Sierra's - 5 Years Later

Sierra's - 5 Years Later | Prt. 2

In this episode (171) – 5 Years Later - Part 2 . . .

In last week's episode, we explored the reality of Wilderness camping. This week allow me to share a story that spread like wildfire during our 2022 Sierra adventure. (Photos on YouTube)

First, as an intrepid explorer, you must come to terms with today's world, which you have no control over, that mandates your experience, like it or not. You must be flexible and able to adapt to rapidly changing situations, from freeway traffic patterns to accidents, road construction, and, frankly, drivers who cannot back a truck with a grotesque, overly sized motor home attached. So, my friends, a positive frame of mind is essential as you begin your Wilderness adventure.

For Brendan and me, it began that first day. Of course, it was Labor Day weekend. And we did NOT have a reservation for our first night in a public campground at ~9,000 feet. As a last-ditch option, we were considering sleeping parked along the roadside in the back of the truck. We live at sea level in Vista/Encinitas, and starting at the trailhead at such a high elevation is rather painful: headaches, nausea, and an inability to breathe.

"Don't worry; let's see what comes up?"

In Little Lakes Valley, there are public campgrounds that are first-come-first-served. Our goal is to arrive early afternoon—the drive is estimated to take nearly six hours.

"You know what this means; we must be on the road by 6:30 a.m. at the latest."

Thankfully, the drive was without incident. We arrived at the first campground around 1:00 p.m.

"There are two public campgrounds; let's start with the East Fork Campground, 8,900-foot elevation."

As we pulled into that campground, we considered viable sites.

"Looks pretty crowded, lots of motorhomes. Let's try the one up the road."

We were only a few yards in when this guy driving a RAM Tough Monster Truck with extended mirrors and an oversized camper tried to back into his chosen (VW Van size) - Site #2 just beyond the entrance gate. If you've ever tried maneuvering a trailer into a space too small at an odd angle, you can imagine what happened next. He missed his parking spot and backed the camper off the road; his double-wide axle straddled a wooden fence constructed from railroad ties. He was stuck! Blocking the only entrance/exit to the campground.

Within minutes, the camp host pulled up in a converted golf cart.

"You guys looking for a campsite? Here's the list of available sites left. Take a photo of this list and let me know if you have any questions."

Well, that did it. We had turned our truck around, first in line to leave, to check out the next campsite. Not today! At least for another hour, possibly two.

"This guy is going to be stuck for a while. Let's camp here."

We picked a secluded site near the river near the entrance and pitched our tents.

The Ranger called in the maintenance crew to take out the fence. That dude with his oversized rig blocked the entrance for over two hours, and lines of cars backed up in both directions for a quarter of a mile.

Hah, ha - this was our FIRST-afternoon fiasco. Oh, brother, what could possibly be next?

The good news was that our first night was glorious once we settled in. We fished Rock Creek and caught our evening dinner, fresh trout. As bedtime approached, we made our way to the clean, beautiful restroom with flush toilets, running water, and a portable space heater—all for $15.50 a night with the Senior discount. What more could you ask? Serendipity, one man's dilemma, turned into our good fortune that first night!

The adventure continues . . .

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.

Comments

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog