Winter Wanderings
Seeking American Nature
Friday, December 15, 2017
Julia and I left home for Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, driving through California's polluted Central Valley. The air was worse than usual due to Southern California wildfires, creating a brown smog that limited visibility and stung our eyes after hours of exposure.
Miles of freeway passed beneath our fuel-efficient Prius Prime as we contributed slightly to the valley's carbon load - though considerably less than other vehicles around us.
Eventually, the Sierra Nevada Mountains emerged from the haze as we climbed to 7,000 feet and our home for the next three nights - the John Muir Lodge. After checking in, we hiked six miles to see the famous General Grant sequoia tree, returning after nightfall.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Our seven-mile hike to Panoramic Point took us to one of California's last manned fire lookouts, offering spectacular views of Kings Canyon's granite peaks and vast forests. Temperatures barely reached 45°F despite blue (if hazy) skies.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Redwood Mountain Grove's nine-mile hike revealed the world's largest remaining sequoia forest. These ancient giants, reaching skyward with millennia of history, appeared in such numbers we lost count.
Monday, December 18, 2017
We reluctantly left the Sierra Nevadas for the Central Valley's haze, beginning our journey to Zion National Park with an overnight stop in Barstow, where we saw "The Last Jedi."
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
After a supply stop in Las Vegas, we continued through Nevada's high desert, delayed by a serious accident before arriving at Zion as the setting sun bathed the canyon in orange glow.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
An early morning climb to Observation Point ascended 2,500 feet through slot canyons carved into frozen sandstone waves, rewarding us with breathtaking valley vistas. Evening brought winter storm warnings.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
A light solstice snow transformed Zion into a winter wonderland. We hiked the River Walk to the narrowing canyon end, stopping before the Virgin River crossing. Later, we trekked to Watchman Lookout for panoramic southern canyon views, ending with night sky photography.
Friday, December 22, 2017
The Three Pools trail offered frozen waterfalls and glittering icicles beneath illuminated canyon walls. An evening drive revealed more park wonders at higher elevations.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
We drove through stark yet alluring Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California deserts to Death Valley - the lowest land point on Earth.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Golden Canyon's volcanic paths took us 1,000 feet above sea level through chemical-rich rock formations in Death Valley's unforgiving landscape.
Monday, December 25, 2017
After visiting Mesquite Sand Dunes (reminiscent of the Sahara), we drove past spectacular mountains and volcanic formations to Mammoth Lakes.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
The McGee Mountain trail offered stunning views of snow-capped peaks, though we turned back at a dilapidated bridge after bear warnings and encountering dismembered deer remains - likely a mountain lion's work.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Gem Lake's hike past frozen waterfalls and an abandoned railway rewarded us with lunch overlooking the frozen lake and valley vistas.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Leaving Mammoth, we stopped at Panum Crater's obsidian fields and Mono Lake's tufa formations before continuing along the Sierra Nevada's eastern flank to Truckee.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Donner Lake's Zig Zag trail offered what little snow we found on our journey through America's natural wonders, leaving us reflective about environmental concerns amid growing populations and consumerism.