August 21, 2007
This is one of those hikes that I've put off for a while. Why? Although I knew it would be a nice hike, it's one of those hikes where the drive is longer than the hike. But this evening is as good a time as any. Lynn and I took a side trip on the way out there and stopped at Kezar Gourge. It was kind of neat but 'nothing to write home about'. As we reached the trailhead we saw a sign reading that the trail was closed. Uh, oh! But then underneath, it stated that a new trail had been cut and that there was parking 3/10ths of a mile up the road. I think the new trail makes this short hike even shorter.
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As we headed into the woods, the trail split with a sign stating that the trail was a loop. We took a right. Most of it was a gently climb with one fairly steep but short section. It was less than a mile to the top. We found a small memorial at the top.
The memorial read:
Steven was fishing in a small boat a half mile offshore with his older brother. When their boat floundered they found themselves in 50 degree water with darkness fast approaching. After his older brother lost consciousness due to hypothermia, Steven swam him on his back 1/4 mile to a man coming to help in a small one man kayak. Steven lifted his brother up knowing there was only room for one and demanded he take his brother. Steven stayed in the water holding onto the back of the kayak. Shortly after, the kayaker saw Steven lose consciousness and slip under. He is remembered daily and sadly missed by his family.
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Here's the view from the top.
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Lynn on the summit.
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Lynn stayed on the top while Madison and I did a little exploring. We went across the top of the mountain where there were a couple little lookouts.
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I found an old trail and began to follow it. I went by a large boulder. The trail then started to drop. It was clear that this was an alternate way down the mountain, so I turned around and headed back up. I got to the summit, and we began to pack up. As we were leaving, Lynn noticed a bench. We went to investigate. It was another memorial.
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A little further down, we saw another bench memorial.
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The view from here was even better. We almost missed it.
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As we headed back down the mountain, we took a slight side trip so I could show Lynn the boulder.
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This was a nice little hike, and I would recommend it for kids.
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