The Road Trip Day 5: Shwackin' and Chillin'

 

Sequoia National Park, California

May 11, 2015

 

 
 
Gotta find ways to warm up in chilly, subalpine mornings.

Gotta find ways to warm up in chilly, subalpine mornings.

Warm sunlight streamed in through our tent. Somehow, I managed to sleep until 8 a.m. Glorious.

I got dressed and found a few oatmeal and fig bars for breakfast

Today's objectives:
1) Relax.
2) Get (closer) to the car.

 
 

We scoured the rocky alpine landscape in search of a great view with some hammock-able trees.

 
 
Scouting out potential chill-spots.

Scouting out potential chill-spots.

 
 

Carter spotted a nice ledge about a quarter mile away. He had his hammock, Caleb had his Z-rest. I planned on finding a comfortable rock in the shade.

It was a nice spot.

 
 
He's gonna regret the sunburn.

He's gonna regret the sunburn.

 
 
Carter busting a fat chill.

Carter busting a fat chill.

 
 

Eventually, we snapped back to reality. Tomorrow's drive is going to be long; an early start will be a necessity. We needed to pack up camp and hike back toward the car.

Hiking downhill is a lot less work.

We made great time.

 

There was a quaint picnic area by the parking lot which seemed closed for the winter season. It looked like a great place for an easy impromptu campsite.

 
 
 
Stirring the pot; you don't want crunchies stuck to the bottom.

Stirring the pot; you don't want crunchies stuck to the bottom.

 
 
 
 

The three of us played a few games of cribbage. It seems like I'm losing more games than winning at this rate, but I did manage a 20-point hand. There was yelling.

Dinner was Santa Fe Chicken mixed with some fresh garlic and leftover cheddar cheese we found stashed in the car cooler.

Delicious.


With an empty parking lot and no one else around, we pumped the music a little louder than usual.

 
Yummy, crunchy.

Yummy, crunchy.

 
 
 

Bedtime came with the arrival of darkness.

No tent, it looked clear enough.

 
 
Hay bales provide more insulation than a wooden floor. Right?

Hay bales provide more insulation than a wooden floor. Right?

 
 

I tossed and turned the whole night. It was below freezing.
My hot water bottle didn't seem to do anything.


Hey, want a ride?

Turn it around:

Stick your thumb out:


Justin Kernes
Justin Kernes is a photographer who hails from the land of sunny omnipresence; California. Early in his life, the family mini-van was regularly loaded up with tents, stoves, ice chests, and sunscreen tubes, and the destination set to "wilderness adventure". National Park books were stamped. Weenies were roasted. Trails were hiked. Fun was had. It was in these weekend escapes where Kernes found his connection for the great outdoors. Since the summer of 2010, he has been running away to New Mexico during the summer to work at Philmont, world's largest youth camp. For three months, he freely volunteers to forgo electricity, regular showers, and all other civil amenities. Kernes begrudgingly earned his BA in Art from Cal State East Bay, a tiny school not even remotely considered for its art program.
www.justinkernes.com
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The Road Trip Day 4: Whiskey and Stars

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The Road Trip Day 6: Badwater, Good Vibes