Sequoia National Park: Mineral King
June, 2005
I went camping up at Mineral King with Harry and Lars. While driving through the town of Three Rivers, Lars and I came across (nearly crashed into) the largest bear we had ever seen in the Sierra. The thing was the size of a moose!!! Well, maybe not that big, but you get the point. Spent the night at Harry's place and then headed up to Mineral King the next morning. This was the first weekend that the campground was open and snow free... hence the crowds were minimal! The trip was more about relaxing and less about hiking around, so we didn't do too much. We did hike up to a waterfall near roads end and then explored an old mine. We forgot to bring chicken wire with us on this trip, and so while we were out exploring, Marmots worked their way up into the engine compartments of both our cars and began to chew on the wires... bloody bastards! Luckily we found them before they could do any real damage.
Lars and Harry discuss the effects of cheap Mexican food on the human digestive system.
Lars bets me $15 that there is such a thing as "too many bean burritos!"
I mentally prepare myself for the Mexican Fiesta that is about to erupt in my stomach!
After Mexican food, we head up the mountain and set up camp. Time to relax!
Lars gathers some firewood... however no one remembered to bring an axe! We resort to throwing logs onto sharp rocks & vice versa!
...and all in one powerful motion, the log is hurled at the rock... & to no ones surprise, nothing happens! This process is then repeated... over & over & over! Eventually we did split the log... after hours of hammering wedge shaped rocks into cracks in the wood. What can I say, we were bored!
Altitude sickness (as well as too many bean burritos) makes one dizzy!
Sunset in the High Country.
The altitude has gone to Harry's head!
We set out on a cruise through the mountains.
It's whatever you want it to be!
On the last day, we hike up to a nearby waterfall.
Same waterfall, different angle.
Lars rests at the top of the falls.
There was an old mine on the side of the waterfall. Walking through the entrance meant getting soaked!
Another shot of the mine.
One last look at the waterfall before heading back home to the city.
Lars pokes at a Marmot that's hiding behind Harry's engine block. We got them to leave after a few minutes.. and so ended a short, relaxing weekend in the western Sierra.