The Beach on a Winter Sunset

At this time of year, the weather fronts move through, leaving the air clear and the sky full of broken clouds. At the same time, because of the solstice, the sun sets over the water and casts an apricot hue over the cliffs. In the Sierra this would be called "Alpineglow". There is no term for this look in Santa Barbara, that I know of, so I will simply call it for what it is, a Santa Barbara solstice time beach. sunset.

A Forgotten Wrangler Camp

There seems to be a time in the dim past when the Forest Service actually designated camps for packers. A couple of years ago I set out to visit Cecil Lake in the headwaters drainage of Fish creek. The Topo showed no trail, but when I got there, I discovered a signed use trail that lead to this designated site. These signs were several paces up the use trial on the drainage creek.





The camp was about a mile below Cecil, and seems have been completely forgotten about and showed no signs of use by packers for several years judging from the lack of horse manure and the materials they used for their sign posts. More like a ghost camp now.

No doubt the Wrangler and his guests day hiked up to Cecil to fish for the Rainbows and enjoy the views, then returned to the camp below treeline to enjoy all the amenities of the Wrangler camp life style.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber

Goodbye Larry

The reason this picture remarkable is because of this photo taken on top of Williamson just a little over 3 months before Larry's last trip. He loved his father and was proud to hear his song in him:

• 
  

OVERDUE HIKER
LAWRENCE (LARRY) CONN

     

      The search for Larry has ended without finding a trace of him. This is not a surprise because he preferred to camp and hike off trail that included visiting remote alpine locations. Winter will really kick into gear this week in the Sierra so any private effort to locate him will have to wait until the next summer season. I suspect many of us will dedicated their entire season to finding him.

Soloist Anonymous, a Trip Report

I love to go solo backpacking. It doesn't have to be the Sierra, the addiction is not location dependent, but the John Muir Wilderness is always first on the list.



For the soloist, the hours and miles melt away, always taking the time to look back and admire where you have been just hours earlier.

Taboose from Bench Lake


One reason that this habit is so hard to kick is because I have gotten very selfish in my old age, and why not? I deserve a little peace and freedom to leave the trail on a whim and visit nameless lakes.

Some nameless lakes below Stripped Mountain





When you are solo, you know when the fish will take a fly. It's your choice, Fish or bag a peak?



I have also gotten very good at it, with my pack weight down to the UL level for 5 days with a bear can, a strong heart and work ethic. I am an old billy goat with no fear and a strong desire to roam the wild places.



A UL breakfast


I can wake up and daydream for hours or just lay there and soak in the views and watch the sun slow light up the peaks.

Somewhere on the east side of Taboose


But I've gotta kick it, because the family reads the news, and they read all the stories about missing hikers and SAR rescue and recovery missions and now they are prepared to put me in chains and throw away the keys to the car. They are right, this addiction could be the end of me. I can play by all the rules, and have all the right electronic monitoring gadgets and gear, but one misguided step can be the end of bliss, and the beginning of misery or the end. So what to do?

Dream on, or lay low and let it pass? Maybe reinvent the soloist concept? Some sort of hybrid approach maybe. It's the end of the season now so there is plenty of time to think about it and start reinventing.


Thanks for listening, I feel better now.



Axel

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber

freestone

Looking for Larry

The search continues. I thought I would back up and re post a chronology of posts a High Sierra Topix:

 

 

 

My name is Claus. I am a friend of Larry's and using his computer to post this message. Larry left on a backpack last Friday, the 19th. He was due back Monday but has not returned. He went in on the Taboose Pass trail. His tentative itinerary was to head up, generally, along the Muir trail toward Mather Pass and possibly climb Split Mt. Then he planned to head back toward Pinchot Pass and explore some of the creeks in that area. I have backpacked with Larry before but it was many years ago and never in this area. I have been trying to help the NPS and Inyo County Sheriff's department. Does anyone here have any suggestions as to areas in this vicinity that might appeal to Larry. I know he often strays from his itinerary and likes to explore new areas. Any help would much appreciated. Thanks.

quentinc

Topix Expert

 

Posts: 890

Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:28 pm

Location: Los Angeles

• 
  

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by freestone on Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:52 am

I ran into Larry last Friday at approximately 10:30 AM on the Taboose trail, about two miles from the trailhead. We spoke briefly and he mentioned that he was going to explore the area around Pinchot area, but made no mention of Split Mountain. He was carrying a Golite pack, using i-Pod ear buds. He said he only had four days, but looked well equiped. When I got to the trailhead, there were only 2 cars, his, a Suburu stationwagon, and mine.

 

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by The Other Tom on Thu Oct 25, 2012 5:39 am

freestone wrote:I ran into Larry last Friday at approximately 10:30 AM on the Taboose trail, about two miles from the trailhead. We spoke briefly and he mentioned that he was going to explore the area around Pinchot area, but made no mention of Split Mountain. He was carrying a Golite pack, using i-Pod ear buds. He said he only had four days, but looked well equiped. When I got to the trailhead, there were only 2 cars, his, a Suburu stationwagon, and mine.

I assume you have given SEKI this info.....

The Other Tom

Founding Member

 

Posts: 497

Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:06 pm

Location: Upstate South Carolina

• 
  

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by freestone on Thu Oct 25, 2012 7:47 am

Yes. I called them immediately and was interviwed by the Ranger in charge of the rescue operation.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber

 

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by freestone on Thu Oct 25, 2012 9:14 am

Larry looked well prepared and seasoned, but there was no indication that he was prepared for snow. No gaiters and was wearing trail runners.I sincerely believed he was aware of the storm, knew the weather was going to be beautful for the short term and planned on exiting Tuesday. We did not discuss the weather as I had been in 5 days and was only aware of the storm via a long range forcast from Sunday the 15th. All the peaks were dusted with snow and showed no signs of melting. We talked about the lakes below Split Mountain and acknowledged their beauty, but he made no mention of visiting that area. He seemed focused on getting to the Muir, then head south to explore the area around Pinchot pass. The area was deserted, he was the only person I saw my entire trip.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber

 

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by freestone on Thu Oct 25, 2012 2:20 pm

I have just received the Flyer as an e-mail attachment from SEKI:

You are being contacted because you had a permit for hiking in the Inyo National Forest or Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. We are looking for Larry Conn a hiker that has not returned from backpacking trip this weekend. Please take a look at the flyer. If you have any information please contact me via email or my number listed below. Thank you for your help.

SEKI is now using the permit program to find individuals who applied for permits during the same time period that Larry did.

Mav....Muir Trail

His plans seemed very straightforward because of his limited time schedule of 4 days. Getting in and out of Taboose takes up two of those da

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by freestone on Fri Oct 26, 2012 1:51 pm

Larry had Mac earbuds in place when I spoke with him. I could not tell if the devise was an iPhone or iPod, but I will call and make sure SEKI is aware of this. I think there may be some confusion with Split mountain and Stripped mountain. Stripped mountain is more in the vascinaty of Taboose. Split Mountain is north on the JMT toward Mather pass.

 

 

 

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by quentinc on Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:47 pm

This is Claus again. I apologize for continuing to use Larry's User Id. I just wanted to let you know that Larry did have his iPhone with him on the drive up (he called and left me a message with his itinerary) and I feel fairly certain on the backpack as well. He has used it to take photos on all of his recent trips.

I also want to express my profound gratitude for all that you are doing to help.

 

 

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by freestone on Fri Oct 26, 2012 11:28 pm

Freestone you can shed some light on this since you were in this area a couple of
days before Larry.

From Bench Lake, Taboose is a beacon of hope more than any other perspective. Larry is an alpinist, he knows the best way out. The Eastern Sierra is his domain, Taboose would be his choice.

Viewing Taboose from Bench lake on Wednesday October 17.

I am sorry my friends, tears are my weakness now. The landscape is so deceptively easy looking, but for an off trail soloist, every step taken is contentious and unforgiving.

Pragmatically, I hope that the rescuers focus their efforts in the Pinchot pass area. The alpine areas where their are no trails. Thats where Larry likes to be.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber

 

 

Press release this afternoon

by freestone on Sat Oct 27, 2012 2:46 pm

I just received a call and an e-mail from Rick Sawtell, the lead Ranger for the search. He apoligized for not providing a better stream of comprehensive information to the public, but managing the logistics and the actual search effort is time consuming and hectic. He said there will be a press release later this afternoon and to please be patient.

 

 

Ranger conversations

by freestone on Sun Oct 28, 2012 6:57 am

I spoke with the Rangers twice yesterday afternoon and evening. They sent me a picture of a pair of Patagonia trail shoes and I identified those as the shoes he was wearing. They were also very interested in knowing if he was using trekking poles. I verified that he was. I remembered that he had a blue Nalgene bottle in his side pocket. I shared with them the fact that through his posts on this forum, he was interested in off trail exploration of lake basins, cross county passes and class 2-3 peaks and ridges. These guys are completely professional and COMMITTED to finding Larry. If there is anything you can share with the Rangers about Larry PLEASE please do so. They need information. Anything....like How many miles a day does he do? What kind of camera? what kind of pictures does he like to shoot? Nothing is too trivial now, they need to know what was in his head as well, and we can share that because of his posts and PMs to individuals. They don't need advise or long diatribes, they need good information about Larry, short and to the point!

 

 

Re: Overdue Hiker - Do You Have Any Info?

by SEKI Public Affairs on Sat Oct 27, 2012 6:25 pm

Summary of Search Operations for Larry Conn

- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks received a report of an overdue backpacker, Larry Conn, on Wednesday October 24, 2012, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Larry was reported to be two days overdue in returning from a weekend backpacking trip in the area between Pinchot Pass and Mather Pass. Larry planned to enter the area by hiking over Taboose Pass and exploring the areas around Pinchot Pass and/or Split Mountain.

- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks was notified about the missing hiker by the Inyo County Sherriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department located Larry’s vehicle at the Taboose Creek trailhead and organized a search on the Inyo National Forest.

- On Wednesday, October 24, Inyo County Sheriff’s Department sent a search team up Taboose Pass and used a California Highway Patrol helicopter to search the area. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contracted an AStar 350 B3 helicopter to fly search missions and insert search teams. Another helicopter, which was involved in a research project in the area, assisted in the search effort by looking for clues in the course of its regular business. The area was largely covered in snow from a storm over the weekend. Helicopter reconnaissance saw numerous animal tracks, but no human tracks, in the snow in the search area or on routes out of the search area.

- On Thursday, October 25, crews returned to the area to search likely camping areas around Bench Lake and the Bench Lake Ranger Station. Ground searchers swept the trail from Cedar Grove up the Woods Creek Trail. Aerial searches continued throughout the area and included the use of the AStar B3 and a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter with forward looking infrared, which is imaging technology that detects thermal energy. Investigators were contacted by a person who spoke with Larry on October 19, as Larry was beginning his trip. The individual said that Larry expressed an interest in the Pinchot Pass area. Neither the ground teams nor the aerial searchers found any evidence of people hiking in the search area. Two notes were found posted near the LeConte Ranger Station, but neither note was written by Larry.

- On Friday, October 26, more ground teams and helicopters continued to search the area. Ground teams were assigned to hike and search in particular areas and stay overnight. The aerial search continued including the contract B3 helicopter and another National Guard Blackhawk. No more clues were discovered on Friday.

- Today, Saturday, October 27, there are approximately 40 people working on the search effort, including more ground teams and three dogs assigned to focus on specific high-probability areas. These teams will remain overnight and continue searching on Sunday. More aerial searches have been completed using the AStar B3 and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. The search today has been focused around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, Split Mountain, and likely travel corridors/camp locations in those areas.

- Search operations will continue Sunday. Search managers will evaluate information developed so far to determine the direction of the search efforts over the next days.

 

 

 

 

I Talked to Him

 

AGE:  53-years-old

HEIGHT:  5’10”

WEIGHT:  160 lbs.                                                 

HAIR:  Short, black with gray

IDENTIFYING FEATURES:  Mustache and goatee   

HIKING ROUTE INCLUDED:  On Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, Larry started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included
Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to be back on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012.

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT:  Likely wearing dark clothing, may have a red or yellow bandana, may be using a dark gray or blue backpack and using a tan/red dome tent.

GENERAL INFO:  Larry is an experienced backpacker and is familiar with the area.

IF YOU HAVE SEEN/CONTACTED HIM OR HAVE MORE INFO:  Please contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks’ Dispatch at (559) 565-3195 OR the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department at (760) 878-0383.

I Saw Him

Larry Conn Please read about this lost hiker. He is the only person I saw on my trip over Taboose pass in Kings Canyon National Park. I talked to him and conveyed to the rescuers the contents of our brief encounter. Please stay tuned.

Just got back from Bench Lake via Taboose. On Taboose last Monday, everything was dusted with 1 to 3 inches. On Friday, all had melted at the pass, but the peaks and terrain with lots of shade was still holding the snow. Conditions for the week were Indian Summer clear skies with light winds out of the west. Ice was in the water bottle a couple of mornings with frost on the grass but as soon as the sun cleared the ridge, the air warmed quickly and all the down feathers I had been wearing was shed to shorts and short sleeves. That was yesterday, sounds like the up coming week will be unsettled.
BTW, upper Taboose canyon fall colors were really showing, lower in the canyon, the colors were still green. After next week's storm, maybe the lower canyons of the Eastern Sierra will start to show.

Trashy Firepits, Leave No Trace, Paleeeese!

Just got back from the Sisquoc, 2 nights at Lonnie Davis. The CCC cleaned up all three sites and raked back all the duff from the fire pits. My pet gripes... garbage in the fire pit that people think burns, but in fact does not. Lots of Starbuck's Via instant empty packets is what I was digging out of my camp fire pit at Lonnie's. Half burned huge tree branches...people feed them into the fire like it was some kind of chipper, then they give up, leaving a smoldering mess. Leave no Trace is like religion. Simple concept, but oh so easy to sin!

Fly cast or Spin?

 Fishing has been an evolutionary experience, starting in Oklahoma with bacon on a hook in a city park pond. I had a wonderful time putting together some great Sierra and Los Padres trips with a spinner setup. Now I only flyfish because I love to see the action unfold as the trout moves to the fly. I no longer care to catch fish beyond 20 yards out. On my last trip to the Sisquoc with Jim, I had great success with nymphs in the riffles and bank edges which had previously been so frustrating for me. So, for me, I just keep on learning, having the fun... and frustrations associated with the process.


Getting into some tight spots with a roll cast. Close to the action.


Then getting some nice results.

• San Rafael Wilderness

My wife was in New York City visiting my daughter, so it was high time for a local trip to the San Rafael Wilderness with the fishing pole. These trips can quickly become death marches to slimy, fly infested mud holes so it's a dice roll. If I catch and release fish, it's a fishing trip, if not, it's a hiking trip. A "win/win" really. This happened to be a fishing trip.

My destination was Santa Cruz Station out of Little Oso but when I arrived, the campground was full with compliment of volunteers taking a working vacation to do trail maintenance in the Santa Cruz creek drainage. They welcomed me into the camp with an ice cold beer. After the last 5 miles of hiking " the Wall" and "the 40 mile stretch" that tasted oh so sweet. They told me they just finished clearing the trail to Flores Flat, so I said my thank you and I was on my way to Flores to set up a camp for the next two nights.

Looking back on the Station. Santa Cruz Camp is not in the San Rafael Wilderness so there is a road to the camp. The spur to the cabin has a locked gate at the top of the ridge.


The top of the next ridge is where the entrance to the Wilderness is. The native flora in some areas is making a great comeback after the Zaca fire including the Oak trees sprouting new growth from blackened bark, other areas, not so, I was picking foxtails out of my socks and teeth!



Great tread all the way to Flores.


The camp at Flores is still there, under a big old (and very blackened) Oak tree, the rickety table is gone but there is a nice very square rock that served well as a seat.


The water in the creeks were all running clear, clean, and cold. The banks are lined with native Deer grass and willow. Miles and miles of deep pools and cascading falls, each pool presenting a unique beauty and challenge to get down to the next one undetected by the fish.



Spawning landlocked fish. It's there native home and the camouflage is nearly perfect. I would not be surprised if the genetics of these fish revealed native steel-head traits.


Just before the trip began, the forecast changed to wording that mentioned "cold air with a chance of convection" so I brought my Sierra tent (Akto outer tent only) and bag (Western Mountaineering Versalite), I'm glad I did. No rain, but it was breezy and very cool. Perfect San Rafael weather, no flies or ticks. Glad I brought the wood burning stove too, plenty of fuel to burn so I could linger over the fire on a foggy morning and warm the hands and enjoy the surroundings.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber

Santa Rosa Island Trip Report

Friday, Day one. Jim was at my door bright and early for the trip down to Island Packers in Ventura Harbor. The forecast was for high winds, and we were not disappointed, we could see the windswell on the water already. The early departure helped, and the skipper took us up the back side of Santa Cruz Island after dropping of hikers at Scorpion's which afforded some protection to the worst of it. I am glad he did, that side of the island is so different from the front side with a unique beauty all its own. Once on the Island, we settled into our camp site, Jim took a snooze, and I assembled my rod for a beach check. Way too windy! So I did a nice hike up Wreck road to the back side of the Torrey Pines then hiked back to the coast via the pines trail. Wreck road has a story all it's own as it winds it's way to the south side of the island and Wreck Canyon. For some reason the native flowers thrive and show off their blooms in the harsh and raw road cut.

 The camp ground was in great shape. Freshly mowed, flush toilets, tiled bathroom, and solar shower. I could easily walk around barefoot and not worry about stepping on anything sharp, hard or pointy.

Saturday, Day Two. Our first serious attempt and fly fishing the beach so we walked to the pier with the intention of fishing the beach back to Water Canyon. We casted and we tried, but to no avail. It became clear to me that this was going to be a hiking trip, not a fishing trip. After getting back to Water Canyon and the camp ground, we had lunch, a nap, then set off on a hike to East Point. The wind was now full throttle and gusting to 40 knots out of the northwest. We did not make it to the point because of our late start but did get a good look at the eastern side and appreciate it's uniqueness and beauty.

On the way back form the Point we paid a visit to Southeast Anchorage to watch seals swimming and warming in the sun. I also spotted a Bald Eagle.

We were back into camp by 6 for Martinis and a steak dinner, all the while, huddled behind the windscreen to protect us from the gale.

Sunday, day three. We awoke to a completely different weather pattern. A windless, low hanging fog had moved in overnight. By 8 the sun was burning through, pancakes and coffee consumed, and Jim and I were on the beach casting into a glassy surface laying over a  three foot swell. Same results, lots of "Jim Cod"--another name for seaweed at the end of the hook. The windless conditions made for perfect wave and beach beauty.

It was one more lunch in camp, then it was the time to pack and head back to the pier for the trip home. Slowly the camp became deserted as all the campers began their final march back to the pier, but we lingered until the last minute to time our arrival just as they started to board.

Many thanks to Mr. Jim Deacon for being the trip photographer and for joining me on this first trip of the season to Wimat, the Chumash name for Santa Rosa and loosely translated as "the place to find redwood".