85F Spring Hike to the Fountain of Youth

[LMT66]

Took advantage of unseasonably high temps to get out for a hike.
I loaded up one of my Kifaru Scout's with a light load. A 64oz Kleen Kanteen full of cold water along with fire kit, First-Aid kit and a few small blades.
The Scout was a pleasure to wear on a hot humid day. No sweaty back and all the weight on my hips. I even slipped the straps off my shoulders for a while and the Scout stayed glud to my lumbar area! Perfect day-pack for me.

Mongo told me about a hole he found that was about the size of a casket. I found it today. I think this is where he hides the bodies but don't tell him I said that!
Seriously, it looks like a sink-hole. There is a natural ravine just beyond it and I suspect it will bust thru soon. Lots of erosion in the area.

Anyone know what this is?

Walking down an old rail line side rail and found a rectangular shaped pad. This looks like it was a rail car cross-dock platform with truck docks on either end. Probably dates back to the 20's.

Brought a couple small blades. Driftwood Scandi and Koyote Slim-Finn.

Getting close to my destination passing an old quarry.

Down one path then another and I have arrived!

I don't know why or when it was built but it has been here a very long time and flows year round.

It over flows at one spot and turns everything red.

Then it flows into the old rock quarry about 30' away.

Had a visitor at the well. He has a blade of grass in his mouth.

Starting the long hike back out.

I saw a big nest about 50' up a tree with a large bird in it. Zoomed all the way to get these shots. It looks like a Red-Tail Hawk or a Coopers Hawk. It wasn't happy I was there.

It had a bead on me.

Casualty from a bike then probably snacked on by something.

Getting back up on the beaten paths. Nice place to sit and rest my old bones.

Some of the scenery along the way out.

Another Face-tree.

Quick stop at the waterfall.

Some deer.

Every 50 feet or so I saw these guys just hanging out.

Small Sebenza for sizing.

Another one saying hello.

And a fatty.

Was a great day to get out! Spied some places I could make a shelter and revisited a place I haven't been to in years.

Thanks for looking.

 

[PropThePolecat]

Thanks for posting. I especially like the waterfall pic.

 

[ROCK6]

Good to hear the hike went well! Is that spring good to drink? Pretty cool spot to hike to...

ROCK6

 

[mqqn]

Hi LMT66 -

Sweet - very nice pictures and hike story.

The spring is a very neat place to hike to, I could just hear the bubbling water and the birds etc.

Thanks for taking time to post.

best regards -

mqqn

 

[gregncat]

Great pix. I love finding places where there were once houses and other structures. I once found a house foundation out in the middle of the bush. No roads or anything arround, it was weird.
Also liked the artesian well. There was a place out in the bush where I grew up that had a natural one. It wasnt built up like that one, but the water was so cold. We used to go and party there when I was a teenager. We'ed put our beers in the well, did they ever get super cold fast.
Hope your back gets stronger so you can keep up the hiking!

 

[Brian_T]

Anyone know what this is?

That looks like a goldenrod gall. There should be a grub inside each of those balls.

The balls float so you can use the ball for a float and the grub for bait and you've got a makeshift fishing kit.

B

 

[gregncat]

The balls float so you can use the ball for a float and the grub for bait and you've got a makeshift fishing kit.

B

I never thought of that...Cool
those things grow like grass arround here. My sons will think thats the neetest thing.

 

[tonym]

Excellent pics! That's a great way to spend a day.

That looks like a goldenrod gall. There should be a grub inside each of those balls.

The balls float so you can use the ball for a float and the grub for bait and you've got a makeshift fishing kit.

Yes that is a Golden Rod Gall. But those are from last year, that Larvae is long gone. Look for them in late summer to fall.

 

[jcl-MD]

Thanks for the pics!!!

 

[cj65]

I was going to say gall wasp, it happens to our native CA oaks, but not quite so bulbous. Great thread. Do you really hike with those big glasses? Do they scare away cougars? I am sure there is a WSS gear thread possible with those. I probably need one in my bug out bag.

 

[The Warrior]

Looks like a great time. Thanks for posting.

 

[VictGerbSogCamill]

Thanks for posting. I especially like the waterfall pic.

Same here !!!!! Love waterfalls and that was a nice one. Thanks for posting pics from your hike.

 

[Mongo]

Got a PT into you...

So, how did the repaired back hold up? I see the great snake party has begun down there. Nothing like a warm day to get them out and about. Looked like a Cooper's Hawk in that nest...

 

[JV3]

you've discovered the fountain of youth, man! did you take a sip? glad your back is holding up. i pulled something on my back a few years ago while bending to pick something off the kitchen floor and i ended up being unable to walk without two crutches and cringing in pain for a week (insane for a 30 yr old!) so i know how a bad back feels like.

That looks like a goldenrod gall. There should be a grub inside each of those balls.

The balls float so you can use the ball for a float and the grub for bait and you've got a makeshift fishing kit.

B

i'm guessing that as well. mistwalker i think or doc_canada posted something similar last year.