The best experience is the one you least expect. This can be said about our trip to Tahoe and Yosemite. I knew we would have a great time with our friends from Phoenix staying at a luxury home right on Lake Tahoe (had indoor plumbing which is always a plus), but I was inspired by the trip. After an incredible evening hanging out on the outdoor patio overlooking Lake Tahoe, watching the boys fish from the boulders outcropping from the water, Roby and I mapped out our bike ride along the Famous Flume Trail. This has been on our bucket list for years and we were finally going to ride it. We decided to do an out and back trip instead of taking the shuttle. We arrived at the trailhead, suited up for the ride and headed out. The first five miles were along an old jeep trail through the woods. Did I mention the entire ride was uphill. The struggle paid off when we reached the summit and rode around Spooner Lake before we hit the Flume Trail. The entrance sign reads Careful, steep route, rock slides! No time to think we headed down the rock slope. Once out of the woods we emerged on the single track trail hugging the mountain ledge with the most amazing view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras. One false move and you would be swimming! One of the best mountain bike rides we have been on-the beautiful scenery, the perfect weather and the peacefulness of the ride. Put it on your bucket list.
4 1/2 hours late we returned to the truck, gave each other a high five, and knew we had just experienced an epic ride.
Not thinking we were going to top it, we headed the next morning to Yosemite to hike Half Dome. Another bucket list adventure. We had been to Yosemite about 8 years ago and only made it to Vernal Falls so we were motivated to hike to the TOP. Luck was on our side because we were able to get the last two Wilderness permits. Yosemite is known for its bear activity so while camping the night before our hike we encountered two bears in the campgrounds. Thankfully they were only curious and all the food was locked away.
The next morning we headed to the trailhead along with many other hikers. We met four retired guys hiking the entire John Muir trail which was going to take them 3 weeks and over 210 miles. It goes from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney. We were jealous. I guess we need to put it on our List. the trail is well maintained and well traveled. Once we reached the "Y" intersection we had to decide "the easy way or the hard way". Which route do you think Roby picked. Yep, we climbed the "stairs" for 3 miles past Vernal and Nevada Falls. We stopped for a much needed pee break and re-nourished ourselves on peanut butter and jelly before we finished the final four miles to the summit. Since we were going to camp near the base of Half Dome, we decided to drop our packs before we headed to the Rock. Good idea since the 2 mile hike was in the heat of the day and plenty more "stairs". The entire way you can watch the people clutching the cables to ascend the mountain. Not until you reach the final quarter mile do you realize how steep the Rock is. Although it is not a "technical climb" it is intense. Thankfully they have a huge pile of gloves for people to chose from to wear. No line so we had no excuse. Put on the gloves and Go. After a few trial rungs, we got the hang of it and slowly reached the summit. Another high five was in order. We watched the birds soar showing off their flying skills, checked out the valley floor beneath us and took in the silence!
Once we reached the Floor we found the perfect camp spot with a stream nearby to fill up our Kanteens. We enjoyed our salmon noodle supper and settled in for a night of sugar plums dancing in our heads. That was until the bears hit our camp. Roby had our ammunition ready tentside- rocks and hiking poles with the pepper spray nearby. One started sniffing our backpacks but Roby had good aim and scared it away. No more
furry friends that night.
After an early morning breakfast with the local deer grazing nearby, we headed back down the trail. Thinking we had avoided all of nature's critters, we let our guard down when we stopped at Nevada Falls for a lunch break. We left our backpacks by the tree jutting out of the rock near the observation deck and took a stroll to get a better glimpse of the Falls. When we returned we found a pesky squirrel eating through my pack to get to my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I was not as angry with the hole in my pack but with the one he chewed through in my eco-sandwich wrap!!
We chose to take the John Muir trail back avoiding the "steps" and received a whole new perspective of Yosemite Valley. The finishing touches were a swim in the Merced and beers on the "beach" along the Merced sitting in our Kukuiula chairs!
Unless you have been to Yosemite, it is hard to explain its Magic. Being the first National Park with the influence of Ansel Adams, Frederick Law Olmstead and John Muir,Yosemite is the King with the rock outcrops of Half Done, El Capitan, and the power of the Merced River.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Our first visitor
We felt a bit lonesome here at the SLI putting out invites to everyone and anyone to come visit, but no one has taken us up on it. I don't know why anyone would pass up a vacation to the wine country. Somehow I enticed my friend Marykay to take the plunge and she brought along Kevin. I couldn't convince them to stay in the tiny house, maybe because Kevin is well over 6 feet tall and probably would not have fit in the loft but I think it is more that Marykay has gotten soft in her old age!!!
We picked them up in SF and had a perfect evening in the city enjoying a seafood dinner and some great live music. After a leisurely morning and an irish coffee at the famous Buena Vista, we made the trek up north. Before arriving at the SLI we had to make a stop at the Rodney Strong Winery in Healdsburg-a solar powered organic winery. We picked up a few bottles for our party that evening.
Marykay and Kevin were going to be introduced to our intentional community and the permaculture way of life. But first we had to drop them off at the only hotel in town. A cute old 49er's style hotel next to the Hopland brewery which was the first micro brewpub in California. That evening we had a going away party for our site manager Sarah so many people from the community attended. We made pizzas in our earth oven and shared an all organic meal with Marykay and Kevin. The tequila shots included-made from organic agave plants!!
We let them sleep in the next morning and they walked over to a 5 star breakfast. We made omelets on the solar cooker with fresh eggs from our chickens and vegetables picked from our garden. I sent Marykay and Kevin off with Roby to pick fresh strawberries and mulberries from the site trees to mix with our yogurt and granola. With the eggs I cooked some potatoes, onions and garlic also from the garden. I finished it off with some of my homemade solar cooked bread and yerba mate tea. Anyone hungry?? It was a delicious meal if I do say so myself. All fresh, organic and cooked by the sun! I know I sound like a broken record but this is the best way to eat. Maybe sublimely I will get more of you to Go Organic. I am not sure if any of us were able to get up from the table but we managed to get our act together.
Another round of wine tasting. Mendocino County is one of the first areas to fully embrace organic wines and several have gone biodynamic. We took them to Jeriko which is owned by one of the Fetzer boys ( Fetzer is a big winery but the family sold the family farm and the boys have their own winery now}. They purchased a bottle of the Biodynamic Cabernet and loved the Port. (We sent them a bottle in a sustainable care package we mailed home to them.) From Jeriko we hit the Stryker winery on the way to Calistoga where they were going to meet some other friends from Fort Collins. We enjoyed the evening with them and then ventured back to the SLI.
Our invite is open to anyone to come experience and enjoy!
We picked them up in SF and had a perfect evening in the city enjoying a seafood dinner and some great live music. After a leisurely morning and an irish coffee at the famous Buena Vista, we made the trek up north. Before arriving at the SLI we had to make a stop at the Rodney Strong Winery in Healdsburg-a solar powered organic winery. We picked up a few bottles for our party that evening.
Marykay and Kevin were going to be introduced to our intentional community and the permaculture way of life. But first we had to drop them off at the only hotel in town. A cute old 49er's style hotel next to the Hopland brewery which was the first micro brewpub in California. That evening we had a going away party for our site manager Sarah so many people from the community attended. We made pizzas in our earth oven and shared an all organic meal with Marykay and Kevin. The tequila shots included-made from organic agave plants!!
We let them sleep in the next morning and they walked over to a 5 star breakfast. We made omelets on the solar cooker with fresh eggs from our chickens and vegetables picked from our garden. I sent Marykay and Kevin off with Roby to pick fresh strawberries and mulberries from the site trees to mix with our yogurt and granola. With the eggs I cooked some potatoes, onions and garlic also from the garden. I finished it off with some of my homemade solar cooked bread and yerba mate tea. Anyone hungry?? It was a delicious meal if I do say so myself. All fresh, organic and cooked by the sun! I know I sound like a broken record but this is the best way to eat. Maybe sublimely I will get more of you to Go Organic. I am not sure if any of us were able to get up from the table but we managed to get our act together.
Another round of wine tasting. Mendocino County is one of the first areas to fully embrace organic wines and several have gone biodynamic. We took them to Jeriko which is owned by one of the Fetzer boys ( Fetzer is a big winery but the family sold the family farm and the boys have their own winery now}. They purchased a bottle of the Biodynamic Cabernet and loved the Port. (We sent them a bottle in a sustainable care package we mailed home to them.) From Jeriko we hit the Stryker winery on the way to Calistoga where they were going to meet some other friends from Fort Collins. We enjoyed the evening with them and then ventured back to the SLI.
Our invite is open to anyone to come experience and enjoy!
Summer Workshops
Summer School is in session. Our calenders were full of interesting classes. We started off with a Solar Design and Installation Intensive 40 hour workshop. 5 days-8 hour days. We can now officially install a PV system for a house. Nikolai Tesla is our hero (the inventor of AC Power) Quite an interesting history between him and Thomas Edison. The dual between DC and AC Power! Quite the geeks we have become. I actually know the difference between watts, amps and volts and how to calculate it all. Upon completing the class we were eligible to sit for the NAPCEP exam. The designation shows we have taken the training and have a basic foundation for designing and installing photovoltaic systems. The most important thing we learned from the class was reduce your need for electricity by becoming more efficient. Trade in the electric coffee maker for a french press!
Next on our list was Solar Thermal-building a system specifically for hot water. This is the most efficient use of solar and can be done as primitively as using a black hose to an elaborate system with sensor and pumps. We are in the process of building a system for the tiny house. Hopefully we will have it completed before we leave.
Another facet of our "homesteading" and permaculture training was learning how to build an earth oven to make pizzas, breads, roasted vegetables and anything else. With our previous knowledge of how to make cobb, clay slip, and natural building, we were pros. So many people in Arizona use these solely as fireplaces but they make wonderful ovens. As a thermal mass, the ovens retain heat so well that after 3 or 4 hours after the fire has gone out you can still bake bread. The best thing is the oven can be built out of the clay soil from your own property and all you need is some water, sand, and fiber. Basically can be built for only pennies! You too can have brick-oven pizzas at home.
Roby and I are for hire if you want one built. Just let us know.
Our fall semester will include classes in DIY plumbing, electricity, carpentry, PV finance, Herbal medicine, bamboo building, mushroom cultivation, primitive technology, greywater systems. Anyone interested in a class check out the website solarliving.org and come for a visit.
Next on our list was Solar Thermal-building a system specifically for hot water. This is the most efficient use of solar and can be done as primitively as using a black hose to an elaborate system with sensor and pumps. We are in the process of building a system for the tiny house. Hopefully we will have it completed before we leave.
Another facet of our "homesteading" and permaculture training was learning how to build an earth oven to make pizzas, breads, roasted vegetables and anything else. With our previous knowledge of how to make cobb, clay slip, and natural building, we were pros. So many people in Arizona use these solely as fireplaces but they make wonderful ovens. As a thermal mass, the ovens retain heat so well that after 3 or 4 hours after the fire has gone out you can still bake bread. The best thing is the oven can be built out of the clay soil from your own property and all you need is some water, sand, and fiber. Basically can be built for only pennies! You too can have brick-oven pizzas at home.
Roby and I are for hire if you want one built. Just let us know.
Our fall semester will include classes in DIY plumbing, electricity, carpentry, PV finance, Herbal medicine, bamboo building, mushroom cultivation, primitive technology, greywater systems. Anyone interested in a class check out the website solarliving.org and come for a visit.
Live Power
There are times when you meet someone who changes your world. Visiting Live Power CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture)in Covello CA and meeting Steve and Gloria was that time for me. Steve a product of the 70's inspired me by his commitment and desire to keep the world "real". He runs the oldest CSA in California and was a pioneer in biodynamic gardening working with the famous Alan Chadwick at UC Santa Cruz back in the 70's. I highly recommend anyone living in San Francisco or Northern California to look up his farm and sign up for his program to get local organic produce delivered to you.
His farm is called Live Power because all the work is done by human or animal power. He owns several Belgian Horses which look like Clysdales and uses the old International Harvesters from the early 1900's to plow and cultivate his farm. He demonstrated how the horses work. It was mesmerizing. With a few commands the horses in a slow trot don't disturb the rows or plants but pull the machinery to pull the weeds or harvest the potatoes. As a group we helped harvest the garlic. I think we pulled over 5000 heads of garlic. After they dry, they will be distributed throughout the fall to his members. We also got a lesson on biodynamic compost building. Rudolph Steiner, the father of biodynamics, requires certain preps be added to the compost piles to make them breakdown appropriately. So after shoveling cow and horse poop to be layered with the waste straw, we applied the preps to the piles. Another chapter to file in my compost notebook.
After a full's day work we headed back to the SLI. Despite its remoteness in Covelo, Live Power has a spirit unto itself you don't miss the city. I think we have figured out Plan B!!!!
His farm is called Live Power because all the work is done by human or animal power. He owns several Belgian Horses which look like Clysdales and uses the old International Harvesters from the early 1900's to plow and cultivate his farm. He demonstrated how the horses work. It was mesmerizing. With a few commands the horses in a slow trot don't disturb the rows or plants but pull the machinery to pull the weeds or harvest the potatoes. As a group we helped harvest the garlic. I think we pulled over 5000 heads of garlic. After they dry, they will be distributed throughout the fall to his members. We also got a lesson on biodynamic compost building. Rudolph Steiner, the father of biodynamics, requires certain preps be added to the compost piles to make them breakdown appropriately. So after shoveling cow and horse poop to be layered with the waste straw, we applied the preps to the piles. Another chapter to file in my compost notebook.
After a full's day work we headed back to the SLI. Despite its remoteness in Covelo, Live Power has a spirit unto itself you don't miss the city. I think we have figured out Plan B!!!!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Ecology Action Field Trip
As part of the internship program Sarah sets up different field trips to local organizations which partake in some form of permaculture to further our education. This non-profit is the research arm behind bio-intensive farming. This technique is based upon the concept to be able to grow the most amount of food in the smallest amount of space. They have perfected the spacing factors and implement companion planting. This reduces the amount of water needed and helps reduce weeds, pests and disease. The founding principal is to not garden an area in which you cannot provide all the necessary compost. You want to grow topsoil not deplete it. At the SLI we have 10 different compost piles. All our yard waste, garden waste and food waste goes into our piles. I have been designated the compost manager for the site. Roby has been a big help. On our field trip we got some great tips on compost building and have since implemented them.
Our first stop was at Golden Rule. It is a sister project to Ecology Action located in an intentional community started on the homestead of where Sea Biscuit was raised. This farm provides all the food for the community and documents its analysis for Ecology Action. Our tour guides were a 40-something couple who were doing the same thing as Roby and I. They quit their jobs in San Francisco as a computer programmer and accountant to simplify their lives and learn the art of sustainability. They are on a 3 year apprenticeship with the organization. After our tour of the site they took us over to the community center for a dip in the pool.
Next stop the Home of Bio-Intensive-Ecology Action. It is nestled in the hillside outside of Willits. The interns and farm managers have quite a hike down to the garden from their homes. I want to work there just for the awesome shape I would be in after climbing up and down the slope everyday. We got a quick tour of the intern yurt definitely a step up from the SLI and then we headed down to the garden. They are definitely more intense than Golden Rule. Everything must be documented from the weight of the food to the yield produced. The goal is to determine the least amount of space needed to produce enough food for a person for a year along with growing the right crops to make your compost. These guys work their butts off. In addition to their chores they partake in classes and have homework and individual projects. All the interns were from other countries, one from Ecuador, Thailand, and two from Kenya. All of them have been operating farms in their own countries but wanted to learn the bio-intensive method to help promote a more efficient organic method and get Monsanto out.
After each field trip or workshop we take we become more inspired but our list of opportunities keeps getting longer. We want to be an activist in everything!
Our first stop was at Golden Rule. It is a sister project to Ecology Action located in an intentional community started on the homestead of where Sea Biscuit was raised. This farm provides all the food for the community and documents its analysis for Ecology Action. Our tour guides were a 40-something couple who were doing the same thing as Roby and I. They quit their jobs in San Francisco as a computer programmer and accountant to simplify their lives and learn the art of sustainability. They are on a 3 year apprenticeship with the organization. After our tour of the site they took us over to the community center for a dip in the pool.
Next stop the Home of Bio-Intensive-Ecology Action. It is nestled in the hillside outside of Willits. The interns and farm managers have quite a hike down to the garden from their homes. I want to work there just for the awesome shape I would be in after climbing up and down the slope everyday. We got a quick tour of the intern yurt definitely a step up from the SLI and then we headed down to the garden. They are definitely more intense than Golden Rule. Everything must be documented from the weight of the food to the yield produced. The goal is to determine the least amount of space needed to produce enough food for a person for a year along with growing the right crops to make your compost. These guys work their butts off. In addition to their chores they partake in classes and have homework and individual projects. All the interns were from other countries, one from Ecuador, Thailand, and two from Kenya. All of them have been operating farms in their own countries but wanted to learn the bio-intensive method to help promote a more efficient organic method and get Monsanto out.
After each field trip or workshop we take we become more inspired but our list of opportunities keeps getting longer. We want to be an activist in everything!
Mini Vacation to the Lost Coast
July 2010
After a long week with the circus and temperatures reaching the 100's we decided to take a break and do some backpacking on the Lost Coast. Since we had Monday off for the holiday we just took Tuesday off along with our regular days off of Wednesday and Thursday and headed to Humboldt. Our first night we spent camping in Humboldt State Park home of the famous Avenue of the Giants. Our site was along the Eel River surrounded by old growth redwood trees. We had to rough it without our big comfy air mattress because we were going to be backpacking the next couple of days.
After we set up camp we took a drive along the parkway mesmerized by the canopy created by the trees. Sometimes you wonder when the road will be taken over by them. We stopped and took a quick mile trail to visit the oldest tree in Founder's Grove. It won the award after the tallest and oldest tree The Dyerville Giant fell to the ground. One of earth's largest creatures, born a thousand years before Columbus, now lies in state to give visitors a new perspective on spectacular trees. When measured in 1972, the Dyerville Giant stood 362 feet tall and had a circumference of 52 feet four inches and a crown spread of 74 feet. At 1,010 total points, as measured by the American Forestry Association's scoring system, it was second only to the giant sequoia champion. The Dyerville Giant's crown is now in pieces, but the tree's final height has been estimated at about 370 feet, certainly within several feet of having been the tallest tree in the world.
Even for those who saw it when it was still standing, its size is difficult to comprehend. This tree was as tall as a 30-story building, 200 feet taller than Niagara Falls. It weighed more than a loaded 747 Jumbo Jet. If you stand up and look down at a quarter lying on the floor, you will see how small a person lying on the ground would look if you were on top of the once-standing Dyerville Giant.
The enormity of these trees is incomprehensible and you stand in wonderment of this ecosystem. Hopefully Wyerhauser and Home Depot don't destroy it!
The next day we got up at the crack up down to some nice cool temperatures, packed up our gear and headed to the Lost Coast. It is aptly named due to it being the only section where Highway 1- the famous coastline road of California- does not traverse. One can only visit this area by foot. It has a mysterious feel to it because of the low hanging fog and lack of tourists. We started out at Shelter Cove the southern most end of the hike after stopping to get our permit at the Ranger's station. Once they confirmed we had a bear can to securely store all our food we were off. We definitely had to be creative with our shopping to make sure all our food and provisions would fit in the bear can. I made up a big batch of brown rice and mixed it with some tuna and peas and stored it in a baggie. It would smoosh inside the can easily. No need for plates! Lots of raisins, nuts, and M&M's. Lunch consisted of salmon, cheese and crackers with a side of applesauce. Tuna and salmon, don't think we attracted any bears do you??
Once we reached the coast, although not foggy we had great cloud cover and a morning temperature of about 50 degrees-perfect football weather. Dressed in a light fleece jacket and hiking pants I was in heaven. We trampled along the beach at a quick pace but still not at our usual rate due to having to hike in pretty deep sand or through rocks. At times it felt like you were walking on the bottom of a riverbed. The only noise you heard was the roar of the waves and your feet click clacking over the rocks. Having checked the tide charts we had plenty of time to make it to our destination. At a few spots along the hike you have to be careful of the tides due to the narrowness of the beach. You will become one with the ocean if caught at the wrong place at the wrong time.
We chose not to have a schedule and decided to hike until we felt like stopping. With no pressure on us to reach a destination we took several breaks and had an hour and a half lunch. We pulled up a seat on the beach with our backs resting against a huge washed up log and talked about our "Plan B" starring out at the ocean. We probably would not have moved except we were in that critical tide path and the sun was going down. Thankfully we only had about another 45 minutes to reach the first camp site at Buck Creek Canyon. Upon arrival we scouted out the area. The Buck Creek flows down from Kings Crest Canyon into the ocean. Alongside the creek are several camping spots and we had the pick of the area. We chose a spot just above the beach with a perfect view of the ocean. The evening winds picked up and we put on our jackets and enjoyed a nice dinner listening to the waves crashing on the sea walls. Our neighbors below invited us down to their fire and we logged another evening with a "one night Stan". These guys were high school buddies from Napa but currently live in Los Angeles and Portland. Each year they get together and do an all boys backpack trip. During our visit they convinced us to take the Buck Creek Trail up to Kings Canyon upland instead of continuing down the beach. It would give us different scenery and a good workout because it was 2500 feet in elevation change over a 2 mile trail. Once the fire burned out we called it an evening and headed back up the hill to our campsite. Roby found a good hiding spot for our bear can about 75 yards from our tent. We snuggled into our sleeping bags and at least dreamed of a good night of sleep. I deliberately did not drink a lot of water that evening because no way was I going to get up in the middle of the night and stare down the local mother bear and her two cubs. My strategy worked and I made it to morning.
We had a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal bars and fruit. No hurry to get to our hike because we were going to leave our tent at the camp site and return for another evening. At about 11:00 am we packed up a small backpack with our lunch and filled our canteens with water and headed uphill. Immediately the terrain changed and we entered the forest. It felt like we were in the Hobbit Landscape. Lots of ferns, green lush vegetation and poison oak everywhere. I kept my hands by my side and did not get off the trail having just recovered from a bout of poison oak the week previously. The boys told us they had seen bear scat along the trail when they came down it the other day but did not have any sitings. With our luck and the salmon in our backpack we figured we were targets. They must have not been in the mood for fish because the only wildlife we found was mosquitos and flies!
The majority of the trail was shaded by tree cover except when we got closer to the ridge. The sun baked us for a short distance but we found shade and stopped for lunch. We had a very interesting view of low hanging clouds with bright blue sky above it. Felt like we were just above heaven. The hike up was a tiny Mt Rainer and we had forgotten our hiking poles which would have been extremely helpful for the adventure down. Good thing we did not have on our heavy packs because the majority of it felt like a 5k run. Coming out of the forest we were welcomed with a nice gentle breeze from the ocean and cooled off quickly. The fleece jacket and winter stocking cap were put on before we enjoyed our dinner. Another night of tuna and rice out of a bag.
After a wonderful night under the stars we chose to get up early and head back to Shelter Cove so we would miss high tide at 10::00 am. Having reached our destination early we decided to take the long way home down Highway 1. We were going to pick it up at its inception a portion we had not yet traveled and take it through Fort Bragg to Anderson Valley where we would stop for a beer at a solar-powered brewery. The coastline changes dramatically as you head south. We saw many out abalone diving. We can now say we have officially driven Highway 1.
Once we headed East the windows went up and the air conditioning came on-a reminder our journey was over.
After a long week with the circus and temperatures reaching the 100's we decided to take a break and do some backpacking on the Lost Coast. Since we had Monday off for the holiday we just took Tuesday off along with our regular days off of Wednesday and Thursday and headed to Humboldt. Our first night we spent camping in Humboldt State Park home of the famous Avenue of the Giants. Our site was along the Eel River surrounded by old growth redwood trees. We had to rough it without our big comfy air mattress because we were going to be backpacking the next couple of days.
After we set up camp we took a drive along the parkway mesmerized by the canopy created by the trees. Sometimes you wonder when the road will be taken over by them. We stopped and took a quick mile trail to visit the oldest tree in Founder's Grove. It won the award after the tallest and oldest tree The Dyerville Giant fell to the ground. One of earth's largest creatures, born a thousand years before Columbus, now lies in state to give visitors a new perspective on spectacular trees. When measured in 1972, the Dyerville Giant stood 362 feet tall and had a circumference of 52 feet four inches and a crown spread of 74 feet. At 1,010 total points, as measured by the American Forestry Association's scoring system, it was second only to the giant sequoia champion. The Dyerville Giant's crown is now in pieces, but the tree's final height has been estimated at about 370 feet, certainly within several feet of having been the tallest tree in the world.
Even for those who saw it when it was still standing, its size is difficult to comprehend. This tree was as tall as a 30-story building, 200 feet taller than Niagara Falls. It weighed more than a loaded 747 Jumbo Jet. If you stand up and look down at a quarter lying on the floor, you will see how small a person lying on the ground would look if you were on top of the once-standing Dyerville Giant.
The enormity of these trees is incomprehensible and you stand in wonderment of this ecosystem. Hopefully Wyerhauser and Home Depot don't destroy it!
The next day we got up at the crack up down to some nice cool temperatures, packed up our gear and headed to the Lost Coast. It is aptly named due to it being the only section where Highway 1- the famous coastline road of California- does not traverse. One can only visit this area by foot. It has a mysterious feel to it because of the low hanging fog and lack of tourists. We started out at Shelter Cove the southern most end of the hike after stopping to get our permit at the Ranger's station. Once they confirmed we had a bear can to securely store all our food we were off. We definitely had to be creative with our shopping to make sure all our food and provisions would fit in the bear can. I made up a big batch of brown rice and mixed it with some tuna and peas and stored it in a baggie. It would smoosh inside the can easily. No need for plates! Lots of raisins, nuts, and M&M's. Lunch consisted of salmon, cheese and crackers with a side of applesauce. Tuna and salmon, don't think we attracted any bears do you??
Once we reached the coast, although not foggy we had great cloud cover and a morning temperature of about 50 degrees-perfect football weather. Dressed in a light fleece jacket and hiking pants I was in heaven. We trampled along the beach at a quick pace but still not at our usual rate due to having to hike in pretty deep sand or through rocks. At times it felt like you were walking on the bottom of a riverbed. The only noise you heard was the roar of the waves and your feet click clacking over the rocks. Having checked the tide charts we had plenty of time to make it to our destination. At a few spots along the hike you have to be careful of the tides due to the narrowness of the beach. You will become one with the ocean if caught at the wrong place at the wrong time.
We chose not to have a schedule and decided to hike until we felt like stopping. With no pressure on us to reach a destination we took several breaks and had an hour and a half lunch. We pulled up a seat on the beach with our backs resting against a huge washed up log and talked about our "Plan B" starring out at the ocean. We probably would not have moved except we were in that critical tide path and the sun was going down. Thankfully we only had about another 45 minutes to reach the first camp site at Buck Creek Canyon. Upon arrival we scouted out the area. The Buck Creek flows down from Kings Crest Canyon into the ocean. Alongside the creek are several camping spots and we had the pick of the area. We chose a spot just above the beach with a perfect view of the ocean. The evening winds picked up and we put on our jackets and enjoyed a nice dinner listening to the waves crashing on the sea walls. Our neighbors below invited us down to their fire and we logged another evening with a "one night Stan". These guys were high school buddies from Napa but currently live in Los Angeles and Portland. Each year they get together and do an all boys backpack trip. During our visit they convinced us to take the Buck Creek Trail up to Kings Canyon upland instead of continuing down the beach. It would give us different scenery and a good workout because it was 2500 feet in elevation change over a 2 mile trail. Once the fire burned out we called it an evening and headed back up the hill to our campsite. Roby found a good hiding spot for our bear can about 75 yards from our tent. We snuggled into our sleeping bags and at least dreamed of a good night of sleep. I deliberately did not drink a lot of water that evening because no way was I going to get up in the middle of the night and stare down the local mother bear and her two cubs. My strategy worked and I made it to morning.
We had a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal bars and fruit. No hurry to get to our hike because we were going to leave our tent at the camp site and return for another evening. At about 11:00 am we packed up a small backpack with our lunch and filled our canteens with water and headed uphill. Immediately the terrain changed and we entered the forest. It felt like we were in the Hobbit Landscape. Lots of ferns, green lush vegetation and poison oak everywhere. I kept my hands by my side and did not get off the trail having just recovered from a bout of poison oak the week previously. The boys told us they had seen bear scat along the trail when they came down it the other day but did not have any sitings. With our luck and the salmon in our backpack we figured we were targets. They must have not been in the mood for fish because the only wildlife we found was mosquitos and flies!
The majority of the trail was shaded by tree cover except when we got closer to the ridge. The sun baked us for a short distance but we found shade and stopped for lunch. We had a very interesting view of low hanging clouds with bright blue sky above it. Felt like we were just above heaven. The hike up was a tiny Mt Rainer and we had forgotten our hiking poles which would have been extremely helpful for the adventure down. Good thing we did not have on our heavy packs because the majority of it felt like a 5k run. Coming out of the forest we were welcomed with a nice gentle breeze from the ocean and cooled off quickly. The fleece jacket and winter stocking cap were put on before we enjoyed our dinner. Another night of tuna and rice out of a bag.
After a wonderful night under the stars we chose to get up early and head back to Shelter Cove so we would miss high tide at 10::00 am. Having reached our destination early we decided to take the long way home down Highway 1. We were going to pick it up at its inception a portion we had not yet traveled and take it through Fort Bragg to Anderson Valley where we would stop for a beer at a solar-powered brewery. The coastline changes dramatically as you head south. We saw many out abalone diving. We can now say we have officially driven Highway 1.
Once we headed East the windows went up and the air conditioning came on-a reminder our journey was over.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Circus is in Town
June 25th
After an intense week at the Magruder Farm, Roby and I came back to the SLI to help set up for the Chautauqua Circus Event. The institute graciously hosted the 65 member circus on the site for an entire week. Our quiet spot for the tiny house was no longer. As we pulled in hoping to get a good night's sleep before the setup the next day, we were surprised with two large school buses parked on both sides of the tiny house and a makeshift kitchen right next door. Within shouting distance were 25 tents erected under the solar panels. Quiet was not in the picture. We made the best of it and introduced ourselves to the carnies and enjoyed the juggling and trapeze practice. At about 4 am the band quieted down and we were able to go to sleep.
We spent the next day preparing the site for the evening event and then helped with parking the guests. We were able to take a break and watch the last half of the show. It is a vaudeville style circus with jugglers ( The Flying Karamazov Brothers), silk acrobatics, clown comedy, musicians, and singers. They travel together in makeshift buses and caravan for about 2 weeks to small towns putting on their act.
They are based out of Washington and usually pick a different route every year. The group is a takeoff from the original community out of Chautauqua New York. Check out their website www.chautauqua.org
The show started at 7:00 pm and ended about 10:30 pm but the party was just beginning. Circus people know how to live it up. For the next 4 hours the band moved up to the beer garden on the site's upper patio and played an impromptu concert. Many stayed up until 4:30 am to see the Eclipse. Regardless of what time they went to bed, they were all up at 8:30 am getting ready for their next show. They used the SLI site as their base camp and would roll in about midnight each night and proceed to the garden and continue the festivities until 4 every morning. It was our own private seranade!
The group is an unique mix of people ranging from professionals traveling with their children to young struggling musicians. No bearded woman or four legged man in this circus!!
On their last night they held a private show for us called the Bent Show. This is where the performers impersonate one another and try and act out a different role on stage. Some amazingly talented people.
We were such good hosts, they gave Roby and me honorary Chautauqua t-shirts. If we do not find any jobs at year's end, the Circus is our Plan B.
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