7 Days solo roadtrip in most southern parts of California 2017 (Part 4of4)
Stayed over night in Bishop, CA town along California highway 395. They got more than just a come and go town. It was a beautiful highway runs from the Lowest point of north America, Death Valley to the highest point in the contiguous United State, Mount Whitney. There were many inevitable trails for a great places for hiking and camping. I did not plan much on this part of my trip due to snow and closed trails. A week before the weather seemed to be warmer, so I think I had to come....And well, you would help me prove it
Day 6
Mono Lake, Lee Vining 1hr 10min (67mi) This lake was 3 times more salty than regular ocean. The lake looked blue green because alkaline water. There were many migratory of birds especially California seagulls. Walking on the trails, there were sounds of winds through glass lands and birds humming. Scenery looked different than other places. High levels of salts accumulated in the lake makes tufa, a porous rock composed of calcium carbonate. I had seen pictures of this place before I got here. But this was beyond my expectation. It was blow my mind away. On trail I walked into one of a lady with her two kids. Our conversation started just greeting, but ended I got a new friend who invited me to come back here and I could not wait for it.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest 2hr 9min (104mi) I got coordinate to the trail head on my GPS, making me drove past all visitor centers. Road to get there showed closed sign on the last 8 miles, traveled by your own ricks. I kept going until the road closed and met 2 hikers who had just finished the trail. It was around 5pm, they told me that snow was melt and would be formed up to ice after sunset. I would not have enough time to hike 2 miles to see the oldest tree in the world. They recommended that I could hike for half an hour then I would see some of Bristlecone pine's family. At least I met some and then I would be back when the snow has gone.
Since these last two day of my trip, I was not sure if I would come these north. I did not make reservation for the overnight place for it. Tonight, I knew that I have to drive to Sequoia National Park. Closer distance to Sequoia more time to hike and see the biggest tree in the world (by volume) It was 5hr 52 min (330mi) to Sequoia, so I drove until 11.30pm about an hour left to destination.
I tried to find a nice hotel around Lindsay, CA. I would take long sleep in a cozy bed, hot bath and charged all batteries. After tonight it would be long hike in giant forest then slept in a car to wait for time to Los Angeles airport.
Day 7
I had breakfast at the hotel, checked out at 11am. Every day I slept each place on this trip I had all my stuff in my car, then I brought only my little bag, camera, battery chargers, phone and maps. So, I could get ready for the next day. Forecast was rain and cloudy, sun would come out around 4pm. and cleared night. It was good information to plan for what to do and where to hike first or later of the day.
Sequoia National Park 49min (36mi) from Lindsay, CA I got in the Nat'l Park by three river road, $30 for 7 day pass. It was a scenic road way, wilding road, turquoise river, granite rock and giant forest. My plan was hike in the forest while it was cloudy, then vista view when the sun were out.
- Giant Forest from tree river road to general parkway. Sequoia trees wall was standing to welcome every visitors.
- General Sherman, half mile trail to visit the world largest tree by volume. this trails was the most crowned. I waited on the line to take a picture with the tree. These sequoia trees were so gorgeous. The color and size of sequoia trees were nice on camera. I got tear in my eyes walking through them. Couple thousand years old trees who have live long, did nothing but product oxygen and being beautiful by itself. Many years tolerated with many people and many eras. My family named me as the tree and I love you.
- Mono rock trail. Road to the trail head was closed for season. The good thing was not many people, but you had to walk 4 more miles. Mono rock trail was up on a biggest granite rock of Sequoia Nat'l Park. The 360 degree view was breathtaking as well as the steps to get up. I was scare at first, but after a while I could manage myself. This trail had ended my adventure beautifully.
Time to get back to Los Angeles Airport (LAX), I did not want to get stuck in traffic again. My flight was 10am. I had to return my rental car, then security check in the airport. I planed all those should take me 3 hours. To drive from Sequoia Nat'l Park to the airport 3 hr 48min (209mi) I had driven to get to interstate 5 south then took a long nap at rest area. There were only one rest area on the way. I saw many cars but not too crowned taking rest as well. So, I felt comfortable there. I did not want to get to airport area too early. Around 3am, I took off the rest area and drove to the airport. I had breakfast at Chick Fills A a mile away then returned my rental car around 7.30am. Hertz rental car at LAX service was really professional. Well, the trip ended but I got many unmeasurable memories.
