6.05 Mills Creek Trail, South of Big Sur

Sunday
We suggest you click on pictures followed by the 'back' button

As we entered the forest, we turned to face this scene

Coastal views are incredible although we cannot find any water

It seems like the last few days, besides being exhilarating and extremely satisfying, have involved a few snake encounters. Contrary to popular lore among the snake community, we have no desire to befriend or make enemies with it. We’ll tell you later about today’s experience.

After five nights in Morro Bay, we left the gray skies of this wonderful little town and headed north. We debated whether we would in fact stay another night or continue moving. We are already three days behind. “What’s the rush?” We asked our editor. ‘At this rate, we won’t get to Oregon and even Yosemite is looking suspect,’ she informed us. “Hmm! That bad. Perhaps we should leave now,” we agreed. We found an incredible hike for today—rated difficult with the highest level of beauty. Our editor checked the internet to ascertain whether it was open following devastating fires and rock falls in the area. What a disappointment when we arrived to find gates barring us from the trail. We wish the Forest Department would update its website rather than concern itself with broken benches.

My 'thirty-something' year old editor

We found an alternative trail through a recovering forest. A fire in 2008 played havoc with the trees and flora. However, we can already see the process of renewal taking place. Nature recovers one way or another remarkably. We notice this in many places we visit. What makes it amazing is that it’s done almost without any assistance from Al Gore. Makes one wonder how Hashem manages.

Another wonderful view. We are told the Pacific Ocean is below the clouds

Our trail ran parallel to the creek. We scrambled under and over burned-down trees, over rocks and through the brush. On the return, the trail leader was looking for a path as the trail is in ‘bad-shape’. The concentration lapsed for a moment and said leader placed one foot on a yellow and black object half-hidden in the wild plants. That is when the real action occurred. Said trail leader jumped to all new personal record while slithering, sliding yellow-black object moved in all four directions at the same time. The true length was probably two or three feet but with all the moving parts going in varied directions, ten feet would, at that time, seem appropriate.

I feel bad. I should bring a bench and table for lunch. At least, it's on a 'river'

After things calmed down, said trail leader and black and yellow object went their separate ways. Thereafter, great pow-wow took place between fearless editor and slightly shaken, recently demoted trail leader. The conversation went something like this:

“Are you okay?”
“We notice two little holes in the shin but no pain. It could be regular scratches.”
“Good. Pass me the phone, the water, and the car keys.”
“Here you are,” we said handing them over to our beloved.
"Are you of sound mind and body?"
"Body, yes."
“Is your last testament (Will) still in the safe?”
“Yes.”
“Is the safe combination the same as before?”
“Yes”.
“Good. Okay let’s continue now that everything is in order.”

We were most impressed. To have such a practical wife is a blessing. It made us feel so much better. With some luck, we'll receive tender treatment later. We can hope. What an optimist!

Pre-demotion days--at the outset, feeling confident as trail-leader

Cheers,

Snake-charmer and former trail leader...on pension

Post Script:

On today's incredible hike, to be posted tomorrow, guess what? Yep! Another three snakes.

We came close again to 'fighting' these intimate fellows--we term it "Coilus Rattlus Interruptus"

We have to agree to stop meeting like this. We're sure you are tired of it and funnily enough, we are not enjoying them that much ourselves.