~ Remembering the 4th of July ~

"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir.

Our backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park was difficult. The last part of the trail would require scrambling over granite rocks -- the map described it as a "cross-country route." 

We hiked a total of 17 miles over four days. Having never been there before, it concerned me. 

Lodgepole to Moose Lake, Sequoia National Park.

My younger brother, Wilfred could care less. He thought it was pure fun. After all, he was just 10 years old and this was his first wilderness experience. He came to spend a summer with me at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park where I worked on a garbage truck during my summer break from San Jose State. It was the best job I ever had. The post is called, Then and Now.

I convinced our mom back in Barstow that he would be fine, though she really didn't know how perilous the backcountry could be. She was the best mom, allowing us to fulfill our dreams providing we were always "careful." And now, she entrusted his safety to me. I was concerned. Her words echoed in my mind with each step on our maiden backpack trip.

At 10 years old, he boarded a Greyhound Bus in Barstow, CA, and headed for Visalia, CA some 200 miles away where I picked him up. Later, he told me that he did not get off the bus until the driver shouted: "Visalia." 

Think about that, at just 10 years old. 

It was July 4, 1970, when we began our backpacking trip from Lodgepole via Pear Lake to Moose Lake.

Honestly, I do not remember the trip. It was only after looking at some lost photos that the memories became focused.  

A few days ago, I asked Wilfred if he remembered the trip, he immediately replied: "Yes. I remember hiking up granite rocks that followed a stream. We caught and ate fish. You gave me a can of tomato juice to drink along the trail. We camped for many days."

Here are some of those long-lost pictures from our backpacking trip in July 1970 from Lodgepole to Moose Lake and a bit further in Sequoia National Park.

Moose Lake sits at 10,565'. The last 2 miles from Pear Lake to Moose Lake were cross-country.

Moose Lake was surreal. We were on top of the world.

While the temperature was 80 degrees, the water was ice cold.

Writing a "love letter" to the girl constantly on my mind who I met at San Jose State - Denise Saldivar.
The first few words...."I miss you and my days without you are miserable..."
We got married on June 14, 1971, after my college graduation. 
We celebrated our 50th anniversary a few weeks ago.

Wilfred swimming at a mountain lake along the way.

Robert and Wilfred Griego in our younger days.

Our camp.  Getting fishing gear ready for the morning.

Wilfred catching trout for dinner.

Seven trout made a delicious dinner.

Moments after reaching home at Lodgepole, CA in Sequoia National Park.
Check out my ultra-light cotton sleeping bag. My smile says it all.

~ Remembering the 4th of July  ~

~ Call me Jim ~

"If the very old will remember, the very young will listen." - Chief Dan George

In the day, Jim was the top cowboy/packer at the Bishop Mule Days.

He's a cowboy for sure. His hat, honest words, smile, and a horse called Tops were all I needed to know about him.  For the longest time, I thought his first name was Harvey. Everybody called him Harvey, and so did I for years.

One day, a bit embarrassed, I asked: "Harvey, what's your last name." "Well, that is my last name, my first name is Jim," he replied. That was nearly 30 years ago.

Jim Harvey - 50th Bishop Mule Days - 2021.

Today, I'm at the 50th Bishop Mule Days in 2021. He's easy to spot. These days, he's not on a horse but at his security post. He's behind the scenes, yet, knows all the events that are occurring. Most people who pass his station stop to say hello and pay respects. A few old-timers linger longer.

I sit next to Jim and we share stories of earlier days in the Sierra. He proudly tells me: "This is my 50th Bishop Mule Days. Yesterday was my 85th birthday, born May 28, 1936." When I do the math, he was about 35 years old when he first competed at these events. Old-timers say that he was one of the best all-around cowboys/packers at the events. Jim taught me everything I know about horses, mules, and camping in the backcountry of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

Some call him a "horse whisperer."

Today, I ride an iron horse and share some moments from the 50th Bishop Mule Days, camping in the Alabama Hills at the base of Mount Whitney.

I love Highway 395 and this view towards Mount Whitney.

My campsite always comes with a view.

The views take my breath away.

My morning view from base camp.

McGee Creek wilderness.

The National Park Service has always had a presence at the Bishop Mule Days.

The best views are where the action begins.

This cowgirl beat the boys today.

Cowboys riding hard for a finish.

Action at the scramble event.

Farewell Sierra range.

My last camp view was special from the Alabama Hills.

~ Farewell my Friend ~

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Warnell on my Yamaha Road Star at his home in Hanford, CA.

One summer day, a moving van arrived at the vacant house directly across from our home on Elizabeth Street. The new family was busy hauling boxes into their house at 1004 East Elizabeth Street in Barstow, CA.  I watched intently.

My mom encouraged me to go say hi to the boy who appeared to be about my age.

He was two years younger. I was nine years old. I managed to say, "My name is Robert and I live over there, pointing and looking back to my house." He had a sister, Diane who was much younger. Then his mom called, "Warnell it's time to come inside for lunch," and off he went. 

Our friendship began that day. It would continue for nearly 65 years.

We grew up and shared our adventures, even at seven and nine years old. We camped out in our front yards, rode bicycles, attended Cub Scouts, went fishing at Lake Isabella, and then there was baseball. We both played little league on perhaps the worst team in the league - the Mustangs. We didn't care. We loved the game and had fun.  

Years later, he would tell me that I taught him how to throw and catch a baseball. He had an iron-tight mind for the game of baseball. He once told me our seats at Dodger Stadium, who they played, the final score, who pitched, and how we nearly missed getting a fly ball hit into the bleachers from where we always seem to see the game. As one can imagine, we took our baseball gloves to the game. We were ten and twelve at the time. At that young age, how our parents allowed us to travel by ourselves from Barstow to Los Angeles was remarkable. We rode the train and by a miracle made it safely to Dodger Stadium. 

We went there to see Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Johnny Roseboro, Maury Wills, and my idol - Duke Snider. 

Warnell was the cornerstone of the game for me; a true Dodger Blue fan.

As we grew up, we owned identical black Yamaha 125 cc's and pursued our adventures on two wheels. His family eventually moved from Elizabeth Street to Pallesi Street in central Barstow. He attended Barstow High School and I went to John F. Kennedy High School.  We, however, remained close as we went our separate ways.

Many years later, Denise and our 1 1/2 old son, Keith traveled to Botswana, Africa to serve as Peace Corps Volunteers working for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. I had forgotten but he reminded me that he drove us from Barstow to the Ontario Airport in our 1973 Dodge Van.  I trusted him that much, and he returned our van to Barstow where it was parked for nearly three years. He loved to hear about our adventures in Botswana.

We frequently talked about our childhood, living on Elizabeth Street, baseball, and our families. 

Sixty-five years is a long time to share a friendship.

"Warnell, I'll miss you dearly.  Farewell, my friend."

I was leaving for Barstow the morning his sister,
 Diane called to say that Warnell had passed away.
I thought about him the entire 600-mile round-trip.
He and his sister were part of our family.

Born 9/14/1950 - Died 2/27/2021.

Farewell, my Friend.

~ National Park Week 2021 ~

The article "National Park Week 2021" by Robert Griego was originally published on the "RoadRUNNER & Touring & Travel" magazine website on 4/19/2021.

“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”– President Theodore Roosevelt

There are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day and they are America’s best idea. The fee-free days provide an awesome opportunity to visit that favorite park or perhaps one that you have never been to before.

My favorite National Park is in my backyard here in Three Rivers  – Sequoia National Park. My wife and I were hiking the short trail to the little known, Hanging Rock when I spotted this awesome motorcycle parked along the highway amidst the Giant Sequoias. The road continues to the more famous Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow. To reach the top of this granite dome, follow a stone stairway over 350 steps that climbs 300 feet to the summit for panoramic views. At the top, you can see the mountains of the Great Western Divide. Peaks in the Great Western Divide climb to more than 12,000 feet. Don’t climb Moro Rock if ice or snow are present on the stairs; it is very dangerous.

You can read more about Sequoia National Park in my articles – Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service and Exploring the Backcountry of Sequoia National Park. The Chronicle, In Pursuit of Wildness features other great National Parks like Pinnacles National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and El Morro National Monument.  Undoubtedly, there are hundreds more favorites – just pick one.

For one week each April, the National Park Service welcomes you to celebrate America’s treasures upfront, close, and free. This year, National Park Week for 2021 will be celebrated April 17 through April 25! There are some special programs and events to be celebrated at most park such as:

• April 19: Military Monday
• April 20: Transformation Tuesday
• April 22: Earth Day
• April 24: National Junior Ranger Day

Celebrate National Park Week at a park in your backyard. Now, I need to climb those 350 stone stairs to the top of Moro Rock.  I know the view will be amazing.

 

~ In Pursuit of Wildness: North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park ~

The article "In Pursuit of Wildness: North Rim Grand Canyon National Park" by Robert Griego was originally published on the "RoadRUNNER Touring & Travel" magazine website on 12/11/2020.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona has been on my bucket list due to its grand vistas. Still, in all honesty, I never would have come this far if a close friend, who once lived at Grand Canyon National Park and hiked most of it, hadn't recommended the destination.

“The South Rim is beautiful, but the North Rim is special,” he said. He told me there are fewer people and the views are breathtaking. Dispersed camping in the Kaibab National Forest is available outside of the park, and on a bike it will be a nice ride. 

And with that, I was hooked. The North Rim sounds like a perfect destination. Now, I need to convince my brother, Gilbert, that this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“How many miles from California?” is his first question.

“Well, I’m not too sure, but maybe about 2,500 miles round-trip.”

He continues: “Have you been there before?”

“No, but my friend Scott who once lived there made the recommendation. We could camp along the way.” 

He didn’t think long, and simply replied: “OK.”

Onto the Road

There is something unique in traveling across the country on motorcycles with your likeminded brother. He rides a Harley-Davidson Street Glide, while my mount is a Yamaha Road Star. Over the years, we have traveled together across 25,000 miles, visiting natural areas mostly in the West. We camp lightly on the land, always following the “leave no trace” rules. Our campsites are always in a better condition when we leave.

We head north from Flagstaff, AZ, on US 89. Since neither of us has been on this route before, we stop often to explore. The Cameron Trading Post next to the Little Colorado River catches our attention. The parking lot, full of motorcycles, is a good rest stop to look over the map. It should be a short 60 miles to Bitter Springs, from where we follow US 89A to Jacob Lake. We fuel up and buy some food before heading south on SR 67 to the North Rim. 

Gilbert spots a dirt road leading into an aspen forest, where we make camp next to an abandoned horse corral. We settle for the night in the cool high-elevation air and have a hearty dinner with popcorn for dessert. The night sky is brilliant, with a shooting star streaking across the vastness above us. The next day, we enter the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Gilbert wants to hike some trails and we are both eager to explore some of the vistas. We remove our riding gear and slip into comfortable shorts and tennis shoes. Looking over the park map, we set off on the Bright Angel Point Trail—a short half-mile round trip—from the Grand Canyon Lodge. The pace of everything around us slows down. It is quiet. Looking down into the depths of the canyon is mesmerizing. The solitude and serenity I feel with each step exceeds my expectations.

We continue onto the Transept Trail, which is a longer four-mile round trip offering views of the Transept, a stunning side canyon. We soon realize that there are more rigorous trails that we will save for a future trip. The North Kaibab Trail interests me. It is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim and one best taken on the back of a horse or mule with a wrangler guide.

Robert and Gilbert Griego.

Reluctantly, we leave, knowing that we’ll be back for a longer stay.

“Robert, I thought you said that this ride was about 2,500 miles round trip. By the time we get home, it will be more like 1,500 miles,” my brother says.

“That’s true, but I thought we could go see Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park in Utah on our way back,” I reply. 

With a smile on my brother’s face, we continue our adventure.

 

PLANNING A VISIT

When planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, it’s best to start by picking between the South and North Rims. The hiking distance from the south to the north is a strenuous 21 miles, while driving would take about 5 hours over 220 miles. The North Rim—more than 8,000 feet in elevation—is visited by only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors. 

The best time to visit the North Rim is between May 15 and October 15. During the winter months, the North Rim is closed due to snow. For lodging, it is best to make reservations either for the Grand Canyon Lodge or the North Rim Campground.

TO DO

Point Imperial and Cape Royal along the North Rim Scenic Drive can be reached via winding roads with ample pullouts providing grand scenes across the canyon. Plan on taking half a day or more for these drives with some short walks along the way. 

Cape Royal is a popular destination for both sunrise and sunset. Point Imperial is the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet and provides sweeping views of the Painted Desert and the eastern end of the Grand Canyon.

There are free, daily park ranger programs to learn about geology, fossils, plants, and animals, in addition to numerous park trails.

HOURS

The North Rim Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a hiker shuttle service from the Grand Canyon Lodge to North Kaibab Trailhead. Reserve space 24 hours in advance at the lodge front desk.

FEES

Entrance fees, good for seven days, are $30 per motorcycle, $35 per vehicle, and $20 per individual (bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian). An annual park pass is $70. For more information, see www.nps.gov/grca.

Text and Photography by Robert Griego

~ Our Desert Jewels: RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK ~

This article "Red Rock Canyon State Park" was published on the Destination Lancaster website on 11/3/2020.

Our Desert Jewels

RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK

Text and Photography: Robert Griego

www.mymotorcyletales.com

Red Cliffs Natural Preserve.

The evening sun dips behind the towering sandstone cliffs at Ricardo Campground as I arrive at Red Rock Canyon State Park. I've never been here before, though I grew up in the desert community of Barstow, not far from here.  Immediately, the desert solitude renews my soul. The sweeping desert view kindles fond desert memories.

Sweeping views welcome me to Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Once, I served as acting superintendent at Joshua Tree National Park for the National Park Service, so protecting our desert jewels is important to me.  The March 2017 issue of RoadRUNNER featured, “In Pursuit of Wildness: Joshua Tree National Park” which was my tribute to the late, Johnny Cash.  When Sandy Smith, Executive Director at Destination Lancaster took interest in my desert perspectives, I was honored.  I love the desert, and I think Johnny Cash did too. 

Ricardo Campground is perfect.

Today, I'm astride my Indian Springfield searching for that perfect campsite, and honestly, all the sites look inviting.  There is potable water and restrooms nearby.  The sweeping views to the east with scattered Joshua Trees captures my imagination.  A roadrunner darts through Rabbit Brush as I unload my gear at campsite 20, nestled below the sandstone cliffs.  The moon will be out tonight and the evening sun is a perfect time to go visit Red Cliffs Natural Preserve, but where?  There is another camper about a quarter-mile away who, as I pull off my helmet astride my motorcycle, is intently reading her book.  

“Ma’am, where is the famous Red Cliffs Natural Preserve?”  She lowers her reading glasses, lays down her book, and points her arm to the east: “It’s on the other side of Highway 14, a short distance from here.”  Picking up her book again, she adds, “The evening sun will make for great pictures, you should hurry.”

Desert solitude renews my soul.

ON TO THE RED ROCKS

The Red Cliffs Natural Preserve is impressive and trying to capture the towering presence is a challenge as the sun dips below the surrounding mountains.  I park my motorcycle and gaze towards the red rocks cliffs, walking deliberately with camera in hand towards the massive 300-foot crimson cliffs.  As I get closer, the rocks begin to take on different forms and shapes as the evening light changes.

I encourage you to leave the comfort of your car and walk.  Walking into the desert is special, it always is rewarding.  The quiet consumes me.  I sit on the ground, gazing up at lofty cliffs.  The screech of a Red Tail hawk breaks the silence as I put down my camera and head back to my motorcycle, now a half-mile away. 

The towering crimson cliffs embraced me.  If they could talk, they might whisper: “Robert, what took you so long to see this desert jewel”?

Imagination is powerful.

"Robert, what took you so long to see this desert jewel?"

The end to a perfect day among the crimson cliffs.

MOON, STARS, CAMPFIRE

My campsite, beneath the towering cliffs.

Ricardo Campground with my warm cozy fire is perfect.  The full moon provides ample light and that’s when I hear them.  

One owl hoots.  A second owl responds from a short distance away along the towering cliffs.  The hoots alternate in perfect rhythm.  The dueling owls seem to enjoy talking to each other.  I wonder what they might be saying. 

Then, a lone coyote shatters their personal rhythm as it uncontrollably shouts at the moon.  Both sounds are comforting as I gaze up towards the billions of stars that hang within easy reach.  Mars is directly before me towards the east; perhaps, that had something to do with the dueling owls and the lone coyote – nature’s music.  

Dancing in delight.

My comfort blanket is always the stars; their light always shines for me.  As they tuck me into my bed, sleep easily takes over – a perfect day for my first visit to Red Rocks Canyon State Park.  

Leisure, easy walking with children.

Tomorrow, I plan to hike along some of the nature trails at this desert jewel before heading south to Lancaster to see some of the new murals along with The BLVD Cultural District.

POW! WOW!

Destination Lancaster describes The BLVD Cultural District as “A thriving and dynamic cultural center located in the California’s High Desert.”  I knew that Lancaster recently hosted the 2020 POW! WOW! and I’ve always loved murals that bring communities across America alive. 

Today, I strolled leisurely along The BLVD to capture some of the spectacular artwork.  Yesterday, I walked beneath the Red Cliffs – each took my breath away.  I can’t wait to return for a longer visit to these jewels in the desert.

Stunning, massive art.

The architecture is stunning along The BLVD.

Simple, captivating.

Intricate, beautiful.

Larger than life.

Colorful, eye-popping.

The Oxfords Suites, centrally located in Lancaster, provides relaxing accommodations.

Heading home over Walker Pass towards Lake Isabella.

OVERVIEW: PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in beautiful Southern California, 120 north of Los Angeles, and about 50 miles from Lancaster, CA.  The park, located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range, was established to preserve 27,000 acres including the scenic desert cliffs, buttes, fossils, and spectacular rock formations.  Historically, the Kawaiisu Indians once inhabited the area and left petroglyphs in the El Paso mountains.  In about 1950, the 20-mule team freight wagons stopped by the colorful crimson rock formations for recognized land bearings and water.

THINGS TO DO

The best time to visit is in the spring and fall.  The sun can be intense so always carry water in the desert. 

Activities: Visitor Center, picnicking, hiking, camping, equestrian use, bird watching, biking, off-highway vehicle, star gazing, and wildflowers viewing in the wetter spring months. Guided nature hikes and campfire programs during the spring and fall.  Desert View Nature Trail and Hagen Canyon loop trail are good for children.

Ricardo Campground has 50 primitive campsites with fire rings, potable water, pit toilets, and tables. 

HOURS

Red Rock Canyon State Park is open from sunrise to sunset for day use.  Ricardo Campground is open 24 hours.  The Visitor Center is open in Spring and Fall.

FEES

Day-use parking is $6, camping is $25 ($2 senior citizen discount), an additional motor vehicle is $6 and motorcycle and ATV is $6 per day.  

For more information, see www.parks.ca.gov.

~ Into the Wild West's FOUR CORNERS ~

The article, Into the Wild West's FOUR CORNERS by Robert Griego, was originally published in the "2020 Special Collector's Issue by RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel" magazine.

End of preview text by RoadRUNNER:

"Our 2020 Special Collector's Issue showcases a regionally balanced mix of both previously-featured and new motorcycle tours with trip planning information and spectacular photography, as well as new Destinations features. The issue is printed on the high quality paper that you've come to expect from RoadRUNNER, and finished with a beautiful matte coating for the cover — a perfect gift for friends and loved ones, and to add to your personal RoadRUNNER collection."

~ Muir Woods National Monument ~

The article, Muir Woods National Monument by Robert Griego, was originally published in the 2020 Special Collector's Issue by RoadRUNNER Touring & Travel magazine.