Geez, I almost forgot to post up about this trip - thanks, Hector, for the reminder
Should've been easy to remember - this was an awesome getaway.
Dave (DaveK), Hector (hmfigueroa), Bob (diverbob), Ben (BenGhareeb), Jon (SP Jon), and I left on Friday morn to head up to Sequoia National Forest for a relaxing extended weekend. After a long drive, we were rewarded with the beauty of Kings Canyon National Park, and than, further down the road, Sequoia National Forest.
Our camp was located about 10 miles or so up a black diamond trail, with a few challenges, and even more amazing scenery. We had fantastic weather for the entire trip - sunny, clear skies, day temps in the mid 60's, night temps in the high 40's (except for a very chilly first night @ 35). It was a little hard to breathe, both from the nearly 9000 foot elevation, and the views of giant sequoia trees nearby.
We had divided into 3 groups of 2 for meal duty, and no one was disappointed - the level of cuisine, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, was five star. Add to that some wine tasting, and it was a tough act to follow. Since the main focus was relaxation, and the ride to and from the camp was challenging, we spent time in camp checking out the amateur bands from our high vantage point. Jon, Hector, and I set up radios outside, a la Field Day, as well as our in-car rigs. Dave also had his monster Scorpion antenna up for action, using AirMail to sent pics via HF frequencies. (Unfortunately, a minor accident left the Scorpion disabled, and that activity was prematurely cut short
) We made contacts in Australia, Japan, Europe, and all across the states, on 15, 17, 20, and 40 meters. Jon and I were testing out our TW portable HF antennas, and they certainly do the job, especially on 20 meters (Thanks, Randy
).
We visited the General Grant giant sequoia tree, went up to the Buck Rock lookout (well, Bob and I watched the others climb it
), and had a few rousing discussions around the campfire (no one fell asleep early, that's for sure
).
We also had some adventure on the way home...Leaving Sequoia National Forest, just after hitting pavement, a missing bolt caused Ben's front half shaft to shred...leading to some impromptu side-of-the-road repairs. It was a good example of being equipped for disaster, as we had the necessary tools and parts to make the repairs without assistance, and without a tow...a group effort that minimized the problem, and made for a great excuse for one last meal before heading home
.
It's hard to explain the feeling of being up in that area, with the clean, crisp air, the ridiculously spectacular surroundings, and a group of great friends - but I had a very relaxing, enjoyable weekend, and it was a terrific bunch to experience it with - Thanks, again, to Dave, Hector, Bob, Jon, and Ben for making this trip top notch
- Checking out the view on the trail from camp
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- On the trail to camp
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- Jon's (SP Jon) 4Runner
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- Ben's (Ben Ghareeb) FJ Cruiser
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- Bob's (diverbob) Hummer H2
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- DAve's (DaveK) Hummer H2
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- Hector's (hmfigueroa) FJ Cruiser and Adventure trailer
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- ..and my FJ Cruiser
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- Ben dwarfed by a Sequoia and a rock formation
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- Discussing tonight's menu selections
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- Ben's amazing mesquite steak lunch
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- Buck Rock Lookout - one of only four like it that remain
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- Time to get to work (well, it was a Monday !!!)
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