Sequoia National Park Sign

     Well, we finally finished chores we did not do because we were on a trip. Now it is time to add to the traveling story, with plenty of pictures. I have to say there is a reason national parks have been made national parks, and we are always amazed at the grandeur and beauty of every park we visit. You could spend years exploring each one, without finding, or seeing, all of the special things each has to offer. The other part of the fun of our trips is doing it on a budget of $100 per day, and we were able to come in about $10 per day under budget. Pictures and stories cannot replace actually visiting these places, but I will share ours in the hope that it plants that travel seed in your lives.

     We made our basecamp at the Visalia, California Kampgrounds Of America (KOA), which is located in an industrial area on the west side of town. It is within 3 miles of a Save Mart grocery store, less than a mile to a convenience store/gas station, 42 miles to the entrance to Sequoia National Park, and you can get some basics at the KOA store that you might not want to carry on a motorcycle (firewood by the bundle is one example). We have a KOA membership which saves us 10% for each night we stay, and we earn points to redeem for later stays. On our summer trip, the points paid for a Kamp Kabin when we did not feel like setting up the tent after a long day on the road. Our camping tent site had power and water, which is nice to have for charging devices like our portable speakers, phones, iPads, and my computer and close water is very handy. The power and water sites were only $8-10 more per day than the simple tent sites, so I sprung for the convenience. Some other great things about staying at a KOA are showers, usually a small store, washers, dryers, and most have swimming pools (seasonal, but essential for cooling off after a long hot day). Staying at state or national campgrounds would be less expensive and much more rustic. We find that camping at KOA makes a fine balance of cost versus amenities, and it is essential to maintaining our travel budget.

Home Sweet Home Away from Home at the Visalia KOA

     

     We left one day early for our trip, on Sunday, October 2nd, because of a potential snowstorm over Donner Summit. Fortunately this gave us the time to ride highway 49 through the west foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Definitely a motorcycle riding road. We arrived in Visalia on Monday afternoon, picked up our groceries, made camp, and had some steak cooked over the campfire and salad for dinner. Tuesday we made our way into Sequoia National Park.

 Entering the park

Moro Rock from the Hospital Rock pullout

   
     Initially entering Sequoia National Park is an adventure in itself. After traveling through fruit tree farms for miles, we hit the foothills. Speed drops as the road gets more curvy, and once we entered the park, the road becomes very twisty with a steady grade increase of 8-10 percent. There are multiple 10 and 15 mile per hour turns for miles. Visalia is about 600 feet above sea level, and by the time we were near the first of the main attractions, we were above 6,000 feet. One of the first landmarks is Moro Rock, a very large granite dome. A right turn at the Giant Forest Museum put us on the road to the trail to the top of Moro Rock. The hike was mildly strenuous, but not very long. The view was spectacular, and we could see some of the road we rode up while looking at the rock from below.

 View East from Moro Rock

 View South from Moro Rock

Part of the Road into Sequoia National Park from Moro Rock

     We also visited the Auto Log, which is a sequoia tree that fell over in 1917 and was carved so people could park their cars on it to take a picture. It is more than 20 feet in diameter at the base, the scale of which can only be imagined with something, or someone, next to it for scale. We also got to ride through the tunnel log, with the top of the opening at eight feet tall.

 Josh Standing on the Roots of the Auto Log

Looking at the Auto Log from the Roots

Riding the Twins through the Tunnel Log

     Our next stop was the General Sherman Tree. Another half mile hike brought us to General Sherman, A sequoia tree with a diameter of nearly 36 feet and a height of 275 feet. Our first impression was that the sequoia trees were not that tall, but the girth of the trees is so large that it makes them look shorter than they are. Once again, something, or someone, next to the trees shows their scale. Sequoia trees are the largest trees in the world.

 More Motorcyclists that came to see General Sherman

The People at the Base of the Tree are Standing 20 Feet away from it

General Sherman from a Different Angle; the One in the Center of the Picture. Look Carefully to the Left of Sherman to see the Person for scale.

     We rode a little further into the park that day, but turned back toward camp as it was getting late. We stopped at the grocery store for our evening meal, bratwurst for me and salmon for Lissy (supplemented with boil in the bag rice), and we also picked up our usual beer and lunch for the next two days. A baguette, one small salami, Baby Bell cheese, and two huge Golden Delicious apples (given to us by a couple in Placerville that had recently traveled to Washington state) were enough to get us through the next two days of lunch. We went a little over budget for the day, however we did not have to buy food the next day. We rode 120 miles and hiked 4 miles, not a bad day at all.

     Wednesday we got an earlier start towards King's Canyon, with a longer ride planned for the day. Our ride followed the same initial route, but with a left and a quick right turn just East of Lemon Cove, CA. Headed North, we stayed west of both parks with the intent of entering through the King's Canyon gate. The GPS took us through some great 1 1/2 lane twisty roads, where we had to take our time to ensure no head-on accidents. We learned that when the lines aren't painted on the road, two lane traffic is expected but we must be gracious with oncoming traffic. There was literally one or two cars for 20-30 miles, and the weather was beautiful for riding a motorcycle. We hit two road construction/tree clearing stops, but the delays were minor and the smell of cut cedar was amazing. By the time we got to the entrance to King's Canyon, we were in a great mood.

     Once in the park, it is a steady 35 mile per hour drive to the end of King's Canyon, for 35-40 miles. A beautiful, breathtaking, not many places to stop for pictures, 35-40 miles. Once again a steady (mostly) grade of 8-10%, the elevation change was constant, yet we were going downhill into the park at this point. The canyon walls, which were not actually in the park at this point, were so sheer that there was barely room for the South fork of the King's River and the road we were riding on. There was more small rockfall than any other stretch of road I can remember, probably because of the sheer walls of the canyon. We managed to avoid the rocks and make our way back into King's Canyon National Park for a nice picnic on the river in Cedar Grove. After our lunch, we rode to the east end of the canyon and turned around for home (camp). We rode back to the Hume Lake Road, and headed south through the Sequoia Park entrance on the way back. We enjoyed 250 miles, and after beer and liquor shopping, we arrived back at camp after sundown.

 Josh by the South Fork of the King's River at Cedar Grove

 Lissy and Josh at the King's Canyon Sign

Panoramic View of the South Fork of the King's River at Cedar Grove

     We spent Thursday at camp. I started reading a book my godmother got for me (Shop Class as Soulcraft, by Matthew B. Crawford; thank you Jeanne), and Lissy was content to knit all day. We ordered a pizza and wings from Mountain Mike's for dinner, with the intent of having cold pizza for breakfast to save time for traveling home on Friday. Friday, by the way, was a day of nice riding weather for 350 miles up Highway 99 and over 80 back to home sweet home. It is always great to travel, but it is always nice to get back to your own bed.

     Cooking our own food is also essential to traveling inexpensively. Over the years we have acquired mess kits, a Whisperlite International backpacking stove, the assorted fuel bottles, sleeping bags, folding camp chairs, a cooler, and so on. We plan a stop at the local grocery store each day to get supplies for making dinner and those end of the day beers that wash away the road grime in a way that only beer can. One of our easy staple recipes is ramen with fresh vegetables and some sort of protein (we have used everything from lunchmeat to shrimp). On our first night we used some leftover steak we brought from home, some fresh vegetables, and one package of ramen. The whole meal cost about $3. We also regularly make re-hydrated hash browns, bacon or sausage, eggs over easy, and some type of juice for breakfast, also about $3 per meal for both of us. We also pack a coffee press and grind the beans at home before we leave, which makes for great tasting coffee for very little money. Packing a picnic lunch is also essential for ease and saving on the cost. Getting food in a national park is expensive, and you have to deal with the throngs of humanity. We used almost one liter of white gas/Coleman fuel for the whole six day trip (about $8 worth). You can eat well for very little.

Ingredients for Dinner in Placerville, CA

Breakfast Cooking in Visalia on Tuesday Morning

     I am going to save the cost breakdown for another day, but I can say for a six day trip, at a goal of under $100 per day, we came in about $40 under budget. There were certainly some liberties taken buying expensive meats and cheeses, and we still spent a little less than we had planned. I know I can sing the song "One Hell of a Life" by Katell Keineg in earnest, and we are ready to start our next adventure as soon as possible. "Camp costs" and "camp kitchen" are rambling around in my head, and hopefully will be spilling out soon. See you on the road... 

Hi All. We have had a wonderful couple of days riding and hiking in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Unfortunately the internet at our campground slams on the breaks if you download/upload any pictures. We are spending the day tomorrow relaxing (after 140 miles on Tuesday and 250 today), so I will have time to update the play by play. The pictures and descriptions will have to wait until we get back to our cable internet.

Day 1, October 2, 2016

     Early start to beat the weather, if you call 9:30 early. We would have left at the same time if we had the 6-7 hours on the road to our original destination Visalia, CA, but Ma Nature forced us to leave early for a mad dash over Donner summit before snow happened. We arrived at the Placerville Kampgrounds of America (KOA) early enough, though we still had to set up the tent in the rain. The weather has mellowed out nicely, and we are settling in for a cool evening.

     We had a nice, albeit cool, ride over Donner summit, with the main concern being everyone wanting to get where they were going very quickly. Lissy even had a car come within 6 inches of her bike during the trip (luckily she is not one to lash out at such people, or she could have kicked a nice dent into the door of the offending car). We made it safe and sound to our destination, and we are enjoying the peace and quiet of a campground on a Sunday night.

     As for the expenses; I said before I am assuming leaving with a full tank of gas and all other pre-trip expenses being taken care of before we start out. We packed our lunch, so we were able to snack as we went along our way. We stopped in Placerville, CA to get groceries, beer, and gas before we went to the campground. We spent $24.42 on beer and groceries, $22.75 on gas for both bikes, and $35.10 for our campsite for the evening. That adds up to a grand total of $82.27 for the day.

     Granted we have invested money over the years in our camping gear. Time will tell what works and what does not. We have found that you get what you pay for, and paying the price to buy gear from a reputable source makes for easy warranty fixes and returns of gear that does not meet expectations. I highly recommend REI and Costco for their return policies.

     Now for the inexpensive dinner (more than half of our grocery bill was for beer). We brought some leftover steak, and I bought one package of Top Ramen, crimini mushrooms, a red bell pepper, a bulb of garlic, and green onions; easy road soup with noodles. I also bought sausage, and orange juice to have with the eggs and hash browns we brought. I could add the cost of the dehydrated hash browns ($1.20) and the eggs (2 eggs at approximately 33 cents apiece, if you buy 18 for $6). And the breakfast items should really count toward tomorrows count.

     We used the Kamp Kitchen to make dinner, so we did not use any of the White gas we brought yet (about $7.00 worth).

     Time for bed, so we can ride highway 49 to Oakhurst tomorrow. Stay tuned...

When you ride a motorcycle, Ma Nature has a way of making you change your plans...

     Well, we were going to leave on Monday, but we don't have chains or snow tires for the bikes. We are hoping to travel through the small window when it is above freezing and before the precipitation starts over Donner Summit on Sunday morning. It all adds up to an extra night camping in Placerville, CA, and then we will have the time to ride highway 49 from Placerville to Oakhurst, then 41 and 99 to Visalia on Monday. Even though we are adding an additional travel day and the related expenses, I will still use the "less than $100 per day" threshold. Staying in Placerville will cost $35.01 for the night. Stay tuned for the play by play...

     Well, I am excited about taking another trip, and I can't stop thinking about the logistics. A trip to the gear store to see about the warranty on my camp chair, and to buy a new gadget, only served to stoke the fire. Two of the most important things when we travel are our accommodations and meal preparation. Sleeping well is an important part of traveling happily and, more importantly, safely. Preparing our own meals makes for fresh unprocessed foods, and it cuts down on expenses when you make your own food compared to eating out. If you are properly prepared both are easily accomplished.

   

     When we first started traveling on our motorcycles, we used my backpacking equipment. It is lightweight, compact, and durable. Our accommodations were a two person three season tent, two inflatable sleeping pads, and two zero degree sleeping bags. We used the tarps for covering our gear on the road as a ground cloth for the tent, and we had a small vestibule for our travel bags. We were comfortable, and we managed to stay dry through some pretty intense evening rainstorms. It was on our honeymoon trip to the north rim of the Grand Canyon that the idea of upgrading came to mind. We were camping with some friends that drove their pickup truck, and during a heavy downpour we all sat in their tent's vestibule (in our chairs with a small table) and played cards. After realizing that we could not really both sit up at the same time in our small tent, changing clothes while laying down was a pain in the neck (sometimes literally), and we were riding motorcycles and not backpacking, we decided to upgrade our accommodations.

     We traveled with this setup for about two and a half years. It is a four person tent with a large vestibule, which made for plenty of room for us and our gear. We still used the backpacking sleeping pads to save on room and weight. We even rode out an intense thunderstorm in Grants, NM one night, eating a cold dinner because it was just to windy and rainy to cook safely with the gas stove. After a failed warranty repair, our gear store gave us a credit for the tent (If you are curious about brand names, leave a comment, and I will get back to you as soon as I can), and we have upgraded again. It is still a four person tent, but with an added vestibule (garage). We have also upgraded to a queen size air mattress that we inflate with a 12 volt air pump. We also bought a footprint for the tent to replace the tarp we used to carry. It is easier to set up, and takes up less space. In the end, the 15 pounds of gear we gained makes for a much better sleeping experience.

     Our camp kitchen is also based on the backpacking equipment from the good old days. Fortunately we are using the 20 year old stove to make for good new days as well. I have rebuilt the white gas camp stove once, with a kit from the manufacturer. In a pinch, the stove will also run on unleaded gasoline, but I am afraid of the potential smell and/or taste that might impart to the food. White gas travels well, burns clean, and can be purchased at most outdoor gear suppliers and hardware stores. I was even able to buy a quart at a store in Yellowstone National Park on our last trip. Another advantage is using refillable gas containers and reducing the waste of disposable fuel canisters. White gas stoves take a bit of getting used to, as there is a priming burn to deal with, but once you are practiced, it makes the most sense. Coleman fuel is around $15.00 for a gallon, and I have never used more than a half gallon on a month long trip. 

     We also carry a backpacking pot and pan kit, folding bowls, thin flexible cutting boards, a small kitchen knife, metal collapsable roasting sticks, a coffee press, two small insulated coffee cups, 40 oz water bottles, a two gallon collapsable water bladder, and more. Everything nests within everything else, and it all fits in an oval shaped dry bag in a package about 16in wide x 8in thick x 16in tall. I also carry a cooler that can fit our daily needs plus a 7 lb bag of cubed or a block of ice. Carrying eggs can be a pain, so we are going to try cracking them into a small sealed container and using scrambled eggs for breakfast. I will be sure to post examples and pictures on our upcoming trip. I will also discuss the end of the travel day shopping trip and how to shop for meals for two people.

     I could go on and on about every little aspect of our trips, and I will be sure and do so as we travel.    

If you have any insights, suggestions, or questions, feel free to comment. I will get back to you as soon as I can. In the mean time, remember an adventure is only a thought away.

     Hi All. I have spent years honing my ability to travel carrying everything I need in a backpack and later on my motorcycle. Two themes have emerged from the experience. One is the ability travel lightly, and the other is to be able to do it on the cheap. Everyone should take the time to travel, unwind, and not worry about breaking the bank to make it happen. I hope to share my experience making all three happen, in order for you to do so as well. Sit down, hold on, and get ready for a ride you will not forget.

     I learned early on in my backpacking experiences what was extraneous and what was essential. When carrying everything you own on your back, it is easy to understand that every ounce matters. After every backpacking trip I thought more and more about what I could do without. Winter camping required at least a three season tent where I camped. A good cook stove was also important, and I still think white gas trumps other fuel sources. Of course you need a good mess kit, with a pot, pan, a bowl or plate, drinking cup, utensils, some way of making coffee, and so on. An appropriate weight sleeping bag and sleeping pad are also important, as is the means to carry all of the equipment while keeping it dry and ready to use. As you can see, the list can grow quickly. Understanding the bare essentials can be understood through recommendations, however experience is the best teacher when it comes to what to carry. Weight allowances also change with the means of travel. I pared my summer backpacking load to 25 pounds or less, but I can carry a bit more on the motorcycle. And of course I could carry even more if I were to go camping in my car. The point is, the simpler, the better, There is no reason to make a relaxing escape more complicated than it needs to be.
 

     Cost is the main consideration in deciding on what type of trip to take when you have some free time. I have to preface the whole experience with the understanding that there is an initial investment in equipment. Backpacking and camping in general both require buying the basic camping supplies. A tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, flashlights/headlamps, cooler, cooking stove/pots, camp chairs, water containers, and so on. There are many things that make the difference between surviving, camping comfortably, and realizing you have overburdened yourself to the point of discomfort. Start simply, and you will figure out what suits your style and means of travel over time. Basic camping necessities (for two) will cost between $300-500. This will get you on the road. Other options include travel trailers or recreational vehicles, which can add considerable initial and residual costs to your travels. I will stick to the idea of tent camping. After that the cost is the combination of gas, food, and lodging. A National Parks Pass will save a bundle, as will a membership to a national camping chain or motel chain.

     The first thing we all have to do for a road trip is fuel up. For my calculations of trip costs, I am assuming starting with a full tank of gas and all of the basic necessities for the trip. This includes the vehicles, gear, and related costs. I have to add, we pay $80 for an annual National Parks Pass (which saves us a bundle, and if you are over 65 or a veteran, it is free or only $10 for a lifetime pass). After the initial leaving town stop, all fuel, lodging, food, and incidental costs should be accounted for. My wife and I both ride our own motorcycles, and I account for the fuel for both during our trips. So far, we have been able to travel for under $100 per day on our trips, including fuel, lodging, and food.

     We are going to stay in Visalia, CA at our regular national camping chain and visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Forest on a four night trip. We will leave Sparks, NV on Monday, October 3rd, and return home on Friday, October 7th. Five days on the road, and under $500. I will post the trip, show the costs, and give tips on how to make it happen. I already booked the campsite for four nights. We will have power and water available at our tent camping site for $127.92 for the trip (we saved 10% with our membership to the national camping chain, and we earned some points toward some free camping). So far, that is $31.92 per night (for four nights), or $25.58 per day for the five days of travel.

     Stay tuned for the play by play starting October 3rd...