, since I think this is their only reliable water source.
After about ten minutes, we decided to press onward up the hill, until finally we came to the top near Pilaricitos Ridge was off to the northwest, and Lookout Ridge was off to southeast. From there, we could see Mt Toro, ahead of us, and the ocean behind us, and a small canyon in front of us until we had to climb our next hill. At this point, I felt truly on top of the world and wasn't tired at all.
We took off down the hill, and towards the bottom I discovered a public restroom, which I didn't try to use but I was glad to know it was there. One could also see the evidence of vernal pools that had long since dried up. There were tall reeds, desiccated ferns, and tons and tons of poison oak!
While staring up my next hill, my legs still felt great and I had plenty of water - but that wouldn't last long. In this short span from the pool on Jacks Rd and Crescent Bluff to the top of Three Sisters, one gains and loses 500 ft in elevation twice in only a mile and a half. This last hill was especially steep, but I still felt up to the task. Half way up, I could feel my heart beating through my chest, my head spinning, and my stomach was in major pain. I could only walk 16-30 steps at a time, then I would have to stop and turn around to rest my calves, wait about ten seconds and then press on again. By the way, it was already noon at this point and the hottest part of the day.
Finally, I reached the top, and as I came around the hill the view opened up and I could see SALINAS! I have never been so happy to see the entire Salinas Valley in my life! For, at this point, I knew my end was in sight. Suddenly, my legs got a second wind and my puppy and I walked down 500 ft until Jacks Rd turned into Oil Well Rd. It was still fairly hot, and there wasn't much of a breeze but I knew soon I would be meeting up with my ride.
As I was going along Oil Well Rd, I saw the marker for Station One Rd, but didn't stop because it went back up hill and the last thing I wanted to do was go back up a hill! To my dismay, according to the map it was the only way to get back to Creekside Terrace, where my ride was waiting for me. Ughhh!
But, up we went. It was more mentally challenging than physically challenging, because I was just ready to be done hiking. It actually doesn't go up very much, especially in comparison to climbing Jacks Rd across Ft Ord, but my ankles were tired, I was hot, and I was about out of water. The trail went behind the fire station, and followed along the creek bed and had very very thick brush that a mountain lion, bob cat, or coyote could easily hide in. So, I started singing silly songs and talking to my dog more. I kept seeing more and more of Hwy 68, but I just couldn't see the Creekside Terrace Entrance. But, it was only another mile and there we were, at our finish line!
----------------------------
Other highlights of our hike
1) Meeting Viva, a Queensland Mix, and talking to her owner that was a bobcat biologist.
2) Realizing I forgot my trail map at home, which sucked. I eventually found a plastic bag in the sensitive habitat area, which I picked up and then started collecting other trash such as numerous plastic bottles, cliff energy shot wrappers, Styrofoam cups, etc until one piece of trash was actually a map! It was if God blessed me for helping take care of His creation.
3) Having a whiteish hawk fly right past me
4) Having nice ice cold water waiting for me at my ride.
Go out, and get hiking!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Parker Flats Loop
I haven't been out for a while because I have been fighting off a cold,
and have had problems with extreme foot pain. Just sharp shooting pain
up my heel, for no apparent reason. But, I felt that I was starting to get into a couch potato rut and I just needed to push myself to get out again.
So, yesterday I went for a long walk through the Parker Flats area of the former Ft Ord.
I love walking through the there because of all the beautiful trees, song birds, bees, and butterflies. I saw a particularly unusual butterfly near the blocked off gate on Watkins Gate Rd near East Garrison. I grew up here in Monterey County, and I have never ever seen a butterfly like this before. It was mostly black, with white dots in a v-pattern and then two larger orange dots near the tips of it's wings. My guess is that the butterfly was 3-3.5'' across, definitely larger than a Monarch.
I didn't see as much evidence of mammals while I was walking through the area yesterday, although I was walking during the heat of the day. Some deer tracks here and there, and I only found coyote and bobcat scat near 8th Avenue.
Oh, and there is a HUGE eagle or hawk nest between 200-500 meters in on the north side of Gigling. I'll have to post some pictures. It's in an half dead tree, and I saw some white thing crawl out of it. Perhaps it was a hawks lunch that wasn't quite dead or something and then scurried off. I could be wrong, and curious to hear what other people think it is.
If you get a chance to take the Watkin's Gate Spur near Parker Flats, check out the HUGE old oak tree just a few feet from the trail head from Watkins Gate going towards the spur. I mostly took the Spur yesterday because my feet hurt so bad and was looking to shorten my route a bit.
All in all, I walked about 7 miles in around 4 hrs with about 650 ft in ascent and descent. It's not bad for a beginner, but my muscles around my knees feel tight.
I'll post some pictures later.
Route:
Start at Gigling and Eigth Ave. Walked down Gigling to Watkins Gate Rd - until blocked off - past Addington Rd. Turn around and walked back to intersection of Watkins Gate and Gigling, turned down Watkins Gate until the Watkings Gate Spur, walked down Watkins Gate Spur until intersection with Parker Flats, turned down Parker Flats towards Eigth Ave. Walked down Eight Ave utnil I was back at Gigling and Eigth.
So, yesterday I went for a long walk through the Parker Flats area of the former Ft Ord.
I love walking through the there because of all the beautiful trees, song birds, bees, and butterflies. I saw a particularly unusual butterfly near the blocked off gate on Watkins Gate Rd near East Garrison. I grew up here in Monterey County, and I have never ever seen a butterfly like this before. It was mostly black, with white dots in a v-pattern and then two larger orange dots near the tips of it's wings. My guess is that the butterfly was 3-3.5'' across, definitely larger than a Monarch.
I didn't see as much evidence of mammals while I was walking through the area yesterday, although I was walking during the heat of the day. Some deer tracks here and there, and I only found coyote and bobcat scat near 8th Avenue.
Oh, and there is a HUGE eagle or hawk nest between 200-500 meters in on the north side of Gigling. I'll have to post some pictures. It's in an half dead tree, and I saw some white thing crawl out of it. Perhaps it was a hawks lunch that wasn't quite dead or something and then scurried off. I could be wrong, and curious to hear what other people think it is.
If you get a chance to take the Watkin's Gate Spur near Parker Flats, check out the HUGE old oak tree just a few feet from the trail head from Watkins Gate going towards the spur. I mostly took the Spur yesterday because my feet hurt so bad and was looking to shorten my route a bit.
All in all, I walked about 7 miles in around 4 hrs with about 650 ft in ascent and descent. It's not bad for a beginner, but my muscles around my knees feel tight.
I'll post some pictures later.
Route:
Start at Gigling and Eigth Ave. Walked down Gigling to Watkins Gate Rd - until blocked off - past Addington Rd. Turn around and walked back to intersection of Watkins Gate and Gigling, turned down Watkins Gate until the Watkings Gate Spur, walked down Watkins Gate Spur until intersection with Parker Flats, turned down Parker Flats towards Eigth Ave. Walked down Eight Ave utnil I was back at Gigling and Eigth.
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