Surveying the Land {the quest for Kern River Trail}.

This all started with an internet search. Doesn't it always? I searched 'Hiking Trails near Bakersfield.' And over and over, every site said that the Kern River Trail was a good one. Moderate slopes, 5.2 miles one way. Perfect I thought! And as an added bonus, there was information on wildflower viewing mid-March to late-April! Ally's lucky day! 

I thought, "Let's Go!" So we packed a lunch, hopped in the truck, and started driving. We entered the Kern Canyon. And drove.

And drove.

And drove. 
Sometimes, you get to experience this rare thing where the radio plays all of your current favs. It was happening on this day. We even heard OUR song (Josh Turner - "Would you go with me"). Love country radio. It will change your life. Really, it will.

Ok. Back to Kern River Trail. On one of the websites, it said the trailhead was off Hyw 178 and Delonegha Rd. In fact, the website even said "You can't miss it!" Pu-lease. Jay and I SEARCHED for the trailhead. Forever.

This, my friends, is Lake Isabella. If you get to Lake Isabella, you have gone WAY to far. We went way to far. We got swept away with the music. And the drive. And the wind. Oh, let's be honest. We got lost... and we couldn't find the trailhead.

So we stopped at the Lake, planning our next move.

I got out to see if it was cold. It wasn't. Spring is in the air. Makes me a happy girl.

Jay stayed in the truck.

Since we didn't find the trailhead, we decided to forget it. We picked a different turn off and went for it. Black Gulch South. Never heard of it. Let's do it.

It was a wide sandy trail. Not what we expected, but a nice little walk. Afterwards, I found out that it is actually for off-road vehicles, but the the access road was closed. So it made for a peaceful little afternoon.

And there were wildflowers. I love wildflowers. They make me feel alive. Look at them growing out there on their own. No caretaker or anything. If I were a flower, I would like to be a wild one.

There were also pine cones at big as your head. "I've got a lovely bunch of pine cones, diddle-de-dee. There they are a'standing in a row..." Lion King? Anyone?

There were nice open spaces near the river to picnic at... or camp. But you GOT to bring your own shovel if you're going to camp! The sign said! And we all know you GOT to! Camper's Code!

 

We had a lovely little stroll, ate our lunch and then walked back to the truck. 

And wouldn't you know it... on our drive back down the canyon, we saw the trailhead for the elusive Kern River Trail. We plan on doing it soon. I'll let you know how it goes. In fact, you should just come with us.