Sunday, January 1, 2017, Pinnacles Hike

We always like to attend Ranger programs in the National Parks.  At 7:00 on Saturday evening we met for a program at the Pinnacles National Park's amphitheater.  I thought it seemed a bit late, but the dark made the outdoor slideshow presentation possible.  There was a nice bonfire and only a couple of other folks as we learned about the Condor and the efforts to bring the species back from the brink of extinction.  I'm sure I don't remember the exact numbers, but they were down to about 22 in captivity and now there are more 600 in the wild. Mature Condors have a wingspan of 9 1/2 feet!

There was a program on Sunday morning that I attended where I was introduced to some fine bird watching.  We were a small group - two volunteers, one very knowledgeable camper and myself.  Everyone had their own binoculars which made things a bit easier.  First, we saw the elusive Condor soaring high on a ridge around their favorite roosting tree.  Joyce showed us some sparrow nests tucked into the eaves on the Visitor's Center.  Next up were the Acorn Woodpeckers. I learned they have community nests and I spotted one high in a large Valley Oak.  Along our leisurely walk to the Bacon Ranch, we saw California Quail, Spotted Twohy, Gold crowned Sparrows, Turkey Vultures and Red Shouldered Hawks.

Later we met with Joyce and her friend Cheryl at the Nature Center for a hike up the Bear Gulch Cave Trail to the reservoir.  It was still somewhat damp from the previous day's rain and a little brisk, but perfect hiking weather with a light coat.  I did not count the number of hikers, but it must have been around a dozen or so.  I like there to be enough interest to make the volunteer feel their effort is worthwhile.

We love the color in the rock.  The hundreds of different species of lichen and moss added to the palette.

Below is the entrance to Bear Gulch Cave.  It is a "talus cave" created when boulders formed a roof over a narrow canyon.  The way was a bit cramped in places and you definitely want a flashlight because it was dark!  

After a lot of steps, you exit the cave at a reservoir created by the CCC in the 30's when they built a small dam in the upper part of the canyon. A fellow hiker noted our elevation was over 1,700 feet which meant we had a good reason to feel a little stiffness in our legs climbing 500 feet in just over a mile.

The Manzanita trees are fascinating with their red bark that reminds you more of poured wax than a living tree.

Joani had me photograph the campground full to contrast with next week when everyone is back at work.