August 7 & 14, 2005

August 14, 2005

The Facts:

On the road at 7:00;
Our route was up the Chantry road and around the small loop via the first water trail 11+ miles;
Lots of water out there still.

We drove out to Chantry Flat and parked in the shady spot under the tree. We had a great walk up the road as it was cloud covered and so not too hot. Canyon Dave passed us on the way up and suggested we meet him at the top. We joined Dave for part of his Patrol which was fun. We got to see half-dozen or so cabins, learned some history of the canyon and had a nice chat. Dave informed us of emergencies which could occur and instructed us on various escape routes. I trust that Sharon remembers the details.

Along the way we saw two rattlesnakes and one deer.


August 7, 2005

The Facts:

We were on the road from Sharon's house at 7:00am;
We hiked 12 miles;
The water is still running;
The bugs are swarming and if you don't have a headnet they will drive you completely insane.

It was a beautiful day to hike out to West Fork Campground and back the same way. We hauled two salt bricks for our "salt the deer mission."

When we got there, we saw two people sitting in camp chairs outside of the red cabin where the deer stall is. We chatted for a moment with them and learned they own the cabin which I had thought until now was a forest service/ranger cabin.

The peeps had brought their gardeners with blow machines to do their fire clearance. We learned that the cabin has electricity and plumbing and they drive in all the way right to their door. Since we now know they are the ones bringing the salt licks in the back of their SUV we have halted the "salt the deer mission."

We met a volunteer group out at West Fork who was cleaning up the campground. We must keep on the lookout for this group because they did a great job.

There was a little issue with dehydration and not eating enough which left me feeling like I had West Nile Virus. After checking in with my brother in law (Dr. Dave) I have vowed to a new policy of drinking and eating more especially when it's hot.