RCY Ride
Report
Fryman Canyon
with Betty B. Dearing
Trail
Saturday
06-17-06
A half dozen showed up for
Saturday's adventure. The air was already turning hot and a bit humid as
we began to pedal a little after 7:30. But there was a slight breeze
that helped. John (recently returned from Russia via plane), Warner
(recently returned from Machu Picchu in Peru via flying saucer), Rod,
George, Jamshyd and Robco headed towards The Tree People property where we
decided to vary our usual route by heading towards the Betty B. Dearing Trail
before tackling Franklin Canyon.
At the Fryman
Overlook off Mulholland Drive: Rod, John, Jamshyd, George and
Warner
The descent into the thick and
lush Fryman Canyon proved to be slow. Much overgrowth and no trail
maintenance made for difficult travel. At times you could not see the
forest for the trees....or the dirt trail for the brush that covered it.
George endo-ed at one point, hitting a water-bar pipe that was probably hidden
by some mustard grass. But still, all in all the trail was an exciting
adventure and worth the trip. Of course, when we arrived at the rope swing
(a newer, improved one), boys will be boys.
Warner couldn't get
enough swinging in!
On the left, Rod
prepares to 'launch'; on the right, in flight
Although he needed a
boost up, Jamshyd swings like a seasoned ape
John performs antics
while in flight
At the bottom of Betty B. we
bid adieu to Warner (although he met us later for coffee) who headed for
home. The remaining 5 headed back up to the Tree People and eventually
over to Franklin Canyon to peruse the various roads and singletrack of that
area.
A couple of helmeted
heads can be seen making their way down a lush garden path
Colorful flora did
abound amongst the green
Orange Humboldt Lily
sets off this scene
Humboldt Lily
detail
When we reached the base of
the fireroad known as the Hastain Trail, we spoke with a couple of
female hikers who convinced us it was probably going to be a long, hot
climb to pretty much Nowhere, and so we decided to forego the fireroad climb and
instead head back up Franklin Canyon to the Tree People and on to our
cars. Having logged over 16 miles, all but George headed over to
The Good Earth Restaurant for some fine talk and vittles.
Robco Baggins
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