Drove up to the Van Vleck trail head again. This time we stopped at the ranger station on Ice House road and the map they had posted showed Shadow Lake almost 5 miles from the trailhead. It's 2 miles from where the trail turns off the Highland Lakes trail the intersection of which is about 2.5 miles from the trail head gate. Ah ha!
It was pretty hot and the mosquitos were still pretty fierce so I wore long sleeves and long pants and slathered on the DEET.
We headed up the Red Lake trail as I wanted to stop at the Bassi Creek crossing and soak in the creek and read a bit before turning back. About 1/2 mile from the start Commando started a lynx and they both ran across the trail and into the woods before he came back with his tongue hanging out. The lynx was as big as he was and I'm glad they didn't mix it up. I'd brought the squeaky toy for a recall and it seemed to work very well.
Although there were a lot of parked cars we didn't see anyone until we got to the Bassi Creek crossing. I briefly chatted with two guys coming down and we saw some mountain bikers splashing in the creek.
We ate our lunch although the mosquitos were so fierce I can't say I enjoyed it much. I got thoroughly wet wading around the creek so was cooler on the trip back.
It was a good hike and this is a fascinating area to explore.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Failed to reach Shadow Lake again
The Eldorado National Forest Guide says this hike is 2 miles but some trail descriptions, and my experience trying to take this twice says it's a lot longer, maybe about 5 miles. This time I was determined to make it, but stopped at the big mule's ears area and decided that was enough for one day. I still wasn't at the alleged cutoff to Shadow Lake and from the map, it looked like I was still only halfway to my goal.
The trail is actually pretty easy, well marked and with slight upgrades followed by really long level spots. There are a lot of water crossings, including two very wet meadows (still very wet in July) so this is probably not a trail to take any earlier in the year if you want your feet to stay dry.
It's a good trail for solitude, wildflowers and water. It rained on my way down (oops, forgot to check the weather before I left). The first rain was very mild and barely wet the dirt but it left pine pollen-y golden droplets on all the foliage.
It was also nice to hear the forest silenced just after the rain. There was no wind, and all the birds and insects were in hiding and silent. I don't know whether the cloud cover dampens sound but I'll just say it does.
It rained in earnest for about a half hour just as I was nearing the big marshy meadow and as I crossed it. I thought about taking shelter beneath a tree but it just wasn't worth it. I won't melt from a little water.
The mosquitos were fierce but this time I was prepared. I had long pants and long sleeves. I think I still was bitten, but a lot less.
Commando enjoyed the trip although (due to his bad owner) he had an accident in the car. I knew he had to go but thought we could make it to Ice House road. We almost did. I cleaned out the car and was fortunate that my tax dollars had paid for a trash bin just up the road. I wasn't about to throw his mat out but didn't really want to drive many miles with a poop laden dog mat.
I also discovered that he probably can't be trusted around horses. Just as we were starting off a group of about 6 were coming back form a ride. I got Commando's collar (he was off leash) and he stood quietly as they passed by. I let go of him because he didn't seem that interested. Oops, bad owner again. He wanted to chase after them and even looked like he might try to nip at the last horse's heels before he listened to my, "NO!" and came back to me.
It's a good trip but I'll have to see if I can find a better map and directions.
The trail is actually pretty easy, well marked and with slight upgrades followed by really long level spots. There are a lot of water crossings, including two very wet meadows (still very wet in July) so this is probably not a trail to take any earlier in the year if you want your feet to stay dry.
It's a good trail for solitude, wildflowers and water. It rained on my way down (oops, forgot to check the weather before I left). The first rain was very mild and barely wet the dirt but it left pine pollen-y golden droplets on all the foliage.
It was also nice to hear the forest silenced just after the rain. There was no wind, and all the birds and insects were in hiding and silent. I don't know whether the cloud cover dampens sound but I'll just say it does.
It rained in earnest for about a half hour just as I was nearing the big marshy meadow and as I crossed it. I thought about taking shelter beneath a tree but it just wasn't worth it. I won't melt from a little water.
The mosquitos were fierce but this time I was prepared. I had long pants and long sleeves. I think I still was bitten, but a lot less.
Commando enjoyed the trip although (due to his bad owner) he had an accident in the car. I knew he had to go but thought we could make it to Ice House road. We almost did. I cleaned out the car and was fortunate that my tax dollars had paid for a trash bin just up the road. I wasn't about to throw his mat out but didn't really want to drive many miles with a poop laden dog mat.
I also discovered that he probably can't be trusted around horses. Just as we were starting off a group of about 6 were coming back form a ride. I got Commando's collar (he was off leash) and he stood quietly as they passed by. I let go of him because he didn't seem that interested. Oops, bad owner again. He wanted to chase after them and even looked like he might try to nip at the last horse's heels before he listened to my, "NO!" and came back to me.
It's a good trip but I'll have to see if I can find a better map and directions.
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