Unsuccessful hike

I was at the Big Basin Redwood State Park on a Sunday 2 weeks ago. I manage to find 2 guys to go hiking with me, after much persuasion that is. People are so lazy nowadays. :(

As usual, before going somewhere new, I'd look up Google Map, print maps and look for additional information about the park and trails available. There would be ample information online, as for the case of this State Park, there's a dedicated website. Info like trails, history, parking fee, tour, amenities are all available on the website. It is so convenient for first time visitors.

Our plan that day is to hike to Berry Creek Falls, it's a waterfall named after a guy who previously live alone there. The mysterious story of Berry was told in the website.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning, we took off from hotel at about 8am. The drive to Big Basin took about one hour, going on winding road passing by a few vineyard. When we reach there around 9am, it was very cold. The temperature then was 47F (8.33C). Every breath would produce visible smoke, and I love seeing smoke coming out of my mouth and nose.
*The Toyota Corolla (market as Altis in M'sia) has temperature indicator at the meter panel, very useful indeed. Can check the temperature outside before getting out of the car.

Parking is $6 per car. Since it is still early, there were only few cars. We plan to take Skyline to the Sea Trail to Berry Creek Falls and then take Sunset Trail back to the Park HQ. It would take about 5 to 6 hrs and is 10.5miles to and fro.

The sun just started to creep into the forest

We walk at a fast pace to warm ourselves up against the cold weather. After walking for a good 15mins, much to our surprise, we saw this at the split road into the trail we were about to take.

Surprised!!

Fire in the forest? Why are we not told about this when we make our parking payment? We had to take a detour. As we were following the detour sign, the smell of burning woods is getting stronger.

Still burning...

We visit to a state park to get healthier, to clean our lungs. But seems like we're polluting it more if we were keep walking.

Fire and smoke

After a while, we decided to cancel our initial intention to visit Berry Creek Falls and turn back. I just couldn't stand the thick smoke. *cough cough*

We head back to the Park HQ, feeling truly disappointed with the unsuccessful plan. Slowly, we hike back out. Took some photo of trees and stuff we find interesting.

Mushroom found growing on tree trunks

Banana slug, my hands are trembling as I took this picture bcoz the slug is so disgusting. I had to bring my camera very near to it to get a good macro shot

Magnificent tree with scar from previous wildfire

As a summary, this trail was nothing compares to Bukit Larut shortcut trail in terms of steepness and difficulties. On a second, I cannot make that statement because I did not manage to try out the whole trail. Anyway, this would be a good place to hike if not for the fire. The trail was clear and signboard are a plenty. Toilet is clean and free. Parking fee is not too expensive if there are a few people to share. There is also a museum near the park HQ (free entrance) with history on the park, information on animals, trees and insects in the state park.

A group photo before leaving...
It was still very cold but because we had been exercising, the cold was bearable

Dory's Quote of the Day:
"An avid hiker would go the extra mile just to hike"
-such as to wake up early on a Sunday morning
-beg people to go with me
-drive all the way there which took one hour time
-pay $2

For more photos, go to my online album: Big Basin Redwood State Park
(The link might be invalid after some time if my online storage gets full)