Isabella to Porterville and the Sequoia National Forest
A Disaster Day
Our intention was to head North East toward the Sequoias National Forest, however after traveling up the Kern River for some 30 miles we found the road was closed and had to return to Lake Isabella. We then decided that we would take Highway 155 taking the westerly route. This was without doubt the most tiring journey so far, read on.
Toward the Sequoias?
After getting up early and getting the laundry done in the town we set of following the Kern River. The views were superb and the transformation from sandstone to granite quite spectacular. After an hour and rising to to 1800 metres we found that the road was blocked by snow and a big sign telling us so. Disappointed we retraced our steps and took Highway 55 again rising to 1600 metres on a very windy and mostly in low gear. Upon reaching the summit we then had a very arduous journey downhill at times very steep and very twisty with icy patches. Upon reaching the lowland we beat a fast path along the San Joaquin Valley to Porterville ready to try the southerly and main entrance to the Sequoias National Pak when....
My First Accident!
We decided to fill up with petrol, having wasted more than half a tank going up and down the hills. Whilst leaving the petrol pumps I failed to notice how close I was to the concrete bollards protecting the pumps and scrapped and dented one of the offside cargo doors. It still operates but I can see a $200 bill to replace it. It was then that I realised how tired I was and we pulled into the nearby Home Depot Car park and had an early night. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. (See Photographs)
