California Adventure

Entry 8

Next stop was Road's End and Muir Rock. I parked and went to speak with the ranger to find out about Muir Rock and any other recommended hikes. Troy, if I remember correctly, was a young, serious ranger with one of those thick mustaches which had been combed and curled up on the ends. It reminded me of a suspicious character in an old movie.

The ranger didn't recommend going on any of the long hikes because of the smoke from the fire. He said that it would not be wise, and I heeded his warning. He suggested Zumwalt Meadows, which was a nice 1.5 mile loop at a low elevation. I thanked him for the information and changed into my swimsuit in preparation for the cold plunge from Muir Rock.

There was never a question of whether I would do this...since I heard about it from King John. I knew that one must jump from a momentous rock into freezing spring water whenever one is on adventure. It's a requirement.

When I got to Muir Rock, a family was there, debating about who would jump. They saw me walk up and seemed relieved to be off the hook. Brian appeared to be the father figure. He offered to document the event for me. He took charge of my phone and told me to jump on his count of three. This helped me because I didn't have too much time to think it through or get anxious.

For the record, I'm not big on swimming. I know how, but prefer floating on something if I get in the water at all. Being cold natured, the spring water would not usually appeal to me either - for swimming, that is.

Jumping from Muir Rock was an exception for many reasons, but mostly because it reminded me of the cold plunges Ben and I used to take at our first home in Texas. We would get nice and warm in the hot tub on a cold winter's night; then jump headlong into the freezing cold swimming pool.

The distance from the rock to the water was about 10 or 15 feet, I guess. My enthusiastic leap was followed by the startle of falling which I never cared for. This time, I embraced it and tried to like it. The water coated my skin like the Shell chocolate sauce which hardens instantly when poured on ice cream.

My skin tingled as I swam toward the shore, hoping that I would get there before becoming immobile from the cold. There was nothing but exhilaration at that moment. I had jumped from the rock...as an adventure would require. This made me feel proud and strong. Brian and his family celebrated this accomplishment with me... confirming its significance.

John (of Trieste) and Lani came along and took Ruth's place. She had disappeared as quickly as she came without a word. Lani and John sat at the table as I typed. They read the paper and discussed sports and other usual topics. John told me to visit Twin Peaks and warned me not to take Phil's suggestion, which was a hike to Sausalito and a return on the ferry.

After Road's End, it was time to go back up the mountain toward Sequoia to take my final hike. Redwood Canyon had been recommended by several locals including the ranger on Buck Rock and some backpackers from Jennie Lake. I had originally planned to go there the previous day after Buck Rock, but passed by the dirt road without realizing it was the way to the trailhead. In hindsight, it worked out for the best.

As I meandered down the narrow, winding gravel path in my mustang, it occurred to me that I have become much more comfortable and proficient at driving in the mountains. It was good that I noticed this because the road I was on was potentially fatal. I decided I should pay more attention and take care to go slowly. Two miles down the road, the trailhead presented itself with bear boxes and a parking area.

Initially, I was confused about which hike to take because there were three choices: Heart Tree, Fallen Goliath, and Sugar Bowl Loop. Remembering that Fallen Goliath was mentioned in some previous conversation, I made the decision to go in that direction. A few miles down the trail, there was a junction which gave the option of Heart Tree or Sugar Bowl Trail. Foolishly, I had forgotten my topo map at the car. From all I had learned, it comforted me to know that this trail would be obvious. With that being determined, the only question would be whether I could make it back to the mustang before dark... before the bears were ready for a snack... I wasn't really too worried because I was soon immersed in a fairy tale of sequoias.