Jenni standing at an altitude of 8600 feet. Steps built upon granite cliffs and spires to reach fire hut overlook
After 20 minutes, we notice the fire hut protruding at the summit, 2500 feet climb
We see and experience so many beautiful parts of the world that one wonders what can possibly be next. As a principle, we gave up comparing hikes, natural wonders and the world in general. Each and every part is unique; each has its own character. Having enunciated the principle, a good one we think, along comes the Sierra Buttes; we almost want to add an addendum to the principle.
We left the Inn at 5:45am. By the way, the Downie River flows past our bedroom window (10 feet away)—it is delightful. After the hike and a shower, we sat on the balcony taking in the sights while doing some work—it’s uplifting. However, it would be nice if they stopped the water flow between 10pm and 6am. Back to reality. One idea for the early departure was to avoid the road construction gang on highway 49. We had spent much time halted along this section of road works when driving towards the town the day before.
Stairway to Heaven
How green is the valley—Hawaiian look
At a time like this, one feels exhilarated
As an aside, a couple of years ago we mentioned that after studying this business (road construction), we think we can make an impact on the unemployment rate. How can you do that? We’re pleased you asked. Look around the next time you come across a road gang. One person is shoveling gravel or guiding the steamroller while at least 5 or 6 workers are engaged in watching this process. Our thoughts are that if you increase the ratio to say 7 or 8 observers, the unemployment rate will fall…fall hard.
Snow, water, ice and sunshine
Today’s hike was 6 miles with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet, reaching an altitude of 8,600 feet. We added extra before the ascent so the actual gain was at a rate of 1,000 feet per mile. Soon after commencement, the fire observation hut comes into view. At that juncture, one begins to wonder how we are going to reach the summit. Fortunately, we have not wondered ‘why’…yet. It’s a prince of hikes; or for those a little gender sensitive, a princess. The hike climbs the whole way providing views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, forests and the buttes themselves. At the top, it’s a 360 degrees panoramic treat.
Of course I'm serious. They have chocolates waiting for successful climbers
Editor waiting for store to open and claim her chocolate
The trail climbed steeply while providing staggering views but for a short period in a forest. The climax, the walk up almost vertical steps to the lookout hut, has been compared in our guidebook with the cables at Half-Dome in Yosemite. We don't know, we failed in the lottery to obtain a pass for that hike. Nevertheless, our editor was weak kneed as she bravely clung to the handrails—she loved it, though.
Southern Africa shape
Editor announces brunch
The fire watch hut, built in the late 19th century, has names cast in concrete of people who visited before the 20th century. Reminds us of a time before there was graffiti defacing so many structures. Often, certainly in a place that we visited today, one feels privileged for the experience. Central and Northern California are a treasure of natural wonders.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Waiting patiently while a staggering background beckons
A pause for humility in an awesome place
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