AmandaOT

Could have done without the snow...

Today I went and hiked a couple hikes I have never done before. The first was Shadow of the Giants above Bass Lake on the way to Yosemite. It was a 1 mile loop educational loop trail on the way to Fresno Dome. After Shadow of the Giants, I carried onto Fresno Dome. I had to park over a mile away from the trailhead because of snow. I probably could have gone further, but I didn't have my chains with me and I was by myself. Getting a stuck truck out by yourself doesn't sound entertaining to me. So I hiked up the road about 1.25 miles (all uphill), and with some difficulty, found the trailhead. Too bad my snowshoes are in LA, I could have used them. The first 1/2 mile of the 1 mile trail was snow covered. I slipped multiple times and fell into banks up to hip deep 2 or 3 times. Took forever. Usually it wouldn't be such a big deal, but I'm still rehabing myself. I was not looking for an injury today. After a lot of swearing, I carried on to the hardest part of the trail. By the time I got to the last .25 mile of the trail toward the summit, I was pretty exhausted. I layed on the rocks on top for about an hour and read. Made it down the summit pretty easily. Almost back at the trailhead, I slipped and slashed my shin with a stick (more swearing). I think I would have enjoyed my day more if there hadn't been so much snow. I'd had turned around at the trailhead if I hadn't drove over an hour and half to do the hike. All and all not a bad day. Traffic was good, beautiful day. I did what I came to do, hang out in nature and relax a bit after a good exercise.

posted by amanda @ 8:12 PM