Monday September 23

We got a relatively early start from Gilroy (garlic capital of America) and headed south toward Pinnacles National Park. They must have several garlic processing plants in town as the smell was everywhere as we drove along the 101. We were amazed by the extent of the market gardening farms in this area. Absolutely huge operations that exist solely on the availability of irrigation.

We arrived at Pinnacles at around 10:00 and stopped in at the visitor centre for some trail maps and suggestions.

There was a flock of wild turkeys grazing just outside the building. Reminded me of NOTL.

We decided to do the combination of the High Peaks, Bear Gulch and Caves trails which was about 7 miles with an elevation change of 1300 ft.

The park ranger suggested a counter-clockwise route so the climbing would be in the exposed portion in the morning when it would be cooler. Temperatures were forecast in the 90's for the afternoon.

The first 2 1/2 miles were a pretty steady climb up switchback trails.

Once near the top we encountered the rocky pinnacles section which required scaling some of the spires. Luckily, the steepest ones had footholds carved into them and some hand railings.

There were some great views at the top.

The climb down was a bit rockier but manageable.

We took the option of the cave route on the way down. It required some slithering through some crevices and use of flashlights to see your way down some carved out "stairs".

When we got to the end of the trail we encountered some deer grazing.

We had a picnic lunch at mid-afternoon and made our way to Morro Bay for the next two nights. As we left the park, we had a sighting on a California Condor returning to its nest in the Pinnacles. No time to grab the camera.

More mega farms in the valley.

Our route for today...

We checked into our hotel a block away from the bay and had a hot shower and went out for supper, returning in time to watch the end of the football game to see if I had won my football pool this week. Broncos managed to beat the spread and I'll have to wait till tomorrow morning to see how many are sharing the $800 weekly pot!