Got Commando because I wanted to tackle the (I thought) trail-less overland route to the little lakes I could see from the top of GR proper. We parked under the shade trees where the trail to GR starts and headed overland down the meadow.
We got to the edge of the cliff and looked down over Sanford lake. As expected, there's no easy route down the cliff for a hiker. We paralleled the cliff edge for a while gazing over the spectacular view and then worked back to the meadow. We crossed a dry stream and then intersected a good trail to Sanford that followed the stream's course.
We took it, and after about 1/2 mile or so, we were soaking our feet in Sanford lake and gazing around. The lake is at the base of GR and is framed by a lichen covered granite head wall on that side. The granite continues around the lake getting lower and lower until it disappears and gives the lake that "endless" pool effect overlooking the wilderness beyond.
We waded around and explored some of the shoreline and I tossed sticks for Commando. Although I had carried my big, heavy Neal Stephenson book (System of the World) I just wasn't quite in the mood to sit and read it as planned.
There are quite a chain of little lakes and so we headed out to find some of them. There wasn't much of a trail and the first lake we found was really just a muddy pool. Then we found a dry lake. Then we found a tiny, pretty lake, then another little lake. At a granite saddle at the north(?) end of this lake I could see another big lake (about Sanford sized) maybe 500 feet below. This was Downey lake.
It was getting late so we turned our backs on Downey and scrambled up some scree and into a volcanic slot to the top of the ridge overlooking both the little unnamed lake and Downey lake.
We just kept bearing west and south and going up and eventually we reached the proper trail and had just a bit of a climb left to back to the car.
I saw some strange, fresh tracks on the trail. I thought, gee, those look like cow tracks, but I'm not sure they graze cows here. I tried to make them out to be very large deer tracks...or perhaps scuffed horse tracks...or perhaps horse tracks where the horse had some kind of weird shoe...but none of those theories seemed plausible.
As we neared the camp, I could hear some musical tones...perhaps a banjo? Also, the music was intermittent. Keep in mind that it's windy and non-wind sounds are obscured wind sounds.
Eventually the mystery was cleared up...by...free range cows with bells! They were marching through meadow just below the camp. The campers thought this was pretty exciting and people headed into the willows to get closer to the cows. The cows weren't too fond of that idea and a terrific mooing racket began. It wasn't really mooing, more like braying and mooing.
By now I had Commando on his leash, because I was pretty sure he would find cows entertaining to chase and that's just not right. We kept walking along the (now) road back to the car while the cows kept up the same pace just below us in the meadow.
The continued the braying and mooing. Something was stirring them up (and it wasn't Commando).
We saw them stretched out in a loose line below. A caramel colored cow, followed by about 7 light to dark red cows, then a dark red cow behind and still in the brush. The last cow was making most of the noise.
We kept on to the truck and sat down near it on some rocks bordering the meadow just as the line of cows was walking over the saddle to wherever they were headed. The caramel leader cow paused at the top to give another loud bray, moo bellow and they continued on at a fast pace. These were cows on a mission.
I kept sitting on my rock while Commando kept trying to figure out if there was some combination of moves he could take to escape the leash and follow the cows.
A good while later, I heard the bell again and the dark red cow and a large dark red bull calf crested over the saddle. They didn't like seeing us and paused, but then continued on after circling us. So this explained the mooing and braying! The bull calf wasn't keeping up and the other cows were scolding him. The lead cow had finally abandoned the mother and her calf to get the rest to...wherever they were going. Fascinating!
Commando was very disappointed to not get to chase the cows but he settled down once we were back in the truck headed home.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Visit from brother
Andy came for a visit this past weekend. It was fun (except for his usual foot odor) and relaxing. I did forget to put the Trader Joe's croissants in the oven so breakfast was a bit haphazard. We drove up to Grouse Ridge and strolled around there, up to the lookout and up to Grouse Ridge itself. We also lazed around in lawn chairs reading. Very nice. Up from GR, it looks like a very short hike to some small lakes just down the crest from the camping area. That will be my next trip.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Camping at Blue Lakes
It was slated to be an over 100 degree weekend here in the Valley so we decided to head up to the Sierras. I had been wanting to take the Burnside lake trail from the lake to Grover Hot Springs state park and this seemed like the time to do it. We arrived at the Blue Lakes area around 5 pm-ish and drove through all of the various camp sites before settling on the farthest site, or Upper Blue Lake.
After setting up camp and eating a Trader Joe's packed meal, Commando and I drove down to the lake shore and splashed around for a bit. The moon was full (or close to it) so the water was extra beautiful.
The next morning we ate and headed to Burnside lake. We stopped at Sorenson's Resort for coffee to go. I will give Sorenson's props for living up to it's luxury reputation. The extremely courteous concierge helped a woman who complained that her mattress was falling off her bed and also complained that her dinner dishes hadn't been picked up yet. The concierge was affable and polite although I was wondering why you would come to a beautiful place like Sorenson's to eat dinner inside. Next he helped a peevish older woman with a call to Southwest. She seemed to take it personally that her cell phone didn't work here (duh!). He dialed the number (from memory!), joked that he flew SW too and that's why he knew the number, and reminded her that there was a phone room available. She remarked that they were going to have to drive down to Sacramento and I wondered why they didn't try for cell reception somewhere along the way.
When it was my turn the concierge told me the coffee was around the corner and unblinkingly charged me $5 for the two paper cups of ordinary (but good) coffee.
Burnside lake was packed with campers, including some at our "special" location. I would have let Commando splash around in the lake and gotten both of us wet for the start of the hike but the two dogs nearby didn't look like suitable playmates. I geared up, checked my watch and headed off on the trail.
The meadow just to the southeast of the lake is gorgeous, absolutely stunning. We walked through tall grass that was halfway between spring green and full-on summer golden. We hopped over a sluggish and slow moving stream with deep, deep sides. Thousands of grasshoppers leapt up in outrage at our passing and then settled back down into the grass. I also lost the trail here, or perhaps no trail can compete with the lush growth of this meadow.
There was one mark. At the camping side of the meadow, some brainless idiot buryed their camping trash (a whole carload of it) a good 2-3 feet deep. Animals had dug it up and strewn the trash around. May these people someday realize what they'd done and burn in shame and then spend years cleaning up other people's messes in payment of their debt.
I found the well marked trail at the east most side of the meadow and was very glad. I knew this was a rough trail, but it should have been well marked and I wasn't quite sure what I would do if it wasn't.
The trail wound slowly down by the same stream that had cut such a channel through the meadow. Then we reached the edge of the downhill part. Wow. I had been imagining a slope, this was a cliff. There were spectacular views over the valley below. I could even see the roofs of the hot springs bathing facility.
The trail was now steep, and still followed the stream, now more of a boulder choked waterfall...although, I could only faintly hear water underneath the boulders, not actually see any water. There were still pines.
Eventually we came to a sentinel pine, crouching at the cliff edge and guarding the end of shade for some time to come. I had to lower myself off a 2 foot granite drop (sliding on my ass) to continue. We headed down, still loosely following the waterfall on a very steep trail composed of loose dirt and granite rocks. Manzanita brush and another bush lined the path along with willow and stumpy, poor soil aspens. I inched down the trail and Commando scurried from shade patch to shade patch...sometimes jamming himself into a bush to cool his paws. We stopped several times for water.
We reached what I will name, "Cabin Rock" and had a good long rest in it's shade. Cabin Rock marked another level-ish part of the trail perhaps about halfway down. We were just reaching the top of a thrust of rock across the waterfall and I kept scanning it for signs of a trail to see if we would have to climb any part of it.
During this level part, I decided to stop to pee. As I stepped off the trail, towards the boulder creek, a bear leaped out of the rocks below and ran off up the creek and to the other side. Commando ran off full tilt after it and only stopped when he got to the boulder creek. Poor bear, if it had only stayed still I would have peed and we would have been on our way without being any wiser.
The trail soon became extremly steep again, and hot. I couldn't believe how hot it was and poor Commando was really suffering too. He hates to drink bottled water, but he drank twice at our rest stops (although he spurned the water once too).
The next milepost was crossing the waterfall that we'd been following down and getting onto that ridge of rock I'd been eyeing. I could swear I heard ducks fussing and a loud splashing noise but couldn't see any pond nearby. Although I wanted to rest near a pond, and get Commando a good long drink and get him soaking wet I didn't want to go off the trail. We were now down in the forest and could get lost or wander around aimlessly searching for a teeny tiny pondlet and expending energy that I didn't have to spend. I was getting a blister on my left big toe and I hoped it would stay at the annoying stage and not progress to the "must take my boot off and limp home" stage.
The trail went down, down, down still with both toes jammed into the front of my boots. I stopped a few times to re-lace, but it wasn't any help. At least now we were (mostly) in the deep shade and I thought I could see level ground below.
Down, down, down. Switchback after switchback. Surely just a few more steps. Down, down, down, the bottom is just there, I can see it, why aren't we there yet? I slid down a dusty part. I slid down a pine needle part (surprisingly fast, perhaps scarily fast). Still the trail went down.
Finally, finally, the trail leveled out. The downhills were mild and short and we were headed due east-ish...or due Grover Hot Springs. We crossed a wet swampy area and Commando wet his paws and drank some of the water. We stopped soon after and had our lunch and finished the water. No more until trail's end.
I thought I recognized where we were from previous visits and got excited when we crossed a dry streamlet (hadn't the crossing been bigger?) and I thought for sure we would soon be on the flat meadow proper.
Oh no. Another steep, sandy, and hot hot hot downhill. We had just been on a plateau, not the floor. Ow. My aching toes. How can we be suffering so much from the heat? It can surely only be 80 and that's not so hot. More down. Stop and rest. Down. Stop and rest.
Finally, finally we're down. We're in an open forest and I can see the line of the creek that runs through GHS just off to the right. Then, at last, I can see other hikers ahead...soon, the Burnside Lakes trail joins the trail the trail to the falls. We are almost home! I'm not sure how far we have to go, and it's still amazingly hot, but I'm pretty sure I can stagger to the waiting car.
The trail soon gets very close to the creek and Commando cools his paws and soaks his belly in the cool, cool, cool water. I want to go down and soak my feet, but even the few short downhill steps seem like too much. I want to conserve energy at this point and rest my aching toes.
Soon, we come to the junction with the trail that goes to the hot springs, and I see that we only have 3 tenths of a mile to go. Whew. I can make that. Although, why does it feel so frickin' hot at only about 80 degrees F?
I make it back to the car. The temperature is 99. GHS is lower than Burnside (by about 2000 feet) and that explains why it is so hot...because it is.
We stop at the ranger station at the exit so I can wash Commando's feet with their hose. He had cut the back of his leg and there was quite a streak of blood. I wanted to make sure it was okay before we left civilization in case I needed to find a vet. He had licked the leg a lot, and perhaps favored it a bit when lying down, but he hadn't been limping and he had no trouble running off at full speed to chase the rodents and other critters.
Total miles for the hike is 5.5. I was glad mother was there to pick me up at the end, because there is no way I could have hiked back up! As hard on me as the downhill was, the uphill and the heat would have killed me!
Hmmm, next time maybe Charity Valley?
After setting up camp and eating a Trader Joe's packed meal, Commando and I drove down to the lake shore and splashed around for a bit. The moon was full (or close to it) so the water was extra beautiful.
The next morning we ate and headed to Burnside lake. We stopped at Sorenson's Resort for coffee to go. I will give Sorenson's props for living up to it's luxury reputation. The extremely courteous concierge helped a woman who complained that her mattress was falling off her bed and also complained that her dinner dishes hadn't been picked up yet. The concierge was affable and polite although I was wondering why you would come to a beautiful place like Sorenson's to eat dinner inside. Next he helped a peevish older woman with a call to Southwest. She seemed to take it personally that her cell phone didn't work here (duh!). He dialed the number (from memory!), joked that he flew SW too and that's why he knew the number, and reminded her that there was a phone room available. She remarked that they were going to have to drive down to Sacramento and I wondered why they didn't try for cell reception somewhere along the way.
When it was my turn the concierge told me the coffee was around the corner and unblinkingly charged me $5 for the two paper cups of ordinary (but good) coffee.
Burnside lake was packed with campers, including some at our "special" location. I would have let Commando splash around in the lake and gotten both of us wet for the start of the hike but the two dogs nearby didn't look like suitable playmates. I geared up, checked my watch and headed off on the trail.
The meadow just to the southeast of the lake is gorgeous, absolutely stunning. We walked through tall grass that was halfway between spring green and full-on summer golden. We hopped over a sluggish and slow moving stream with deep, deep sides. Thousands of grasshoppers leapt up in outrage at our passing and then settled back down into the grass. I also lost the trail here, or perhaps no trail can compete with the lush growth of this meadow.
There was one mark. At the camping side of the meadow, some brainless idiot buryed their camping trash (a whole carload of it) a good 2-3 feet deep. Animals had dug it up and strewn the trash around. May these people someday realize what they'd done and burn in shame and then spend years cleaning up other people's messes in payment of their debt.
I found the well marked trail at the east most side of the meadow and was very glad. I knew this was a rough trail, but it should have been well marked and I wasn't quite sure what I would do if it wasn't.
The trail wound slowly down by the same stream that had cut such a channel through the meadow. Then we reached the edge of the downhill part. Wow. I had been imagining a slope, this was a cliff. There were spectacular views over the valley below. I could even see the roofs of the hot springs bathing facility.
The trail was now steep, and still followed the stream, now more of a boulder choked waterfall...although, I could only faintly hear water underneath the boulders, not actually see any water. There were still pines.
Eventually we came to a sentinel pine, crouching at the cliff edge and guarding the end of shade for some time to come. I had to lower myself off a 2 foot granite drop (sliding on my ass) to continue. We headed down, still loosely following the waterfall on a very steep trail composed of loose dirt and granite rocks. Manzanita brush and another bush lined the path along with willow and stumpy, poor soil aspens. I inched down the trail and Commando scurried from shade patch to shade patch...sometimes jamming himself into a bush to cool his paws. We stopped several times for water.
We reached what I will name, "Cabin Rock" and had a good long rest in it's shade. Cabin Rock marked another level-ish part of the trail perhaps about halfway down. We were just reaching the top of a thrust of rock across the waterfall and I kept scanning it for signs of a trail to see if we would have to climb any part of it.
During this level part, I decided to stop to pee. As I stepped off the trail, towards the boulder creek, a bear leaped out of the rocks below and ran off up the creek and to the other side. Commando ran off full tilt after it and only stopped when he got to the boulder creek. Poor bear, if it had only stayed still I would have peed and we would have been on our way without being any wiser.
The trail soon became extremly steep again, and hot. I couldn't believe how hot it was and poor Commando was really suffering too. He hates to drink bottled water, but he drank twice at our rest stops (although he spurned the water once too).
The next milepost was crossing the waterfall that we'd been following down and getting onto that ridge of rock I'd been eyeing. I could swear I heard ducks fussing and a loud splashing noise but couldn't see any pond nearby. Although I wanted to rest near a pond, and get Commando a good long drink and get him soaking wet I didn't want to go off the trail. We were now down in the forest and could get lost or wander around aimlessly searching for a teeny tiny pondlet and expending energy that I didn't have to spend. I was getting a blister on my left big toe and I hoped it would stay at the annoying stage and not progress to the "must take my boot off and limp home" stage.
The trail went down, down, down still with both toes jammed into the front of my boots. I stopped a few times to re-lace, but it wasn't any help. At least now we were (mostly) in the deep shade and I thought I could see level ground below.
Down, down, down. Switchback after switchback. Surely just a few more steps. Down, down, down, the bottom is just there, I can see it, why aren't we there yet? I slid down a dusty part. I slid down a pine needle part (surprisingly fast, perhaps scarily fast). Still the trail went down.
Finally, finally, the trail leveled out. The downhills were mild and short and we were headed due east-ish...or due Grover Hot Springs. We crossed a wet swampy area and Commando wet his paws and drank some of the water. We stopped soon after and had our lunch and finished the water. No more until trail's end.
I thought I recognized where we were from previous visits and got excited when we crossed a dry streamlet (hadn't the crossing been bigger?) and I thought for sure we would soon be on the flat meadow proper.
Oh no. Another steep, sandy, and hot hot hot downhill. We had just been on a plateau, not the floor. Ow. My aching toes. How can we be suffering so much from the heat? It can surely only be 80 and that's not so hot. More down. Stop and rest. Down. Stop and rest.
Finally, finally we're down. We're in an open forest and I can see the line of the creek that runs through GHS just off to the right. Then, at last, I can see other hikers ahead...soon, the Burnside Lakes trail joins the trail the trail to the falls. We are almost home! I'm not sure how far we have to go, and it's still amazingly hot, but I'm pretty sure I can stagger to the waiting car.
The trail soon gets very close to the creek and Commando cools his paws and soaks his belly in the cool, cool, cool water. I want to go down and soak my feet, but even the few short downhill steps seem like too much. I want to conserve energy at this point and rest my aching toes.
Soon, we come to the junction with the trail that goes to the hot springs, and I see that we only have 3 tenths of a mile to go. Whew. I can make that. Although, why does it feel so frickin' hot at only about 80 degrees F?
I make it back to the car. The temperature is 99. GHS is lower than Burnside (by about 2000 feet) and that explains why it is so hot...because it is.
We stop at the ranger station at the exit so I can wash Commando's feet with their hose. He had cut the back of his leg and there was quite a streak of blood. I wanted to make sure it was okay before we left civilization in case I needed to find a vet. He had licked the leg a lot, and perhaps favored it a bit when lying down, but he hadn't been limping and he had no trouble running off at full speed to chase the rodents and other critters.
Total miles for the hike is 5.5. I was glad mother was there to pick me up at the end, because there is no way I could have hiked back up! As hard on me as the downhill was, the uphill and the heat would have killed me!
Hmmm, next time maybe Charity Valley?
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Bassi Creek by Red Peak Trail
My original plan was to head back to Schneider camp and try for the lake again, but as I drove up 50, I just couldn't get excited about the longer drive and the elevation. I decided to go up Icehouse road to Cheese Camp road and then hike to Bassi creek.
At the end of the paved part of Cheese Camp, at the locked gate, there are 3 options for getting to Bassi creek. I ducked under the gate and hiked up the road. This is an easy hike with a gentle grade up. Even this late in the season there were pools of water in Tells Creek.
There was no one at the horse camp, and I only encountered two fisherman coming down as I was going up. A little over two miles is the junction with the Red Peak trail and Bassi creek is right there. I took my boots and socks off and soaked in the creek while Commando ran all over like the lunatic he is. He chased a few sticks that I threw, but he was more interested in running full tilt through the water and wading around.
I put the socks and boots back on and we continued up the trail to where it officially crosses the creek. Just before the crossing is a gorgeous meadow, just turned golden for summer.
We turned back at the crossing and headed back.
The Crystal Basin area is truly magical!
At the end of the paved part of Cheese Camp, at the locked gate, there are 3 options for getting to Bassi creek. I ducked under the gate and hiked up the road. This is an easy hike with a gentle grade up. Even this late in the season there were pools of water in Tells Creek.
There was no one at the horse camp, and I only encountered two fisherman coming down as I was going up. A little over two miles is the junction with the Red Peak trail and Bassi creek is right there. I took my boots and socks off and soaked in the creek while Commando ran all over like the lunatic he is. He chased a few sticks that I threw, but he was more interested in running full tilt through the water and wading around.
I put the socks and boots back on and we continued up the trail to where it officially crosses the creek. Just before the crossing is a gorgeous meadow, just turned golden for summer.
We turned back at the crossing and headed back.
The Crystal Basin area is truly magical!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Schneider Camp
I wanted to hike from Schneider Camp to Showers Lake but got a late start to the day and it was hot and I was really feeling the altitude. Turned back after a short distance and explored around the barn and the crossed the meadow and got back onto the road. It's late spring in the high country now. There are still plenty of flowers, but it's clear that they've seen better days and it's only a matter of weeks before everything turns golden.This view is of the flapping door to the barn which Commando did not find as amusing as I did.
After that, drove to Burnside Lake and splashed around to cool off. There was a family of ducks at the lake, but the kids were almost grown and Commando gave them a cautious look, but didn't chase them. After we'd been splashing around for about an hour, another family of ducks came by. This time, the ducklings were small and cute so I hustled Commando back to the truck and leashed him up before he could commit a war crime.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Duncan Peak
Drove up to Foresthill to Robinson Flat and then to the Duncan Peak lookout. The road had been closed last weekend due to the fire and we wanted to see the damage. It's not too bad. There are plenty of live trees left and the forest should recover quickly.Commando and I moseyed around the fire lookout, but didn't go actually up to very top. There was someone there, but they shut the door and didn't say hello or anything so I let them have their privacy. It's an interesting volcanic outcropping with some cool looking colored rocks.
Then we hiked the trail to Little Bald mountain which is the other end of the ridge from Duncan Peak. Neither of these are very tall...they are both right around 7000 feet.
The trail was easy but a fire a few years ago has left the ridge mostly bare of trees so it was hot and sunny. There were lots of fresh cow tracks (and fresh looking manure) so I kept scanning for cows ahead of us. Sure enough, just before we got to what looked like the end, we saw about 20 or so cows and calfs lounging around in the sparse shade. I put Commando on the leash and decided to keep hiking. I thought they might stroll off and we wouldn't disturb them too much.
Within about 20 paces, they leapt up (well, as much as a cow can leap up) and galloped off a few paces. I've been trained not to harass stock so we turned around and went back. Commando kept looking back because cows sure seemed like something that would be fun to investigate and maybe chase, but I kept telling him no and eventually he resigned himself to the small rodents that are really his specialty.
We then drove down to French Meadows Reservoir for a cooling dip. This is really one of my favorite areas to visit. Even with the lake down a good 50 feet and plenty of haze from the fires it's still a pretty lake.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Dog Mobile
Went to a dog mobile at the home show at the convention center. Took a dog named Michelin (gordon setter cross), two pit mixes (Abby and Brindle), and a dachsund mix who had an enormous personality. All of the dogs got lots of attention and were mobbed by potential adopters. I fell in love with the dachsund mix! Michelin was cute and will be rapidly adopted but the little dachsund (whose name I forget) was the best. Abby was cute too with an enormous bull dog head...really, it was GIANT. And she thought she was a lap dog too and spent lots of time licking people's faces.
I'm glad I went but missed taking my own dog for a walk.
I'm glad I went but missed taking my own dog for a walk.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Reno Trip
We stopped at the famous and excellent Ikedas in Auburn and had lunch. I also picked up peaches and tamari almonds. The fresh peach shake was outstanding!
Lost money the first night but it was good to see everyone.
Donna and I got up bright and early to hike the Mt. Rose trail off highway 431. I was hoping it would be less smoky than it was. The trail itself was relatively clear, but there was still a haze. We could see Lake Tahoe, but not clearly and we couldn't see across the lake to Mt. Tallac. We hiked up by the new trail...which is an excellent trail. Well graded, good route, great views (when the air is clear). Last time we'd hiked we'd gotten stopped too soon by huge snow drifts.
This time, we made it to the intersection of the Tahoe Rim Trail and the old trail. There's a small waterfall there overlooking a meadow overlooking the Carson Valley. We ate lunch, I cooled my feet in the stream and Donna scrambled up the waterfall.
To make it a loop, we hiked back on the TRT and the old trail. The new trail is much, MUCH better. The first part is good with a steep climb up the watershed and then across a flowery meadow. Once we reached the top of the saddle it was not nearly as pretty. The route down follows a hot, dusty road in full view of the sun with very little tree cover. If we'd turned up hill, we could have summited Relay Peak.
After a steady downhill of about 3 miles we were back at the car park and cooling off with the AC and the rest of our water. I would really like to summit Mt. Rose, but it will have to wait...at 9.8 miles, it's just a bit too far for me now...not even counting the 2000 foot elevation gain!
Dinner was pleasant although the steak was tough and gristly. I lost again at blackjack and the slots. We stayed up very late chatting about religion and the death penalty and Obama (we're all Obama supporters but have different views on religion and the DP). Di and Val left around 530 am for some family commitments and I went back to sleep.
On Sunday mother brought Commando up and we drove up the Burnside Lake road to Burnside Lake. Commando chased sticks in the water and then we both hiked around the lake. It can't be more than a mile around and there's no elevation change.
We drove back and can chalk up another successful trip!
Lost money the first night but it was good to see everyone.
Donna and I got up bright and early to hike the Mt. Rose trail off highway 431. I was hoping it would be less smoky than it was. The trail itself was relatively clear, but there was still a haze. We could see Lake Tahoe, but not clearly and we couldn't see across the lake to Mt. Tallac. We hiked up by the new trail...which is an excellent trail. Well graded, good route, great views (when the air is clear). Last time we'd hiked we'd gotten stopped too soon by huge snow drifts.
This time, we made it to the intersection of the Tahoe Rim Trail and the old trail. There's a small waterfall there overlooking a meadow overlooking the Carson Valley. We ate lunch, I cooled my feet in the stream and Donna scrambled up the waterfall.
To make it a loop, we hiked back on the TRT and the old trail. The new trail is much, MUCH better. The first part is good with a steep climb up the watershed and then across a flowery meadow. Once we reached the top of the saddle it was not nearly as pretty. The route down follows a hot, dusty road in full view of the sun with very little tree cover. If we'd turned up hill, we could have summited Relay Peak.
After a steady downhill of about 3 miles we were back at the car park and cooling off with the AC and the rest of our water. I would really like to summit Mt. Rose, but it will have to wait...at 9.8 miles, it's just a bit too far for me now...not even counting the 2000 foot elevation gain!
Dinner was pleasant although the steak was tough and gristly. I lost again at blackjack and the slots. We stayed up very late chatting about religion and the death penalty and Obama (we're all Obama supporters but have different views on religion and the DP). Di and Val left around 530 am for some family commitments and I went back to sleep.
On Sunday mother brought Commando up and we drove up the Burnside Lake road to Burnside Lake. Commando chased sticks in the water and then we both hiked around the lake. It can't be more than a mile around and there's no elevation change.
We drove back and can chalk up another successful trip!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Smoky and Hot Hike
Gas prices are keeping me from driving up to the mountains every weekend day to hike, but I haven't been up in about 3 weeks. Friday was the 4th and Donna's party at Malene's. Saturday I went in to work for about 2 hours. Sunday I was determined to go up. I wanted to go to the Carson Pass area and maybe hike from Burnside Lake down to Grover Hot Springs but Jodi called and wanted a ride to her cabin. She thought she could jog around the lake while I hiked.
After looking at the smoke she decided not to jog. I was going to try for the top parking lot and Castle Crags peak but the road was very bad, it was late and lord it was hot and smoky so I decided to head down the forest service road near the lodge.
As soon as I let Commando out of the car he had several bouts of explosive diarrhea and then he threw up. Lovely. He seemed lively enough otherwise so we headed down hill.
There was no view and it was hot. We hiked for about 45 minutes and then headed back. A few off road bikes passed and a few cars. Commando was hot too and only chased a few critters. He did go after one set of bikes and it was kind of funny how fast he went...the bikes had to slow to go around a turn and I wonder if they were surprised to see him so close behind. Other bikes he ignored.
After looking at the smoke she decided not to jog. I was going to try for the top parking lot and Castle Crags peak but the road was very bad, it was late and lord it was hot and smoky so I decided to head down the forest service road near the lodge.
As soon as I let Commando out of the car he had several bouts of explosive diarrhea and then he threw up. Lovely. He seemed lively enough otherwise so we headed down hill.
There was no view and it was hot. We hiked for about 45 minutes and then headed back. A few off road bikes passed and a few cars. Commando was hot too and only chased a few critters. He did go after one set of bikes and it was kind of funny how fast he went...the bikes had to slow to go around a turn and I wonder if they were surprised to see him so close behind. Other bikes he ignored.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Strawberry Point Camping
Late Friday packed up the dog and headed for Icehouse reservoir to camp. Arrived about 7 pm or so and there were two spots left open in the Strawberry point campground. I picked the one in the center of the circle and had a great view of the lake and almost complete privacy.
I hadn't planned for it to be as cold as it was but I survived with the long sleeve fuzzy shirt over a T-shirt.
I got on the bike and headed east on the forest service road that parallels the Ice House. Commando had good fun chasing stuff and I enjoyed an easy bike ride. We did stop before the road ended because it was getting dark and I wanted to set up camp while there was still some light.
The next morning we headed up the same forest service road (in the truck) and it dead ended pretty quickly. When I was putting my boots on, I discovered that I hadn't brought any of the orthotic foot beds so I wasn't sure how comfortable the hike would be. We followed what seemed like a casual use trail up stream (Lyon Creek) and it was not very easy going. There was plenty of up and down, the hillside was steep and dusty (making it slippery) and there were downed trees. Still, I estimate we made about a mile at a gradual climb until we came to a narrowing of the stream bed through a small granite canyon. I wasn't sure I wanted to keep scrambling up stream (and risk a nasty fall into the snow melt fed stream) so we stopped and ate the hard boiled eggs I'd brought.
We sat on the granite fall on some huge slabs of rock. Commando did not like it one bit and laid down next to me and shivered every once in while looking down! I had to slide down first and then coax him where to put his feet. It's the first time I've seen him scared of the trail!
We got back to camp and lazed around the lake for most of the rest of the day. I let Commando off leash for some water splasing fun. We also took a short walk in the early evening and explored a closed road off the main road. This second night, we both slept much better.
This morning we got up and headed for a big meadow by the Wright's Lake road and Wright's Lake/Ice House Lake tie road. This time I'd brought my orthotics and the boots were much more comfortable. We headed on the west side of a creek that flows across the meadow to Lyon Creek which put us just inside the tree line on the uphill side. I wasn't sure how boggy the ground might be.
It's easy walking and we got onto what seemed to be an old, old overgrown road. We walked for about a mile or so until we came to some summer houses with no trespassing signs and turned back.
I looked at Lyon Creek to see if there might be a good place to dip a toe, but it was too fast and too cold. About 1/3 of the way into the meadow we did dip our toes into the cross meadow stream and Commando enjoyed the game of "fetch the stick then run around with it like a lunatic" very much. The water was cold but refreshing in the heat.
On the way back into the valley I looked at the Lyon Creek trailhead but it looked a little busy and Commando and I were both ready for a nap.
Great trip!
I hadn't planned for it to be as cold as it was but I survived with the long sleeve fuzzy shirt over a T-shirt.
I got on the bike and headed east on the forest service road that parallels the Ice House. Commando had good fun chasing stuff and I enjoyed an easy bike ride. We did stop before the road ended because it was getting dark and I wanted to set up camp while there was still some light.
The next morning we headed up the same forest service road (in the truck) and it dead ended pretty quickly. When I was putting my boots on, I discovered that I hadn't brought any of the orthotic foot beds so I wasn't sure how comfortable the hike would be. We followed what seemed like a casual use trail up stream (Lyon Creek) and it was not very easy going. There was plenty of up and down, the hillside was steep and dusty (making it slippery) and there were downed trees. Still, I estimate we made about a mile at a gradual climb until we came to a narrowing of the stream bed through a small granite canyon. I wasn't sure I wanted to keep scrambling up stream (and risk a nasty fall into the snow melt fed stream) so we stopped and ate the hard boiled eggs I'd brought.
We sat on the granite fall on some huge slabs of rock. Commando did not like it one bit and laid down next to me and shivered every once in while looking down! I had to slide down first and then coax him where to put his feet. It's the first time I've seen him scared of the trail!
We got back to camp and lazed around the lake for most of the rest of the day. I let Commando off leash for some water splasing fun. We also took a short walk in the early evening and explored a closed road off the main road. This second night, we both slept much better.
This morning we got up and headed for a big meadow by the Wright's Lake road and Wright's Lake/Ice House Lake tie road. This time I'd brought my orthotics and the boots were much more comfortable. We headed on the west side of a creek that flows across the meadow to Lyon Creek which put us just inside the tree line on the uphill side. I wasn't sure how boggy the ground might be.
It's easy walking and we got onto what seemed to be an old, old overgrown road. We walked for about a mile or so until we came to some summer houses with no trespassing signs and turned back.
I looked at Lyon Creek to see if there might be a good place to dip a toe, but it was too fast and too cold. About 1/3 of the way into the meadow we did dip our toes into the cross meadow stream and Commando enjoyed the game of "fetch the stick then run around with it like a lunatic" very much. The water was cold but refreshing in the heat.
On the way back into the valley I looked at the Lyon Creek trailhead but it looked a little busy and Commando and I were both ready for a nap.
Great trip!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Random Update
The Jetta is deader than a doornail and it's parked in my driveway while I decide what to do with it. I just "bought" my cousin's 92 Chevy S10 pickup truck with no AC. It's good to have because I've been researching cars online and just can't decide. So far it's the Honda Element, Scion box (Xb?) or the Honda Fit, roughly in that order. I'm basking in indecision though and it's good to have a vehicle while I figure out what I want to do.
Commando is fine and ate a corncob the other day. I expected it to mess up his delicate digestion but he seems to have digested it okay. I didn't expect him to eat the cob, just perhaps taste it and maybe toss it around a little. When I came back in the room all but a few chunks had disappeared. I removed the largest chunks and Commando hoovered up the remaining small bits.
The falcons (peregrine?) are back at Paradise Beach. Last year they raised two babies and I just saw two of them back this year so it looks like they think the big pine was a good home and they should try again. It's good to see them and I can't wait to see them hunting later in the summer. Poor rodents!
I haven't seen the coyotes in a while although I do occasionally see what looks like it might possibly be coyote dung. It's a lot more crowded now along the river so perhaps they've gone downstream a bit to a quieter area.
Commando is fine and ate a corncob the other day. I expected it to mess up his delicate digestion but he seems to have digested it okay. I didn't expect him to eat the cob, just perhaps taste it and maybe toss it around a little. When I came back in the room all but a few chunks had disappeared. I removed the largest chunks and Commando hoovered up the remaining small bits.
The falcons (peregrine?) are back at Paradise Beach. Last year they raised two babies and I just saw two of them back this year so it looks like they think the big pine was a good home and they should try again. It's good to see them and I can't wait to see them hunting later in the summer. Poor rodents!
I haven't seen the coyotes in a while although I do occasionally see what looks like it might possibly be coyote dung. It's a lot more crowded now along the river so perhaps they've gone downstream a bit to a quieter area.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
No waterfall
Rented a car from Enterprise to run errands, go hiking and on Monday go to the dentist. They've got an incredibly cheap deal and it was a bargain.
Drove up to Mormon Emigrant, down the North South road (I think) and to Camp Creek. We hiked along a relatively level road that paralleled the creek and stopped at an unofficial camping spot to sit on some rocks and contemplate nature.
Back at the road, I looked upstream and could see that almost immediately, our path would be blocked by a cliff. We drove up to the dirt road and parked. This time, I couldn't really hear the waterfall from my last ill fated expedition but we headed off cross country (down) anyway. After crossing a granite slope, we saw a probably seasonal stream that might have been the source of the waterfall noise. It might make a good picture next year when it's gushing fully because it seems like it might have 2 cascades, 1 over the rocks and 1 undercutting some rocks.
Still it was an undemanding hike with the constant sound of the creek to still the thoughts. Commando scraped his leg and I'll keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get infected.
Drove up to Mormon Emigrant, down the North South road (I think) and to Camp Creek. We hiked along a relatively level road that paralleled the creek and stopped at an unofficial camping spot to sit on some rocks and contemplate nature.
Back at the road, I looked upstream and could see that almost immediately, our path would be blocked by a cliff. We drove up to the dirt road and parked. This time, I couldn't really hear the waterfall from my last ill fated expedition but we headed off cross country (down) anyway. After crossing a granite slope, we saw a probably seasonal stream that might have been the source of the waterfall noise. It might make a good picture next year when it's gushing fully because it seems like it might have 2 cascades, 1 over the rocks and 1 undercutting some rocks.
Still it was an undemanding hike with the constant sound of the creek to still the thoughts. Commando scraped his leg and I'll keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get infected.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
I hate my VW Jetta!
Drove up Mormon Emigrant gap on Saturday. I was in a bad mood and had to force myself to go. The road is clear up past Light Canyon road but there are some rocks and snow berms along the way.
I drove until snow completely blocked the road (at least for my sedan). Then I turned back to North South road and took it. The road goes almost straight down into a watershed leading to Camp Creek and eventually the Cosumnes River.
I took a side trip onto Pebble Canyon road (dirt) and that may have been the problem. I wasn't much into hiking because I've still got the cough from hell and it's a little hard to hike when you have to stop every yard or so to cough up a lung and lower your head to avoid passing out. That's maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but now much of one!
We parked at a scenic spot and the faithful hound chased rodents into the forest. Someone has been trimming the forest and there are slash piles everywhere. I can't believe that there's not some economic good to be had out of these downed trees...most of the slash piles were easily the size of McMansions and contained plenty of big trees.
From the map, it looked like Pebble Canyon met back with Mormon Emigrant but I was stopped by snow. I did drive over several branches and sticks and even had to get out and move a shattered tree log that had fallen over the road. Fortunately it was rotted and light and easy to move.
I was forced to retrace my steps back to the North South road and drove down, down, down to the little bridge over Camp Creek. I would have strolled along there, but several other people had had the same idea and were camped around and about the place.
I headed back up. There was a bit of a road (75?) and we strolled along that road. I briefly considered going off trail a bit down to the stream because I could hear a waterfall but it was getting late and the cough wasn't improving. Commando had a few good runs and terrorized many rodents and had even eaten some snow balls on our little stops so even he was willing to call it a day.
On the steep hill climb, my car suddenly redlined and the idiot light came on and I was overheating. I didn't even try for the cell phone because I just didn't want to wait an hour for a tow truck to find me. At least I was on the paved road. I just drove and every time the car overheated I stopped and let it rest.
We finally got to the top and Mormon Emigrant is mostly downhill so I babied the engine and it stayed at 190 (normal) most of the way. I was hoping to make it all the way into Pollock Pines but I stopped at the Sly Park entrance and called for the tow truck. This was another hill climb with no shoulder and plenty of traffic.
I was towed into the Shell station and the garage was closed already (of course). The driver wasn't even sure they worked on VWs. It's there now and I've left my pathetic little note in the key drop.
If I've blown the head gasket or cracked the head I will be so pissed.
Surprisingly, the trip put me in a slightly better mood...or maybe it's just resignation.
I drove until snow completely blocked the road (at least for my sedan). Then I turned back to North South road and took it. The road goes almost straight down into a watershed leading to Camp Creek and eventually the Cosumnes River.
I took a side trip onto Pebble Canyon road (dirt) and that may have been the problem. I wasn't much into hiking because I've still got the cough from hell and it's a little hard to hike when you have to stop every yard or so to cough up a lung and lower your head to avoid passing out. That's maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but now much of one!
We parked at a scenic spot and the faithful hound chased rodents into the forest. Someone has been trimming the forest and there are slash piles everywhere. I can't believe that there's not some economic good to be had out of these downed trees...most of the slash piles were easily the size of McMansions and contained plenty of big trees.
From the map, it looked like Pebble Canyon met back with Mormon Emigrant but I was stopped by snow. I did drive over several branches and sticks and even had to get out and move a shattered tree log that had fallen over the road. Fortunately it was rotted and light and easy to move.
I was forced to retrace my steps back to the North South road and drove down, down, down to the little bridge over Camp Creek. I would have strolled along there, but several other people had had the same idea and were camped around and about the place.
I headed back up. There was a bit of a road (75?) and we strolled along that road. I briefly considered going off trail a bit down to the stream because I could hear a waterfall but it was getting late and the cough wasn't improving. Commando had a few good runs and terrorized many rodents and had even eaten some snow balls on our little stops so even he was willing to call it a day.
On the steep hill climb, my car suddenly redlined and the idiot light came on and I was overheating. I didn't even try for the cell phone because I just didn't want to wait an hour for a tow truck to find me. At least I was on the paved road. I just drove and every time the car overheated I stopped and let it rest.
We finally got to the top and Mormon Emigrant is mostly downhill so I babied the engine and it stayed at 190 (normal) most of the way. I was hoping to make it all the way into Pollock Pines but I stopped at the Sly Park entrance and called for the tow truck. This was another hill climb with no shoulder and plenty of traffic.
I was towed into the Shell station and the garage was closed already (of course). The driver wasn't even sure they worked on VWs. It's there now and I've left my pathetic little note in the key drop.
If I've blown the head gasket or cracked the head I will be so pissed.
Surprisingly, the trip put me in a slightly better mood...or maybe it's just resignation.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sick
Got a cold that has everyone at work down. Major cough and chest rattling. Called in to the doc this morning to beg for codeine cough syrup and got that and antibiotics. Walked Commando on Saturday, a very windy day, and thought I was going to faint or die from coughing. Can't walk him by the river for a while because the ducklings and goslings have hatched and he thinks they look like a lot of fun to chase and probably eat if he catches one. The mother duck demonstrated the effectiveness of the "fly just ahead of the predator leading him away from the chicks" ploy and Commando fell for it in a big way. I like walking him by the river because he's discovered how fun it is to retrieve sticks. He'll even swim for them now! But having him shred an innocent little duckling (especially in front of witnesses) might not be so fun. Plus, they probably make good coyote and perhaps hawk and egret meals and why deprive them of the protein?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Dental Hike
Had another crown prep done at my dentist in Cameron Park and then drove up to Jenkinson Lake to hike. We drove all the way to the end of the pavement and then hiked about a mile to the artificial falls on Park Creek. It was a lovely hike although cold. Commando chased some Canada geese. I keep hoping that the geese or ducks will turn on him one day and teach him a lesson about prey not always being so fun to chase but so far it hasn't happened. It really is a pretty lake but my impression of it in the summer is that it's too crowded. Maybe I should visit in the summer and see how bad it is. It does look like there might be a fun hike following park creek uphill (maybe to Park Creek road?). I'll have to study the maps.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Killer Fang Falls
What a name! I didn't make it to the falls...the road was as bad as advertised and I didn't feel like walking too far as it was hot. This is a good time to go because later in the summer this road will be covered with 4WD folks and dust as well as people enjoying the Yuba river (read crowded). Today happened to be hot and down in the canyon it was really hot. Commando normally runs for the entire trip probably doing 4 or 5 times the distance I do, but he doesn't like the heat either. We stopped at a scenic spot and he chased sticks into the cold water. I frightened the birds and took off my shirt and got it wet. The water (barely melted snow) was COLD...even wringing out the wet shirt was cold and putting it back on was even colder.
Took one picture of a wild iris which I'll include later.
Took one picture of a wild iris which I'll include later.
Why Engineers are Hot
Love the deadpan delivery and the very funny cutaways! The cat yodeling is amazingly funny too. I had to let my cereal go soggy while watching this to avoid any unpleasant collisions between my keyboard and spit out cereal and milk.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Fork's House - Not
Drove up the Foresthill road with no particular plan other than to go 
as far as the snow would let me. The road was snowed in and blocked with the gate at China Wall OHV. I decided to explore the Fork's House Nature trail. Although there was lots of snow, there was also plenty of bare dirt and I decided not to break out the snow shoes. When I got to the trail, it was snowed over and the path was not obvious. There was also someone shooting in that direction and I try to assume that they are dumb asses and not paying careful attention to where their bullets end up. Most of the shooters I've encountered have been courteous and safe, but it only takes one bullet to make my day very bad.
I think the trail is at Mitchell Mine road, but the map I have access to in not clear. The shape is right but the elevation looks funny. The road was clear of snow until I had committed myself and then it was all snow, sometimes up to three feet deep. Fortunately the snow mobile crowd (or someone) had been packing the snow down so it was relatively easy going with only a few instances of break through. We
dropped down to what looks like a year round creek that was bursting with snow melt. Then we started climbing up a steady grade. We reached the heavy equipment that was responsible for packing the snow and continued on for a bit before returning to sit on the bench at that back of the snow vehicle to enjoy a light snack and some Vitamin water. This is a relatively pretty trail and will be nicer a bit later in the spring when the snow is more melted. It doesn't look there are any spectacular views though.
as far as the snow would let me. The road was snowed in and blocked with the gate at China Wall OHV. I decided to explore the Fork's House Nature trail. Although there was lots of snow, there was also plenty of bare dirt and I decided not to break out the snow shoes. When I got to the trail, it was snowed over and the path was not obvious. There was also someone shooting in that direction and I try to assume that they are dumb asses and not paying careful attention to where their bullets end up. Most of the shooters I've encountered have been courteous and safe, but it only takes one bullet to make my day very bad.I think the trail is at Mitchell Mine road, but the map I have access to in not clear. The shape is right but the elevation looks funny. The road was clear of snow until I had committed myself and then it was all snow, sometimes up to three feet deep. Fortunately the snow mobile crowd (or someone) had been packing the snow down so it was relatively easy going with only a few instances of break through. We
dropped down to what looks like a year round creek that was bursting with snow melt. Then we started climbing up a steady grade. We reached the heavy equipment that was responsible for packing the snow and continued on for a bit before returning to sit on the bench at that back of the snow vehicle to enjoy a light snack and some Vitamin water. This is a relatively pretty trail and will be nicer a bit later in the spring when the snow is more melted. It doesn't look there are any spectacular views though.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Gerle Creek Reservoir
Drove up to Gerle Creek Reservoir for a snow shoe. The main road is snowed over, but SMUD plows a gated side road to the dam so we walked down that. I wasn't quite sure where I was so I left the snow shoes by the side of the road and walked to the top of the ridge to look around. The reservoir was right there, about 700 feet down a steep slope. I heard a car door and saw a security guard truck (uh oh) and noticed he was picking up my snow shoes. I yelled out and we chatted for a bit.
He thought the gear might have been left behind by some campers and I chose to believe the story. It's not private property (well, it's SMUD property) but there is public access. I was surprised that he carried a gun and everything...I only thought police could do that.
As it turns out, you can't walk around Gerle Creek Reservoir...the dam is closed off. I was able to scramble around the side of the pump house to get to the shore and here the snow was a good three feet deep. Good thing I carried the snow shoes down the hill with me!
It was a bit of a chore traversing the side of the reservoir. It was steep and obviously I didn't want to trip or fall into a snow pit of some kind. We worked our way along the reservoir until we came to a stream inflow. I headed away from the water and navigated eastward along what looked like an old, old, old logging road (more a suggestion of a road than an actual one) to a small saddle. It was either that or retrace my steps because the hill to my immediate right was way too steep for me!
Just at what looked like the top of the saddle, there was another road with some old snow shoe tracks buried under 6 inches of snow. We headed gradually uphill on this track and eventually came to the main road where I'd left my car.
The snow was slushy and not tamped down so it was a bit of a slog cutting the trail. The picture shows the snow depth. It's funny though, because on the sunny slopes, it's bare dirt.
Nice trip!
He thought the gear might have been left behind by some campers and I chose to believe the story. It's not private property (well, it's SMUD property) but there is public access. I was surprised that he carried a gun and everything...I only thought police could do that.
As it turns out, you can't walk around Gerle Creek Reservoir...the dam is closed off. I was able to scramble around the side of the pump house to get to the shore and here the snow was a good three feet deep. Good thing I carried the snow shoes down the hill with me!
It was a bit of a chore traversing the side of the reservoir. It was steep and obviously I didn't want to trip or fall into a snow pit of some kind. We worked our way along the reservoir until we came to a stream inflow. I headed away from the water and navigated eastward along what looked like an old, old, old logging road (more a suggestion of a road than an actual one) to a small saddle. It was either that or retrace my steps because the hill to my immediate right was way too steep for me!
Just at what looked like the top of the saddle, there was another road with some old snow shoe tracks buried under 6 inches of snow. We headed gradually uphill on this track and eventually came to the main road where I'd left my car.The snow was slushy and not tamped down so it was a bit of a slog cutting the trail. The picture shows the snow depth. It's funny though, because on the sunny slopes, it's bare dirt.
Nice trip!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Bassi Falls in Snow
Andy (he's a cute brother, ignore the stain on his leg), Commando and I snowshoed up to Bassi Falls. 
The weather was cloudy with the sun occasionally sending some faint rays through the clouds. A lot of the snow has melted so we had the shoes on and off depending on the snow. At the granite field by the falls, the snow had mostly melted.
Commando ran off and refused to come back until we had called
several times. His tongue was black and dirty. Whatever he was hunting must have gone to ground and he must have spent some time trying to dig it up. He was pretty tired on the hike back (so was I!) and slept most of the rest of the day and the afternoon.
We saw no one on the trip which was quite nice.
The weather was cloudy with the sun occasionally sending some faint rays through the clouds. A lot of the snow has melted so we had the shoes on and off depending on the snow. At the granite field by the falls, the snow had mostly melted.Commando ran off and refused to come back until we had called
several times. His tongue was black and dirty. Whatever he was hunting must have gone to ground and he must have spent some time trying to dig it up. He was pretty tired on the hike back (so was I!) and slept most of the rest of the day and the afternoon.We saw no one on the trip which was quite nice.
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