We got up early this morning and Dad drove us all up to Sequoia National Park. We got our permits, had a bite to eat and then headed to the trailhead. We started hiking with all the excitement and anxiety that comes with a trip like this. I'm always excited for the adventure, but also a little leery of what unexpected adventures may be in store with a whole week of backpacking and 70 miles between us and our next contact with civilization.Back: Jerel, Jonathan, Shad, Paul, Boyce
Front: Chase, Jordan
Dad hiked in the first mile with us to Eagle View and then we bade him farewell. It made me sad that he couldn't keep on coming with us. I hope that he'll be able to come on another adventure with us soon. I know he really wanted to be with us.
Once we got to Eagle View, views were amazing. As you can see from the pics, we could see for miles and it was breathtaking. The views were like this for a while! The day was beautiful and it was exciting to be out backpacking again.
Shad, Boyce and Jerel at Eagle View
As the day wore on the effects of not having done this for quite some time (or in some cases at all) started to wear on each one of us. My nephews (11 &13) were much more vocal about how they were feeling. Us older boys knew it only took more energy to complain and we had to preserve every ounce we could. When we reached Buck Creek (see map above) we only had a short distance left to reach Bearpaw Campground (the last little tent on the far right of the map). As you can see on the map, the trail zigzags a lot between Buck Creek and Bearpaw. Thats because its STRAIGHT UP. At least it seemed straight up after already hiking 9 miles that day. Once I get that tired I just kind of go into an auto pilot coma. I keep moving but I stop noticing whats going on and I just keep walking. Finally we reached the campground and I was so thankful. My body was tired and I don't think I could have walked much further that first day with a pack on my back. My body was very ready to be rid of the backpack. As the rest of the group arrived at the campsite I heard many cries of joy and exhaustion. Its nights like this where I know we all think in our minds....Why are we doing this again?
Jerel, Shad, and Paul still looking energetic. I guess I didn't have the energy to take pictures at the end of the day!!!
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