TCT #36 -- Ron Good on John Muir

Ron Good in John Muir's "Scribble Den"

For the final radio show of our third season, I had a "glorious" conversation with Ron Good about John Muir.  Ron is a former Tuolumne County resident who now resides in Washington.  Ron was employed by the Sierra Club for many years, founded and ran Restore Hetch Hetchy, and has been an interpretive ranger with the Forest Service in several locations including the John Muir Historical Site in Martinez, CA.  Ron's love and admiration for Muir is discernable even through the less-than-optimum Zoom audio recording.

Muir had many accomplishments and a major legacy is the Sierra Club, which Muir founded in 1892.  Muir also served as the Sierra Club's first president.  This summer, the club's current executive director, Michael Brune, wrote an article called "Pulling Down Our Monuments."  The article appeared to have been motivated by the "2020 Summer of Racial Reckoning" (USA Today, New York Times).  To me, it's worthy to review past actions, to recognize and address shortcomings, and to commit to do better in the future.  After reading Brune's essay many times, I believe this is where he was going.  However, it initially struck the world as "the Sierra Club is

Sequoia planted by Muir

disowning John Muir because they say he was a racist."  And heartache and confusion struck.  Ron and I discussed the issue, though I didn't include any of it in the episode.  I decided a half-hour feel-good radio show about hiking wasn't the place to dig into such complex matters.  I'll talk about it a bit here, and I'll offer you some links and resources to grapple with it yourselves -- if you so chose.

First of all, here's a link to Michael Brune's article:  https://www.sierraclub.org/michael-brune/2020/07/john-muir-early-history-sierra-club.  I suggest reading it at least twice.  There have been a number of comments added at the end, and I recommend reading those, as well.  Of Brune's remarks, Ron said, "I hope when people read and think of John Muir they'll be objective and look at the totality of John Muir... I think he saw all of us as fellow mortals... I think his views broadened as he became an older man and became more experienced... The words of Michael Brune are unfortunate; the way he's characterized John Muir -- he's done a disservice to John Muir, his legacy and to the Sierra Club itself as an institution... he deserved better than what Mr. Brune wrote... I know a lot of John Muir scholars... there's going to be a scholarly response... and I look forward to that, and I hope people can keep an open mind... and value the beauty of John Muir, his writings, and his inspiration...."  The scholarly response has indeed arrived, and Ron has kept me abreast, forwarding articles and letters which discuss, defend, denounce, and deconstruct, an American icon.  Perhaps that's where the problem lies -- deifying a mortal.  There's the tendency to believe the person emerged flawless and eternally kind, understanding, and patient.  How unfair not to recognize Muir's humanity by acknowledging his growth over a long lifetime of travel, scientific discovery, love, art, and contemplation.  Below are links to several essays examining Muir's writings which both condemn and exonerate him.  I subscribe the the one in "Thunderbear:" "Could he have done better?  Of course!  So could we all."

By John Clayton (a Montana-based writer):  https://www.wyohistory.org/blog/was-john-muir-racist 

From PJ Ryan's "Thunderbear" newsletter:  http://workingnet.com/thunderbear/312.html?fbclid=IwAR024fS9FA_CBLGm3Exfz32mSJ8Ep9fWqpHz5nsG94BiXg1eRNxzJxKLskY

By Donald Worster, a Muir biographer:  https://www.californiasun.co/stories/john-muir-biographer-he-was-no-white-supremacist/

By Jacquetta Megarry of Rucksack Readers:  https://www.rucsacs.com/should-the-sierra-club-apologise-for-john-muir/

By Raymond Barnett, retired UC Chico biology professor:  https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/racist-or-admirer-of-native-americans-raymond-bennett.aspx

From the John Muir Global Network:  http://johnmuir.org/native-americans/

From the John Muir Trust (Scotland):  https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/latest/news/1989-inclusion-in-wild-places-addressing-the-past-present-and-future

By Harold Wood, a Muir scholar:  https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/John_muirs_legacy_is_alive_and_well_in_a_world_that_is_one_great_dewdrop.aspx

The article by Justin Nobel that Michael Brune cites in his "Pulling Down Our Monuments" essay:  https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-miseducation-of-john-muir

By Jason Mark in the Sierra Club's magazine, see Ron Good's comments at the end of the article: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2020-6-november-december/editor/hitched-nature

Here are links to some of the topics Ron and I discussed in the radio show:

The John Muir Papers, University of the Pacific (let's do a field trip once the pandemic ends!):   https://liberalarts.pacific.edu/liberalarts/academics/departments-and-programs/centers-and-institutes/john-muir-center#:~:text=The%20John%20Muir%20Papers%20is%20a%20collection%20of,University%20of%20the%20Pacific%20Library%27s%20Holt-Atherton%20Special%20Collections.

John Muir's writings are available for free here:  https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/books.aspx

Website of the John Muir Historical Site (Martinez, CA):  https://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm

Finally, here's a link to the November TCT radio show, #36 -- Ron Good on John Muir:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14t1FANV27v2P492nCNpjhEcDdCpBwGoS/view?usp=sharing

TCT #35 -- The Bennett Juniper

Bennett Juniper at home
in Sardine Meadow

Tuolumne County is home to the Bennett Juniper, the largest living Western Juniper and, aged between 3,000 and 4,000 years, one of the oldest trees on Earth.  In late August, I joined a group of folks knowledgeable about the tree and dedicated to taking care of it on a field trip to its grove off of Eagle Meadow Road.

First, I'd like to expound about the attributes and other attractions of Eagle Meadow Road.  It's also known as Forest Road 5N01 and is located east of Strawberry just before the Donnell Vista.  The road closes in the winter.  It's paved for about five miles then becomes dirt and gravel necessitating a high-clearance vehicle.  Well, not super-high clearance - any SUV should make it; a Honda Civic or a Prius, not so much!  The first of several worthy options (and the only one not requiring high clearance) is the "Trail of the Ancient Dwarves."  This is a fairly easy hike with about 100' in elevation gain.  Observe old dwarf conifers as you walk a portion of the historic old Sonora-Mono Toll Road, an out-and-back of about 2 miles.  (To get there, just after turning onto Eagle Meadow Road, turn left on Forest Road 6N24 and drive through the Niagara Creek Campground.  The road ends; park and cross the footbridge over Niagara Creek and you're on your way.)  If you have a high clearance vehicle, you have access to the full extent of Eagle Meadow Road and the treasures on its unpaved portion.  Continuing toward Eagle Meadow, you'll have views of the Dardanelles and drive through Aspen groves which are quite colorful in the fall, making this a prime autumn outing. 

Aspen Grove along Eagle Meadow Road
Photo by Barbara Dresslar

Just off Eagle Meadow Road, a short dusty, bumpy ride on Forest Road 5N15X is Barn Meadow, a gem where Basque shepherds once camped. 

Trail Heads in Barn Meadow

There is a horse camp at Eagle Meadow which is also a trailhead for hikes at Eagle Meadow and up to Eagle Pass.  The fall colors can be stunning, so get out of your car and take a walk.  The Eagle Meadow loop, at just over 2 miles, is easy-to-moderate.  Eagle Pass trail is a strenuous eight mile round trip out-and-back trip.  It has color pockets of its own, and there are great views down into Eagle Meadow and of Eagle Peak.  Once you're up at the pass (just under 9,000'), be sure to trek to the east to get a breathtaking view of the Three Chimneys.  See this link for details and the GPS coordinates to the Eagle Meadow Horse Camp Trailhead:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recreation/horseriding-camping/recarea/?recid=81681&actid=30

Back to the Bennett Juniper!  The Bennett Juniper is about five miles past Eagle Meadow; the adventure getting there starts immediately as you drive through Eagle Creek then Long Valley Creek a few miles later.  To help you get there, here is a link with a description of the tree and its GPS coordinates:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=81692&actid=50

Ken Brunges, longtime caretaker of
the Bennett Juniper.  Ken has retired.
Photo from Summer 2016

While it felt a little audacious -- people discussing the future of a tree -- everyone at the August meeting was respectful and earnest.  Here are the folks who attended and who you'll hear in the radio show:  Ross Carkeet, retired Columbia College Forestry professor; Ellie Routt, Executive Director of the Mother Lode Land Trust; Chris Wright, MLLT Board President; Anthony Castanos, Land Stewardship Manager at Save the Redwoods League, Faith Rumm, artist; Brian Kermeen, Tuolumne County Land Trust; Peggy Dylan and Steve Brougher, nearby cabin owners; John LaTorre (carpenter) and his girlfriend Sharon.  Here's a link to the radio show: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oPD9qQDfo0Z5re7vMvD-AEOcRekF4nwL/view?usp=sharing

The Bennett Juniper is considered by the Tuolumne County Historical Society to be one of the "21 Wonders of Tuolumne County."  Here's a link to their list of natural and manmade wonders.  How many have you visited?  https://tchistory.org/TCHISTORY/Wonders_of_TC.htm

If you've been so moved, you may make donations to benefit the Bennett Juniper to the Mother Lode Land Trust.  Here's a link to their donation site:  http://motherlodelandtrust.org/.  And remember, Ellie mentioned that a percentage of your donation is matched on Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving).

October 2020, Trail Heads at
Telescope Peak, an
uncataloged peak at about 9000'
near the Bennett Juniper.
Pictured:  Mike, David, Wendy,
Gary & Ross. Photo by Barbara Dresslar

TCT #34 -- Cate Culver

 

"The Untold History of Sonora Pass and Its People 1860 to 1960" by Cate Culver is a beautiful new resource for folks who love the Tuolumne County high country.  Cate is a local, and I tracked her down for a fun, extensive interview which is the focus of September's episode of the Tuolumne County Trailhead.  Give a listen:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uXGI3cMxK0sAOgwRWlK3DQEDc41li7Mc/view?usp=sharing

The book is available at the stores at Dardanelle and Kennedy Meadows.  Pack a lunch and take a drive up the Pass for a bit of nature therapy.  Buy the book and page through at one of the picnic sites -- maybe you'll even get out of the smoke!

Send fan mail or inquiries to Cate at sonorapasshistorybook@gmail.com

At the peril of sounding like a parent who always says "maybe" when the kids know it means "never," I'm hatching an idea for some hike/s in October.  Maybe our patience and compliance through forest closures for fire safety and physical distancing for pandemic reduction will be rewarded with some fall color.  Stay tuned!

TCT #33 -- Steve Weldon

Steve Weldon in Redwood National Park

In late spring, I was on track to do a 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip on the Trans Catalina Trail.  Disappointingly, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down that plan.  Luckily, I live in a recreation wonderland and have been able to hike and backpack close to home.  So far this summer, I've gone on two memorable backpacking trips -- one in the Emigrant Wilderness and another in the Hoover Wilderness.  Mosquitoes and incredible scenery were plentiful!  I was also able to take a bucket-list day hike:  Mt. Dana in Yosemite National Park.  The view at the 13,000' summit brought me to tears (and even a little press!  See Guy McCarthy's article here: https://uniondemocrat.pressreader.com/@Reader13800290/csb_J-7a1dqPdaovGRW7ycr233vuHE9eCFa85jKWk8Ijro1OfSrl8uGPMyY21NJ6gxIR?fbclid=IwAR0dVn0jXZn-SpRpjvwwdl7OPRJH5chczIetB5OrwaKBTQ4avbbgn1By3RU).

Still, the Trans Catalina Trail trip was the hiking version of "the one that got away."  When I learned that there was a TV show about it -- an episode of a program called "Walkin' California" -- I jumped on the chance to experience the route virtually.  To my surprise, I recognized the name of the host:  Steve Weldon.  Steve is a Tuolumne County personality having hosted a radio show on KKBN (Twain Harte) years ago then running "Doc's Dogs" hotdog stand outside Cost-U-Less grocery and "Doc's BBQ" restaurant on Stockton Road in Sonora.  It seems Steve (Doc) has retired -- to hiking and hosting at TV show!  All of a sudden he was everywhere I looked, and listened.  Steve's back on the radio on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 7-9am on KAAD-LP's "Gold Country Gold" show when he spins classic country records (yes, records.  He's old-school!).  So, I used all my wiles (meaning, I wrote to the station manager) to line up an interview.  Steve was more than willing and went above and beyond what with an original song AND commitment to provide a "dividend" for $1000 donations to the radio station!  I've gotta say, it's the most fun I've had with my hiking boots on in a while!

Listen here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lgLdov9CTHbyn0Fzk1Ud5CoS_3n2W9JH/view?usp=sharing

Steve says the Walkin' California website is down for maintenance but there's a work-around if you want to watch any of the episodes (there are 7:  Yosemite, Redwoods, Murphys, Catalina Island, Placerville, Pismo Preserve, and Montana de Oro).  Do a Google search for "Walkin' California," and the videos all come up at the top.  I accessed them through the PBS source:

https://www.pbs.org/search/?q=walkin%27+california

Trail Heads, stay safe during these days of COVID-19.  Entice your immediate-household members out for a walk on hiking trails near your home and be sure to slip your mask on for close encounters with other hikers.  Let's not lose anyone so we can all get out together again soon!

TCT #32 -- Buzz & Karen Eggleston

Karen & Buzz Eggleston

The "Tuolumne County Trailhead" radio show for July 2020 features an interview with Buzz and Karen Eggleston of San Andreas.  Buzz and Karen talk about their travels and interest and growing expertise in the petroglyphs and pictographs of the Indians of the Southwest, especially at Casa Grande and Mesa Verde.  We also talk about Mother Lode geology --  Buzz is writing a book about the subject.

Here's a link to the program:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/11A_1wljGVsxBAsuTN5P2_UD0CrH1NaR_/view?usp=sharing

TCT #31 -- Tyler Summersett

Directional sign at 

the Sonora Community Trail

In this month's Tuolumne County Trailhead radio show, we catch up to Tyler Summersett about improvements on the Sonora Community Trail, a sweet little figure-8 loop trail of just under a mile in length.  The trail is behind the Sonora Main Branch of the Tuolumne County Library on Greenley Road.  Tyler, a Senior Transportation Planner/Trails Coordinator for the Tuolumne County Transportation Council, hopes for a trail work day and grand opening in the not too distant future -- pandemic permitting.

Springtime view to the north from the Sonora Community Trail.

Trail Heads & cool clear ditch water

Also, we went hiking in early June!  The pandemic eased and the stay-at-home order was modified.  We offered three hikes with group sizes limited to 10 per outing.  On Friday, June 5, we did a 13.5-mile loop from Twain Harte to Lyons Lake.  We walked up the ditch and flume trail and back via the Confidence Railroad Grade.Confidence Railroad Grade.

Trail Heads at Arnot Creek in the Donnell Fire Burn Scar

On Saturday, June 6, we hit the high country with a 6.5-mile hike on the Arnot Creek Trail, off of Clark Fork Rd.  Highlights included crossing the creek on a massive downed log, the largest and healthiest population of Pussypaws (a wildflower) I've ever seen, and a tree whose bark had been shredded by a bear!

Doggos and peoples alike enjoyed the hike

On Sunday, June 7, we opted for the short, strenuous Dutchess Mine Trail.  This trail starts at the north east side of the Parrotts Ferry Bridge and scales Table Mountain gaining 1000' in a short 1.5 miles (a 3 mile loop).  The views were spectacular!

Looking toward Murphys from the top of Table Mtn.

Since we'd taken a hiatus from hiking for a couple months, our programs have been lacking the "Three T's," real-time trip reports from hikers on the trail.  I'm thrilled that in TCT #31 we have my favorite feature back!  Give a listen:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZotXgSDkj_l8BNA0eADhWwlR4KFaMUVC/view?usp=sharing

TCT #30 -- The Four Founders

Three of the Four Founders -- Robert Swift, Vonna Breeze-Martin & Deb Campbell (not pictured: Wendy)

On the Sugar Pine Railroad Grade-Strawberry Branch [Fraser Flat], July 2009

Tuolumne County Trailhead as an interactive radio show/hiking group is about three years old but actually was born 11 years ago, as a Facebook group.  It was intended as a meet-up space for hikers looking for partners.  Our first hikes were at the Red Hills and Fraser Flat with a core I've come to call "The Four Founders":  Vonna Breeze-Martin, Deborah Campbell, Robert Swift, and me.  The COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place order aroused fond memories of getting together with you Trail Heads.  Naturally, my mind drifted back to TCT's beginnings, and I decided to get the old group together again -- for a Zoom conversation.  Listen to us chat about the good old days, wax philosophical about the mental benefits of being in the outdoors, our plans for future adventures, and more.  Here's a link to the radio episode "TCT #30 -- The Four Founders": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CGKy4SCqlTHGUxzKyiegacFBJVAExPas/view?usp=sharing

Robert on a

recent TCT hike

Deb at Angels Landing, Zion NP                                                Vonna

Also, hang in there Trail Heads -- Wendy's working on a plan to get out together:  more hikes in small groups.  Stay tuned!


Here's a link to the "On Being" podcast Vonna mentions in the program:
https://onbeing.org/programs/john-odonohue-the-inner-landscape-of-beauty-aug2017/