One more...

It seems like we are starting a pattern...after the long trip, we just did not get enough so we returned to the Pinnacles National Park.

This time we chose to go in the opposite side of the park.  It was like going to a different park all together.

We drove almost right up to the trail head.  We would have been even closer but the road was closed.

 

We took the Bear Gulch Trail (a mile loop trail) through talus caves.  This type of cave is made when boulders fall into canyon and create crevices.  Although we did not see any, bats will take up residence in these caves just like other types of caves.  It was very interesting to see these large rocks overhead with little holding them in place.  Since this park is along a fault line, it seems to me that a hiker could be in danger at any given time.

Regardless of this danger, we hiked the trail along with other visitors.  We enjoyed the narrow spaces and small water ways throughout.  We saw many different kinds of birds and took a lot of pictures.

We had the privilege of two great scouts and one trainee scout to lead the way.  At one point toward the end of the trail, we were stopped by the youngest of these scouts to tell us to stop and wait for a snake to cross the trail.  You might think he was concerned about our safety...nope!  He knew it was not venomous...Amanda would be proud!  He was concerned that the snake would get hurt.  It was a pretty snake and we watched it leave the area.  We then continued on our way.

What a great way to enjoy the morning.  With a park this close, we will have plenty of time to explore new area often.  This park is known for its renewal of the California condor.  This was our second attempt to see these enormous birds.  We were told it was just too hot and they were enjoying the cooler temperatures near the coast.  I guess they have their vacation home too!