Golden Trout Wilderness

Hi everyone, hope you are doing well.

Last weekend I had the privilege of being invited to
and participating in two commencement ceremonies:
Congratulations to the graduates.  Way to go Patti,
and Ariel!

This weekend Java and I had another one of our little
adventures.  We spent yesterday and today in the
Sequoia National Forest.  We drove from Bakersfield to
Lake Isabella, adjacent to the Kern River.  Then past
Kernville to Johnsontown, to the southern boundary of
the Golden Trout Wilderness Area.  Along the way, we
alternately, saw grassy meadows, ashen fields from
recent forest fires, rugged canyons, wildflower
covered hillsides and groves of lush green trees.

Untold number of words have been written about the awe
inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada - From my own
experience, all of them are not sufficiently
expressive.  The closer we got to the trail-head the
more impressive the landscape became.

For the majority of the weekend we followed the
established trail, and passed by, through, on, around
and under majestic old forest of Sequoia, pine, and
other evergreen trees. The section of the forest we
were in is adjacent to places where Giant Sequoias are
commonly found.  Although we did not see any monsters,
we were still witness to more moderate, but still
impressive, soaring 120, 150, 180, and 200+ ft high
specimens.

Mammoth pine cones, birds, bees, snakes, spiders,
ants, lizards, squirrels, ferns, flowers, white
granite, snow, and creeks were all found in abundance.
And although I did not see any bears I found evidence
of their presence everywhere; most disturbingly
(after-the-fact), next to where I setup camp.

A good portion of our hike was spent off-trail,
intentionally and unintentionally.  Throughout the
weekend and especially while off-trail we were
transported back in time, to a place in history when
the land was shaped not by man, but by the wild forces
of nature - Frankly it was a very humbling experience.

Trip Summary:  Two days, and one moonlit night spent
in the Golden Trout Wilderness Area.  20 exhausting
miles hiked at greater than 6500 ft. with 3000 ft. of
elevation gained - After which Java and I are both
much happier for the journey.

Take care, and be well - Life is Good.  Enjoy It!