TRIP LEADER: Roger Vargo

Here’s an early fall weekend getaway that ends with a hot meal, warm shower and clean bed. Explore backroad byways and discover a historic past of miners, Indians, loggers and pioneers as we navigate through high desert and pine forest.

WHAT: We’ll follow the basic route of June’s Piute Passage tour, but spend the night in more civilized quarters in the Kern River Valley. The area has a good selection of accommodations. A sit-down meal at a local eatery is included in the trip fee.   Sunday’s itinerary is open. We usually have an optional late morning activity. The area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking and nature trails. Kernville has a selection of antique emporiums and a good local museum and bookstore. Want to stay a little longer? Just extend your motel another night. Kernville has a variety of B&Bs and motels.