Last weekend the Restore Hetch Hetchy Board and numerous supporters celebrated Earth Day with a short trip to (where else?) Hetch Hetchy. On Saturday, after a morning board meeting, we toured the newly restored Ackerson Meadow and enjoyed an evening reception at the Evergreen Lodge. On Sunday, we went to Hetch Hetchy and out to Wapama Falls.
The weather was a bit dicey, but the cold rain and snow held off (mostly) as we explored Ackerson and sauntered along the trail at Hetch Hetchy. (‘Twas John Muir who preferred “saunter” in replace of “hike” as a reminder that our time in these spectacular landscapes in to be cherished, not endured.)
John Muir leading an outing to Hetch Hetchy in 1909: “Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.” Photo: University of the Pacific
Simply put, our weekend at Hetch Hetchy was wonderful. A beautiful trip in the mountains, time for political strategizing with the board, and being inspired by long-time supporters and new friends alike. If you haven’t been to Hetch Hetchy, please go. It is spectacular year-round, but it is kind of special when you can avoid the crowds.
Restoration Superintendent Frank Perez and board member Mark Cederborg explained the restoration process at nearby Ackerson meadow which had been destroyed by cattle grazing. Similar expertise will be employed when Hetch Hetchy Valley is restored – much of which will again be a meadow.
New and old friends joined us for a yummy buffet at the Evergreen Lodge.
Great to be sauntering along the trail with friends.
The only this wrong with this picture? That darned reservoir where a serene valley is supposed to be!