Two important lessons that I learned from hiking at Pinnacles National Park: 1) Bring plenty of water and food. This is probably the driest and hottest national park that I have visited thus far; stay nourished or get dried. 2) CA 146 does NOT go through the park; NO road goes through the park. If you want to get from one entrance to the other (east or west), you must drive around the park, which can take about 2 hours. Pinnacles National Park, California Pinnacles National Park houses the remains of part of an volcanic field. The rest of the field can be found 195 miles to the southeast of the park, near Los Angeles. Its landscape is shaped by San Andreas Fault Zone, which runs just east of the park. Despite of harsh climate, Pinnacles National Park is a sanctuary for many native plants and wildlife. View from High Peaks Trail Machete Ridge Caves The talus cave below is formed from fallen boulders. Many species of bats can be found dwelling underneath these boulders, in dark areas. When raining and wet, these caves are closed to the public due to safety and health concerns. Bat droppings are known to carry a variety of microbes, including ones that cause Cave Disease and rabies. Cave Disease (Histoplasmosis) Cave disease is a lung disease caused by an infection from the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is often associated with bird and bat droppings. This fungus thrives in humid condition. Symptoms of Cave Disease are similar to those of pneumonia. Cave Disease is treatable and many people who breathing in the fungus (in the form of spores) do not develop symptoms. Rabies The risk of getting rabies from bats is exceedingly rare, more rare than getting hit by lightning. Regardless, do not get bitten by bats! Talus boulders The Balconies Cave is narrow and twisting, with low ceiling and uneven footing. Passing through requires scrambling over rocks. The cave is dark, so bring flashlights. Balconies Cave Trail View from Balconies Trail Balconies View from High Peaks Trail View from Condor Gulch Trail
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|