The Big Tree – Largest White Fir in Northern American – Loafer Canyon

 

Saturday, August 24, 2013 – Oh Happy Day….I have been to Loafer Canyon countless times since I was six years old…..never had I been to The Big Tree.  It was a mystery to me, where was this enormous wonder, would I really be able to make the rigorous 45 minute hike, would I survive the hike back down even?  I am one lucky girl…I don’t need an escort through the gate to the trail head that is on private ground, I belong to the Loafer Canyon Homeowners Association, therefore, I can go to the mountain anytime I like! 

Saturday’s weather was stunningly autumnal and clear(Mostly), and we were rewarded for the short but steep hike by a magnificent view of the monumental white fir that is known to so many as The Big Tree. This particular tree is the largest white fir (Abies concolor) on record in North America

As we arrived at the cabin Friday afternoon, Vickie’s comment as we got out of the car “This is what God meant the world to be!”  It brings tears to my eyes thinking about the serenity we felt in the canyon.   And in our journey, we discover a secret - there's is beautiful sunlight coming through the grove of trees with sheets of rain falling to make the summer heat bearable.  "NO BEARS” on this trail thank goodness!

You will come to a meadow the tree isn’t far from the meadow, the path is well worn, and there is no question you have arrived when you turn the bend.  But before you get there it is like a trip with the little ones...”Are we there yet?’  except our question was, “Is this the meadow, not yet… Instead, at the crest of each little hill we saw only another rise ahead, we were grateful for the cool weather, misting rain, and walking sticks we had picked up before we got very far into the hike.  “How much further? When are we going to see it?  Why are there so many hills? This is horrible!” I continued. “I’m in really bad shape, we need to stop again!”  “Have we come a mile yet?  “They said it was only 1 mile….!”   "I sure hope this is worth all this effort!” 

Fall is almost here…you can feel it in the air, you can see it in the trees, and when we return to the cabin we will be able to settle in with a nice dinner, cozy blankets, and peace & quiet.  

There she is………Majestic, Tower, and Formidable a sight that is amazingly awesome and in my own backyard for so many years.  She measures

Circumference: 244

Height: 101

Spread: 56

Total Points: 359

You just need to stay close to the earth to learn how God does things, and close to your family to nurture your heart…be a tree hugger!

Nancy was a wonderful guide, after all she has watch “Naked and Afraid”!  She knew how to mark the trail when we had cell service, we wore good hiking shoes, she told me what we would do if the rain was to heavy, and most of all she was so understanding when I said…”GOTTA STOP AGAIN!” 

Can’t Beat Puerto Rican Food

Asopao de Pollo

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – camarones, or pork stew meat

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 serving light adobo seasoning Sazon’ Goya

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 1/2 cups medium-grain rice

2(14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

sliced avocado

fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Season chicken thighs with black pepper and abodo seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Cook and stir green pepper, red pepper, onion, garlic and tomato paste in the hot oil until the vegetables have softened slightly.  3 to 4 minutes.  Remove vegetables from the pot and set aside.

3. Pan fry chicken in the pot until browned, 4 to 5 minutes on each side.  Return cooked vegetables to the pot along with rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until rice is tender and chicken is no longer pink inside, about 20 – 25 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and discard bay leaf.  Stir in cilantro and avocado. Serve 

First day back to work, grandma wasn’t feeling well so came home and stirred this fine pot of stew together.  Kendry devoured it, grandma loved it, and I certainly ate my share.  I’m sure this will be added to our list of favorites this fall.