Missing Jim Ingram: handyman, Christian, musician, "Ben Harris"

We lost another Mineral King pioneer last Wednesday.

Jim Ingram was a stalwart member of the Mineral King community who truly enjoyed giving to others and constantly volunteered his expertise to help in any way he could. He was both on the board of the Mineral King Preservation Society and the Mineral King District Association for decades. Jim was one of the driving forces behind saving the cabins in Mineral King with the changing lease terms with the National Park service.

Jim was constantly engaged, learning new things, sharing his knowledge and fixing things that other people couldn't. His last onsite service call was just a week before his passing when he fixed a signal light in Tehachapi.

I know that many of us have had our lives changed by Jim and his kindness.

A celebration of life will occur, but the family and I are waiting to make some decisions and I will release more info when the time is right. Meanwhile the family would love to hear any stories you have of Jim and/or photos. You can either email these to idecingram@gmail.com or mail them to 1744 E Caldwell Ave, Visalia CA 93292.

We all recognize that Jim was firmly focused on Jesus Christ and is with Him now.

Forrest Jones

Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families

The Interagency Annual Military Pass has been expanded to include both veterans and Gold Star Families. On November 11, 2020, agencies began issuing Interagency Military Passes to veterans and Gold Star Families upon request and with proof of eligibility as described below. 

 For purposes of this program, a veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and is able to present one of the following forms of identification or the Interagency Military Pass when entering a national park: 

• Department of Defense Identification Card (CAC Card) 
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) 
• Veteran ID Card 
• Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card 

Free access is for the veteran or the holder of the Gold Star Family voucher as well as travelling companions who are occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR the veteran or voucher-holder and three persons (16 and older) where per person fees are charged. Click https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm for details and more information. 

And thank you for your sacrifice!

Mineral King Pioneer Passes

 From Judy Bedell:

"I wanted to share the sad news of the passing of Phyllis Bedell.  Don and Phyllis operated the Mineral King Pack Station for many years in the 1970's to 80's.  Phyllis was known for her hospitality, patience and great pancakes.  

She loved having her children and grandchildren visit the Pack Station and she hardly ever complained about all the work, dirty laundry and living without "real" electricity.  Phyllis will be missed but we know she is in heaven in peace and with her family members. 

A memorial celebration will be held later this spring in the Paso Robles area. If you would like to be included in receiving upcoming information, send me a message and I will add you to our long list of Phyllis admirers.  God Bless You Phyllis!!!"

Pile Burn Scheduled for Mineral King Area

The latest from our Fire Specialist:

PILE BURNING AT LOOKOUT POINT (MINERAL KING - SEQUOIA NP)

Theune, Michael J

January 25, 2021 8:21 AM

Good morning,

Thank you for all your time,

For the next few days, pending favorable weather, fuel conditions, and access, fire crews will be burning cut vegetation piles created from defensible space projects.

In total there are about a dozen piles in the Lookout Point area of Mineral King we will be focusing on.

Smoke and / or flames may be visible from roads or trails. Fire crews will monitor the piles as they burndown and self-extinguish.

Mike Theune

---------------------------------

Fire Communication and Education Specialist (Fire PIO)

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Phone: 559-565-3703 | Typical days off: Friday, Saturday, and every other Sunday.

go.nps.gov/sekifire

Mineral King Campgrounds

Today (January 22) on Twitter, @SequoiaKingsNPS posted a notice that campground reservations will be available beginning February 9 through recreation.gov.  However, if you follow the link and look up the two locations in Mineral King--Atwell Mill and Cold Springs--both searches result in, "campground does not offer reservations through recreation.gov."

I wonder if this means both of these Mineral King campgrounds will be available by walk-up only, as they have been in the past?

A Chat with Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP and Nat'l Forest

The public is invited to join us on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. for an evening of conversation with Superintendent Jordan from Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks and Forest Supervisor Theresa Benson from Sequoia Nat'l Forest & Giant Sequoia Nat'l Monument on what is happening in the parks and what visitors can expect in 2021. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the parks and forest.

This chat will take place on the SEKI Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaKingsNPS

Attendance is free but registration is required. Questions can be submitted in advance or via the chat box during the webinar. Registration will be open January 13 through Tuesday, January 26, or until full.

REGISTER HERE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_FcOBDTFBQy2bKVJjOOqAwQ

New Years at Mineral King

Some folks spent New Year's weekend at Mineral King, and assembled a collection of almost 100 photos.  Here's a sneak preview.

If you want to see the entire collection, the link is here: https://yourownhike.com/pics/sequoia2020dec/