Timber Top Camp
Camp Review:
Timber Top sits 3000ft above the trailhead in Big Sur and is imposing as one has to carry water in.
The hike was a little uncomfortable for me as some parts of it are exposed. I mean it’s cliff-side hiking in certain parts.
Even bought I hiked this in the winter, I got way hot. I was thankful for the little bits of shade that presented themselves every half mile or so.
The trail itself was a little overgrown, but clean with no dog poop or trash.
What I Learned:
I wasn’t sure I would be in shape to hike 1000ft per mile, even if the hike was only 3 miles. Not only did I make it, I could have hiked a few more.
Timber Top does not have running water, so I hiked in with 5 liters of water. I had plenty and glad I carried the extra, as washing my face after the hike felt luxurious.
If I had looked up the weather report, or carried a base layer, I would have slept with the tent cover off. Alas, my preparation was just lightly imperfect.
I used the HMG camera bag to carry my x100v for the first time. I loved it!
I tried adding Spam to my re-hydrated rice mix and it was delicious. I’m still planning on moving to a vegan diet for home made rehydrated meals once I finish all the meat I’ve already bought, but I’ll definitely enjoy it while I have it!
Fears Faced:
Being too tired—I wasn’t sure if I should make this trip since I had just come from the Eastern Sierras the night before, but I wanted to challenge myself. With the camp spot I got, I am so glad that I came.
Media Consumed:
Murder on the Orient Express—finished!
People Met:
I met a guy on the trail who runs the Durston Fan Club on Facebook. It was fun to chat to him about backpacks and tents for a spell.
There were these three sheep that was helping the trail maintenance crew keep the bushes at bay. They were pretty cute.
5.7 miles, 3 hrs 33 mins, 3004 ft of ascent
What Happened?
I’ve been eyeing Timbertop for a few weeks and with an opening on my weekend and perfect weather, I decided to go for it. I arrived and parked alongside highway 1. Following the directions on the website, I displayed my Annual National Parks pass on the window. I then started the grueling hike.
Most of the hike was exposed, and with the temperature in the low 60s, I quickly got sweaty even though I was hiking in shorts and a short sleeve shirt. But after an hour or so, the temperature started to drop, and I kept climbing.
I made it to the top with an hour to spare and I ended up setting up my tent on the crest of the hill overlooking the Pacific. I don’t think I’ve ever camped in a more beautiful and quiet spot. I washed up, cooked myself dinner, and went to bed to journal, watch a part of a movie, and play a Wordle clone.
