But first... just outside of Tracy, a car passed ours, and despite being several large coffees away from fully awake, I recognized it as a fellow addict, confirmed after a horn honk and some frantic (passenger) texting action.
We had also discussed meeting up with some other addicts/friends--nothing definitive, just a general idea of getting away to the mountains; it ends up they were maybe 1/2 hour behind us on the road.
Not so coincidentally, we all ended up at the McDonald's in Oakdale ($1 large coffees--or a nearby Starbucks for those with refinement) where we chatted a bit, discussed options, and chatted some more--probably longer than we should have, but it was great to be among like-minded people talking about our shared passion.
Newbie's first hike request had been entirely reasonable: an easy-ish hike, maybe 6-8 miles, no water crossings or snow, etc... However, Newbie had a constrained schedule and with Rancheria Falls and the high country out of contention, and though we considered Snow Creek (which we would subsequently visit), we somehow landed on El Capitan via the Foresta/OBOFRT trailhead. Our non-Kibbie Lake-bound friends were also headed there, but we decided to travel separately, keeping in contact with radios. Of course, the trip ended up being 10 miles each way (I'm admittedly terrible at estimating or remembering trail mileages...), there were two water crossings (one dry, one wet), and we had about a mile of snow travel. Fortunately, the views and weather compensated...
The first four miles--from the trailhead to Cascade Creek--climbed gradually while weaving into and out of small creeks and gullies.
Yes, JKW outfitted Newbie.
Wildcat Creek had enough water to top off our bottles; Tamarack Creek could have been jumped, but we went for the wet boot/Croc alternative. Surprisingly, especially for April, the water was not ice cold, perhaps because the trail was snow free--until the drop into Ribbon Creek, in fact.
We had lunch at Cascade Creek, where a few other El Cap-bound hikers were also resting. The morning had been clear, but a few clouds were starting to form.
I had forgotten to mention the "shortcut" to our friends, so they followed the old road to the Gentry's site, then climbed back up, while we followed an old road being slowly returned to nature.
Not even Newbies are exempt from some off-trail action
About when the trail steepened considerably, we got our first views of Devils Dance Floor and the burnt out ridge just above the trailhead. We had hiked a good distance, but we still had many miles, and much climbing, to go.
Devils Dance Floor, anyone?
After the steepest portion, the trail mostly followed the open ridge to the high point. Clouds threatened us with rain, but just as we thought we'd need to don our rain gear, they dissipated and allowed the sun through.
Newbie is the one with the less-faded pack.
We eventually reached the high point, indicated by an old snag with a metal marker on it.
From this pass to Ribbon Creek, the trail was almost fully covered with snow, although never more than a few feet deep.
We suspected that the "low moss line" on the trees indicated a normal snow depth; this line was several feet above this year's snow, which was never more than maybe 18" deep.
Ribbon Meadow was easy enough to cross on small, partially-submerged logs. Ribbon Creek itself had much more water, but a reliable logjam just upstream of the trail crossing allowed for a dry crossing.
We filled up at Ribbon Creek since our radio report from the summit was that this was "last water." (In wetter years a small creek flows in the gully just before the final traverse to the top...)
Weighed down with four liters each, we climbed away from Ribbon Creek, soon leaving the snow for good, and we were soon greeted with our first views of El Capitan since near the trailhead.
The Newbie ended up being a strong finisher and kept a brisk pace to the summit. We arrived with ample time to set up camp near our friends who had arrived a bit earlier. There were a few other parties on the summit, but there was space for all.
Camp Cuben
As we finished dinner we enjoyed the sunset, and the chilly evening breeze disappeared into the light of the full moon, which allowed for exploring the summit area in relative warmth.
The next morning, after breakfast, packing, and a bit of summit exploration, we retraced our route, first climbing away from Ribbon Creek.
From the summit "marker", we started the long downhill trek to Cascade Creek. The newbie was surprised at how far we had come up--and how much work it was to hike downhill.
We met up with our other friends for lunch at Cascade Creek, where the temperature was downright warm.
Yes, JKW has helped outfit more than a few hikers. Osprey: PM me for where to send the referral checks...
The final four miles were mostly eventless, although we did stop a few times to wet our hats in an attempt to beat the heat. Before the final drop to the parking lot, we looked back at the Valley and last night's campsite.
It was a great trip for all, especially the Newbie.
More Pictures
She was AWESOME. I only wish I was half as good-natured and strong as she is! I figure if I surround myself with great friends (such as the others mentioned above), maybe I'll learn something someday and become a better person.
(we took 4 days)
