I posted this on the KRFF site and thought it relates here also.
Note: I held off posting this for a few weeks, waiting to see if the Rangers found anything out. So far no reply from them, so I thought people who visit the general area should know about what happened.
Last month I headed up to a fairly remote area of the Kern Plateau for some small water fly fishing, just me and our 3 dogs. The place I go is surprisingly remote and each time I visit I'm amazed we can drive there. To get to this area you travel about 20+ miles on dirt roads. How remote is it, well for the last 17 miles of dirt road, I did not see another person, in fact, I did not see anyone until very early Sunday morning.
When we arrived, it was perfect, warm sun, a little windy, but the location is one the best in the Sierra's. I spent the next days hiking, exploring and fishing for native trout, catching dozens and releasing them for next time. Life was good. On Saturday, I went to make dinner and could not find the oil? It was there earlier, so I started looking around and noticed a few other things were missing, salt and pepper, can goods, etc...******? Remember, this is way out there and I have seen no one for 3 days. No tire tracks on the roads since the last storm, but mine! Plus, all these items are in a metal box with spring clamps.
Huh! Well, someone took them while I was out and about. They must have needed these items pretty bad to "Borrow" them without asking or even a note. I was never gone for more than a couple of hours, but... There were also other things that could be borrowed that were more valuable, so maybe they were just hungry?
Well, the dogs and I had a nice meal (minus salt and pepper!), had a cocktail or two and enjoyed a clear 8000' star filled night. I slept on the roof rack and dogs in the back of my FJ60. It was pretty darn cold, all the water froze each night, so we were all were tucked in pretty tight. Slept like a baby...Until!
Sometime before sun up, I hear the dogs go off! Thinking it's an animal, I fumble for my light. As I'm doing this, I hear a click! I know that sound, it's the magnet I use to keep my fishing poles from falling over. A horseshoe shaped magnet stuck to the side of my LandCrusher. I find the light and shine it down.... I see a guy standing there like a dear in the headlights with my fly rod in his hand! Remember we have seen no one for 3 days and nearly 20 miles! I yell, he drops the rod and he takes off into the tree's!
It was dark, and I was just woken up, but I could see enough of the guy to make out he was pretty scruffy looking and was not carrying any kind of pack. I assumed he must be camped around somewhere close to be out at around 5AM! At that point I'm awake, so I get up and start to think about what's just happened and then missing food comes to mind! I kept my pistol close and let the hounds have a look about while I sort things out.
As the sun comes up, it's about 30 degree's, so I make some tea and try to decide what to do. The dogs did not chase anyone, I had yelled get the f&^^$ out of here before I get my gun at the guy, it had been a couple of hours, so I decided to just pack it in, instead of fishing as planned. Packing and the drive out were uneventful, except in my mind.
I stopped by the Sequoia Ranger station and reported what had happened that morning. At first the office staff listened to my story and looked surprised, saying they had never heard of something like this happening. They told me the LE Ranger was on the other side of the mountain, but they would let him know and for me to call back the next day.
When I called, I told the LE Ranger what happened and how I thought someone may be living back there, then the ranger started to speak and there was a pause. He went on how he did not want to sound alarmist, but that what it sounded like to him was pot growers! It turns out they having a problem with growers in the forest, and sometimes, the guys working the plants run out of food, or their resupply people don't show up, so they visit camps! WOW! I had heard about growers in the forest, but it appear to be more common than I knew about.
The ranger told me they would go up there and check it out the next day and asked for detailed location of my camp. He was familiar with the area and knew the exact location.
I don't know if I will ever know the outcome from the rangers looking around, but it does make you think! I have been to this spot many times, and on this trip I drove and hiked around and saw no one. Where I was, no cell phones, no rangers, no help, just me, 3 dogs and pistol...makes you think!
Doug
