OAUSA Net - April 24, 2014 - Destination Kings Canyon

[DaveK]

This week the net will be on the destination, Kings Canyon. We have done this trip in the past, but it continues to draw us back due to the incredible scenery, the immense size of the area, and the relatively easy access. Perhaps the most appealing thing about this High Sierra forest is its remoteness and solitude. Check this link for a previous trip report: viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2932 .

For years, I was familiar with Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, as they were a natural location for family camping trips. What I didn't know was that there are some spectacular 4WD trails in the area, just not in the two National Parks. Adjoining the National Parks is the Sequoia National Forest and this is where the trails exist. Our base camp is located right off of the Buck Rock Jeep trail at 8100 ft. and we usually stay for 4 days and travel to some of the things that make this area so famous. At 8100 feet, the weather is always unpredictable. On our last trip, we had been checking the weather reports every day up to departure and it looked like we had nothing but sunshine and good temps in store for us. When we arrived at camp, there were some dark clouds in the distance and as the afternoon rolled on, the clouds got closer and the sunshine disappeared. By early evening, it was snowing, hard !!!

Although we tend to enjoy the more remote 4WD locations in this area, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it by 2WD. Here are some views of the trips.

CAMP

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CAVERNS

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LARGEST TREES

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BUCK ROCK FIRE LOOK-OUT AND VIEWS FROM THE TOWER

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SNOWED IN

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[DaveK]

Some links for the caverns in the Kings Canyon area:

1. http://www.nps.gov/seki/naturescience/cave.htm

2. http://www.nps.gov/seki/naturescience/c ... UMP_114878

3. http://www.caves.org/pub/journal/PDF/V6 ... espain.pdf

Some links for general information

1. Information on camping and other activities at Hume Lake: http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/h ... rkId=71547.

2. Buck Rock Fire Lookout station: http://www.buckrock.org/aboutbrl.html .

3. Kings Canyon NP and Sequoia NP information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

4. Great book on the caves of Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Hidden Beneath the Mountains, Caves of Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks by Joel Despain. See: http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Beneath-Mo ... 0939748568

[cruiserlarry]

Kings Canyon has become one of my favorite camping areas. The beautiful Sequoia trees, and lush greenery of the area, is a welcome change from the usual desert terrain we tend to gravitate to in So Cal. From the Buck Rock Lookout, one of only two such lookout posts remaining in the US, to the caverns, to the crisp air and towering trees, there are plenty of sights to see. And there are many fantastic off-road trails as well...

Here are some pics from previous trips:

Playing on the trail to camp

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Getting ready to hit the trail

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One view from cam at 8,100+ feet

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Neither rain, sleet, nor snow will keep OAUSA folks from their wine

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Surprise blizzard makes our dinner cookout a challenge

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Sometimes, you just have to fix it in the field

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[toms]

PRODUCT SPOT LIGHT
TITANIUM PEANUT LIGHTERS™
FROM COUNTYCOMM
http://www.countycomm.com/tipeanutlighter.html

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Specifications:
• Small Split Pea ( .5" x 1.3" ) Weight 14.3 Grams
• Large Peanut Lighter ( .5'' x 1.9" ) Weight 19.9 Grams
• Split ring is 300 grade Stainless Steel
• Titanium is God's Metal
- Can be used as an candle in an emergency and carried on your keychain.
- Removable lighter insert allows it to be used as a waterproof titanium pill vial.


Small Titanium Split Pea Lighter
$ 29.50
Large Titanium Peanut Lighter
$ 34.50
Service Pack with 4 flints and 4 O-rings $1.75

[KK6GFF]

I purchased the titanium split pea, and it looks really good. However, I tested how long the flame lasts and it was 3 minutes and 37 seconds. At the end the lighter was extremely hot, untouchable. Even with just having the flame going for 1 minute it becomes too hot for the touch. I purchased it along with its service pack of 4 flints and 4 O-rings, I wish it would come with a few cotton tops as well. I think it's a great emergency lighter to carry in the keychain, but I'd advise moderation during its use....

[toms]

Roger,
I agree. I started to test the length it would last but the flame got so hot that I blew it out. I view it as an emergency backup fire started and expect I would only need to use it for a few seconds to light my tinder.