What does one do in Mineral King when it is too smoky out for any real exertion or appreciation of the scenery?
Sometimes one sits inside with a friend and draws.
Sometimes one does chores, anticipating an early closing due to uncertainty.
That uncertainty chased us all weekend along. We contacted cabin neighbors who were not present to ask if they’d like their cabins drained so at least the pipes wouldn’t freeze. We had no way of knowing if the road would be closed or when we might be suddenly evacuated due to the Coffeepot Fire.
The fire isn’t threatening Mineral King, but if it crossed the East Fork of the Kaweah and started climbing toward the road, there would be too much equipment to allow civilian traffic.
I did some noticing of details, while just hanging around.
There was a short walk to inspect a footbridge that got replaced. Seems that the Park has been attending to some of its neglected maintenance chores.
The little cowgirl insisted on visiting the mules again. This was not recreational, of course.
She was a little braver this time.
Thus, we ended another day on a weekend of uncertainty in Mineral King.
