Alder Creek 2 of 5

Join James and myself on an adventure into the Sespe Wilderness, within the Los Padres National Forest. July 19-20, 2002.

07/19/02 10:39, James has the vantage. 07/19/02 10:39, What James saw. 5 shot panorama. 07/19/02 10:54, Keep on hiking, 4.5 mile in. 07/19/02 11:20, James ponders Dripping Springs. 07/19/02 11:20, Drippings Springs was just that. 07/19/02 11:42, This oak is on restriction. 07/19/02 11:42, Dripping Springs greeter. 07/19/02 11:56, Just down that way and over that ridge. 07/19/02 12:11, The junction. 07/19/02 12:12, Interesting wear pattern 07/19/02 12:16, The keeper of the gorge. 07/19/02 12:16, The spines attached to the shell, nice design. 07/19/02 12:16, The Turtle Clan have passed this way. 07/19/02 13:59, We are lost, but we have water. North not East! 07/19/02 14:46, Bushed at 7 miles. Almost there. 07/19/02 14:47, The coolness of proximity. 07/19/02 14:48, At last, water that moves. 07/19/02 14:48, Even my pack needs a rest. 07/19/02 14:54, James spots a mushroom. 07/19/02 14:55, Morel up close. Not Buddy. 07/19/02 14:55, They lived undercover of the rock. 07/19/02 14:55, Trapped in a web. All fluids drained. 07/19/02 15:14, Mountain spring. Feeding Alder Creek. 07/19/02 15:14, Log bridge @ low tide. 07/19/02 15:18, Many happy rocks as we approach. 07/19/02 15:19, Very small animal cave. 07/19/02 15:20, Looking back with our goal steps away. 07/19/02 15:32, Previous hikers will not get their cleaning deposit back. 07/19/02 15:33, Within minutes the inviting void was spotted. 07/19/02 15:34, Closer view above the creek. 07/19/02 15:34, Slowing down, establishing camp, then we can explore. 07/19/02 15:34, No fires allowed this time. 07/19/02 15:47, James chills his Snickers for later. 07/19/02 15:47, Sun greetings as we near the approach ramp. 07/19/02 15:48, Registry, rules, report, respect. 07/19/02 15:48, The short walk along the approach ledge 07/19/02 15:50, James makes his move. 07/19/02 15:50, Up and entering. 07/19/02 15:50, Professor Cordero enters.