Went with Donna's family and a passel of kids to Icehouse Lake. We commandeered the boat ramp and colonized the area to the left of the ramp up to the trees. There is a nice slope there, but not too scary for the kids.
A lot of snow had melted from the last trip, and the pristine surface was marked with multiple boot, ski, snow shoe, dog and ski machine tracks.
Donna, Janine and I went to the top of the hill with most of the kids. Donna and Janine took some of the kids down on saucers while I hung out throwing snow balls and getting snow balls thrown at me.
The kids soon discovered Commando's love of catching snow balls so he spent most of the day leaping into the air.
The weather and views of the Crystal Range were spectacular. The sun was hot and the breeze didn't stir until after lunch.
Kayla learned to stand on a plastic toboggan and surf down the hill. Little Jackson (3) trudged up and down the hill several times and even rode a saucer all by himself. Everyone else had a great time whether or not it was their first visit to snow or their second or their "so many they can't count any more-th" visit.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Good Weather?
Drove again to Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines. It was sunny in the valley, raining by Placerville, and snowing so heavily in Pollock Pines that chain controls were on a mile east on 50. The roads were relatively slushy and looked good, but who am I to judge?
Got off the exit and followed the snow plow in a long chain of cars toward the lake. I was hoping to park at the little store, but they have figured out this plan and peppered their lot with "No Lake Parking" signs.
We parked in the slush at the entrance, which was relatively free of snow. For some stupid reason, I wore my heavy full cotton sweater. I also had to stop and take my right boot off. I'd worn the shoe insert and a pair of unfamiliar socks that I should through away. My foot was cramping badly. With the insert gone, it was fine.
The lake was pretty and there were quite a few people snowshoeing. That's one of the reasons I avoid this area, it's too crowded with people. The sun tried to peep through the clouds, then it darkened up again and started with fat, puffy and heavy flakes. I turned back. The day was nice enough, but I really didn't want to get my car stuck.
By the time I was committed to heading back, the snow stopped. I could hear the cars swishing along speedily on Sly Park road so apparently the snow plows had gained pavement. My sweater was heavier with water and if I'd had to stop it would have been cold.
Made it to the car and had no problem driving home.
Got off the exit and followed the snow plow in a long chain of cars toward the lake. I was hoping to park at the little store, but they have figured out this plan and peppered their lot with "No Lake Parking" signs.
We parked in the slush at the entrance, which was relatively free of snow. For some stupid reason, I wore my heavy full cotton sweater. I also had to stop and take my right boot off. I'd worn the shoe insert and a pair of unfamiliar socks that I should through away. My foot was cramping badly. With the insert gone, it was fine.
The lake was pretty and there were quite a few people snowshoeing. That's one of the reasons I avoid this area, it's too crowded with people. The sun tried to peep through the clouds, then it darkened up again and started with fat, puffy and heavy flakes. I turned back. The day was nice enough, but I really didn't want to get my car stuck.
By the time I was committed to heading back, the snow stopped. I could hear the cars swishing along speedily on Sly Park road so apparently the snow plows had gained pavement. My sweater was heavier with water and if I'd had to stop it would have been cold.
Made it to the car and had no problem driving home.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Lovely Hike in Freezing Rain
I was hoping to get a quick snow shoe hike in before the storm, which was scheduled to arrive late Saturday. Around noonish, when I got to Pollock Pines, it was starting to snow quite heavily. I cut back down to Placerville and then took 49 north to Growlersburg (Georgetown). Commando and I played in the snow at a school baseball field, but it was still snowing quite heavily and I did not want to get stuck.
On the way north on 49 to Auburn, we stopped at the Auburn State Rec Area near Cool and walked around some at the Olmstead Loop Trail. It was freezing rain, the trail was muddy, and there were a few swollen creek crossings that sent freezing water over my boot tops to dampen my socks.
Still, it was pleasant, and I was reasonably warm. Commando certainly enjoyed running around the open pasture land terrorizing hidden rodents so it was worth it.
On the way north on 49 to Auburn, we stopped at the Auburn State Rec Area near Cool and walked around some at the Olmstead Loop Trail. It was freezing rain, the trail was muddy, and there were a few swollen creek crossings that sent freezing water over my boot tops to dampen my socks.
Still, it was pleasant, and I was reasonably warm. Commando certainly enjoyed running around the open pasture land terrorizing hidden rodents so it was worth it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)