McKittrick Canyon Hike - July 3rd, 2004
Over to Jack's for breakfast
Little castle and cell towers above shops
Doug sees Kristen's brothers but Kristen not yet
Kristen's family gathers around after her surprise
Last chance for running water and bathrooms
Doug makes sure I haven't snuck back to the car
Onward along the trail to Pratt Cabin
Red bark Madrone Tree
Over a mile to the cabin and two to the Grotto
A spring runs through the middle of the desert
The group successfully crosses the river
Keith and Rob pose on the other side
Madrone Tree peeling bark worthy of another pose
A second stream is crossed by the group
The trail leads to the Pratt Cabin
Shady cliff provides the perfect resting spot
I'm ready for a nap after reaching the Pratt Cabin
Sink and tub more useful when water is available
The group rests inside the surprisingly cool interior
The Pratt Cabin has a nice back porch
Snack break before the final mile trek to the Grotto
The Pratt Cabin shingles match the walls
All we now is a driveway and road for our garage
Trent poses with a tall cactus
Donna passes one on the trail to the Grotto
Walk near the cliffs for the nice shade
The group rests at the picnic area of the Grotto
Behold . . . the Grotto
The Playboy Mansion is nowhere near here
Intrepid hikers pose within the Grotto
Only a 100 yards away is the Winter Cabin
The trail ends here so it's back to home base
Back to the Grotto picnic area
Tall mountains on the trail back to the ranger station
A fourth stream is encountered on the way back
This one has small rainbow trout within
The shady stream is great place to take a break
Various mountains along the walk back . . .
. . . to the McKittrick Canyon Ranger Station
Donna says to stop photographing and start walking
Interesting blossoms on an evergreen bush
Donna and Doug stop at a dead tree picnic area
Hello flag and ranger station! The hike is over!