Sespe Condor Sanctuary - Alder Creek Trail

Hi everyone. Isn't it great to be alive?

Java and I just got back from another one of our
weekend jaunts. This time we went deep into the Sespe
Wilderness and traversed the Condor Sanctuary, on the
Alder Creek Trail.

We got a late start but we did manage to make camp
just before dark. Prior to that however, we were
privileged to some incredible sights.

The terrain alternated from exposed ridge lines, deep
narrow canyons, wide open meadows, creek beds, several
saddle-passes and steeply pitched ascents.

As we hit the trail there was a definite sense of flux
in the air; which became something more than mere
intuition - In an area that is normally hot and arid,
it was cool and humid. The thin wispy clouds above
provided clues about the weather that was on the way.
Sure enough, late in the day and at night it rain but
only briefly, and very lightly. Today though, we had
only barely made it to the car before the rain come
down once again, but this time much heavier.

Over the weekend we encountered some deer hunters
although I'm not certain they were legit - They were
not wearing any hunting tags. They were carrying out
their prize bagged, on top a bicycle. Given that we
were in a protected wilderness area, let alone the
condor sanctuary; were neither bicycles, nor firearms
are permitted; i'm pretty sure they would be
classified as poachers - But seeing as there were
seven of each packing multiple guns and rifles - I
just politely nodded and kept trekking along.

Something more disturbing than the "hunters" was the
many, many, many (read lots), of signs of bear
activity. The droppings every 100 yards, often more
frequently, and the highly distinguishable paw
indentations pretty much gave their presence away.
That plus the numerous flattened, bedding areas we
found just off-trail also reinforced their presence.

You can be sure I was noisy going around each bend in
the trail, and frequently practiced the following
phrase in my head, "Nice bear. Nice Bear. Please
don't eat us nice bear." Despite our camp site, Alder
Camp, also having obvious signs of bear visitation we
did not encounter any. However, on our way out today
we passed the site at Squaw Flat were a group of 2-3
had setup camp the day before. They were obviously
all gone, including their bicycles, but their tent was
badly damaged with bent poles, although still erect.
My guess is they got an unfriendly visit at night, and
split with what they could grab - Pure speculation of
course, but I can't come up with a better reason.

More pleasantly, we did counter three deer on the
trail, but Java sort of scared them away, and then
proceeded to drag me along as he attempted to chase
after them. In addition, we saw numerous quail,
hummingbirds, and various other birds, although the
one I wanted most desperately to see we did not - A
Condor.

Trip Summary: Two Days, one night, 24 miles. Total
Ascent 3420 ft., Max Elevation 3915 ft.

All in all, we had a great weekend, I hope you did
too.

-Manny