Into Blue Canyon

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Cresting over the shoulder of Kettle Dome, we were treated to amazing views of Tehipite Valley and big mountains in the distance.

IMG_2955Taking a break up on ridgeline.


IMG_2957We were really pumping out the sweat as we hiked.  My dad’s gloves soaked through.

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One last view before heading down into the canyon.


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Hiking down into Blue Canyon, we passed through an absolutely amazing grove of truly massive red fir and white fir.  It’s possible these are the biggest of each species in the world.  Neither my dad (a forester by training who worked for a decade in the Sierras) or I have seen bigger.

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Just look at how big these trees are!  Incredible!  And they’re all very healthy.

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A gorgeous hanging meadow down the trail toward the bottom of the canyon.

Hiking Through Crown Valley

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On our way into the backcountry, we passed through Crown Valley where my dad spent a summer in the Forest Service.

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Lots of beautiful wildflowers everywhere.

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At the old Crown Valley Guard Station where my dad lived for a summer.  Last year, this place smelled really bad probably from a badger or weasel living in it.  This year the smell was gone but the lower logs are starting to rot out.


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Looking inside the old guard station.

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Hiking through an old burn area on the way to Blue Canyon in Kings Canyon National Park.

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Looking toward Kettle Dome.  We are going to hike over the left side of the dome on our way into Blue Canyon.

IMG_2938A pretty tiger lily along the trail.


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In deep grass walking through an old burn area.

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Now entering the park!

Preparing for Backpacking

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Getting ready for our big backpacking trip into Kings Canyon National Park and the John Muir Wilderness!  We still run old school Kelty backpacks that my parents have had since the early 1970s.

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I know there are lighter backpacks that are more comfortable but the vintage appeal and family history of these old Kelty packs is really great.

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Back when everything was made in Sun Valley, California.

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