Dog Valley near Verdi, NV

Drove up late and found the trail head. It's actually a road normally, but it's not plowed and I'm pretty sure it's not paved for much of the way. There really wasn't that much snow and the snowmobiles (and one Subaru with chains) had made the surface nice and hard. Still, I wasn't sure where the trail would take me and if I decided to go off the road I would want the snowshoes. I strapped them on while Commando waited extremely impatiently.

It's a steady climb with the surrounding hills bare due to a forest fire in the 90's. I was surprised to see no new tree growth. The snow was very powdery and dry. To create snowballs for Commando was very difficult.

The most interesting part were some tracks up and down the hill we were on and on the hill across the little canyon. Commando followed the tracks straight up the hill and they apparently went through the deep, new snow in parallel with the road. There were a few places where they dropped back down. He found these tracks VERY interesting and could barely be removed from them.

They were animal tracks, probably something about Commando's size or perhaps a bit smaller. The snow was too fluffy to take a print. I could see tracks on the opposite hill and the critter had carefully checked under rocks, downed trees, tree trunks, and other places that rodents would likely be. In some places the animal seemed to be leaping as there would be an animal shaped hole, then untouched snow, then another hole.

I couldn't help but think of the lone wolverine, although it seems to be living west of here. I'm sure if was just a coyote.

On our way back down Commando followed the animal track on the ridge above the road. He didn't come when called. When he FINALLY came down, his ruff was up and he was very reluctant and excited to be going back. I wish I understood his language so I could know what he smelled!

Union Valley Reservoir

Took advantage of the beautiful new snow and the sun to take a quick snowshoe expedition to UVR. I stopped at the first road and the wonderful plow folks had made a nice little parking area. No one was there but someone had thoughtfully snowshoed to break a trail. We made good time down to a parking area (for a bike trail?) and then the trail ended. We went a bit further but the snow was not very supportive so we headed back.

Snowflower lake snowshoe snowshoe

Second time was the charm as we reached the lake. It's actually part of a Thousand Trails franchise. I could have sworn I saw a PG&E public access notice but I guess not. We followed the straight path to the lake, retracing our steps under the power lines. This was good because the snow was still not very buoyant. My old tracks had frozen quite nicely and made a good trail.

We arrived at the dam and Commando paid close attention to a wooden hut that seemed to have much rodent smell. I suppose it could have been steak smell, but I suspect rodents. Instead of enjoying the view he spent the entire time sniffing excitedly around the perimeter of the hut. I sat on my nice new coat (warm and dry) and drank my drink and enjoyed the view. It's nice enough but not spectacular.

We headed back along the completely paved and plowed road that lead right to the lake. I stashed the snowshoes along the way as my shoulder was hurting a bit.

Good day and now I'll need a new goal. Commando wolfed his food down and is now stretched out on his side snoring.

Snowflower lake snowshoe

Enjoying my vacation although I confess it's been hard to mentally unwind! Tried and failed to get to the lake. My planned route took me up and over some hills for the now defunct Sun Valley ski area. It's a nice and easy route with good views from the top. The snow was firm. I headed across the planned ridge with good snow and then the ridge dropped into forest. I knew where the lake was but couldn't see it. I didn't want to meander around in the forest looking for it. As I dropped down a bit I saw someone else's tracks and followed them down. Took a bit out of the knees to get down one sharp bit but it was relatively easy.

We kept dropping down and eventually got into the forest anyway. I was wanting to hit some power lines that most likely headed right to the lake. Got to the power lines and inexplicably, the snowshoe tracks I'd been following didn't go to the lake. Instead, they headed across a stream into the forest on the other side.

We followed the power poles in the direction of the car. I'm glad I turned back when I did because this section was very hard. The snow was mushy and blazing the trail was almost like real work. Even Commando didn't like it. We encountered another stream but there was a bridge. Strangely, the other tracks came out of the woods just to cross this bridge.

We kept slogging along and finally reached the marshy area just before the car. We followed snowmobile tracks (nice and firm) and then wandered around the nicely frozen snow of the marshy area (even firmer and faster) and made it back to the road.

I was glad to get the snowshoes off and get back to the car! Next time, I'll try the power pole route first.

Sun, sun, sun, and snow

I've been sick with a minor cold for a few days and finally felt better today. Commando and I drove up to Yuba Gap to see if we could get out of the horrible gray fog. Entering Auburn the fog started to lift and it was sunny when we passed the Bowman road exit and stayed sunny for the rest of the day.

Someone had plowed out a bit of the old entrance at what used to be the Sun Mountain ski area and I parked next to the no trespassing sign. Some folks were parked up the road with snowmobiles and they had already blazed a few trails for us. Very thoughtful of them.

After strapping on the snowshoes we hiked up to the top of the hill directly in front of us and then down into a saddle between three hills and then back down a ravine to the car. It was lovely weather, almost too hot. The snow was just starting to look like it might be thinking about getting slushy in the heat but maybe it would stay cold. There were a few spots to sink in, but not too bad. There was plenty of friction on the hills.

I could see the dreary, dreary fog down in the Valley. It was obvious that there would be no break for the lowlanders. I kept my sleeves rolled up for most of the trip to catch some badly needed vitamin D. It would be nice to have just a bit of a burn but I don't think I was out long enough.

Happy New Year Snow Dog

No pictures but we went up to the Icehouse area and snow shoed at the Jones Creek area. The snow was lovely. It was wet but still fluffy and, once we got over the snow plow berm it was easy going. It snowed heavily for a bit, then the sun poked out just a bit in some areas, then it clouded up again and began a very fine, light snow. Commando really enjoyed it. He ran and ran. We played several games of jump for the snow ball. My favorite round had Commando leaping up backwards and reaching for the snow and then falling back on his ass. He also played snow plow several times and lifted snow with his nose on purpose so he could snap it out of the air. As we were leaving an ambulance and fire truck were headed up hill with lights and sirens going. I hope it's a minor injury and not a fatality. It is too nice of a day to die.

Wet weather walks

On Saturday we drove up to the Spenceville Wildlife Refuge and hiked around at random. We scrambled through a barbed wire fence, getting my knees and lower legs thoroughly wet. We hiked along an old dirt road and then went along a well used cow path that went uphill. It stopped being a path as we neared the top of the hill which was crowned with a fortress of upthrust volcanic rock. We amused ourselves scrambling on the rock and then followed a fence line downhill to another old dirt road. This followed an old water channel back to the car. I scraped my knee a bit on the barbed wire getting back out so I hope my tetanus shots are up to date.

Today we drove up to see Hidden Falls just outside of Auburn. It's a pleasant enough walk through the typical foothills poison oak, regular oak, scrub pine and brushy tick habitat. Commando couldn't be off leash the whole time. There was some sort of Placer County employee there (possibly a ranger), and then there was an open range (saw no cattle), and then there was another not too friendly dog. He did manage to be off leash for about 1/2 the time though and enjoyed the usual sniffing, digging, and hopeful chasing of imaginary animals.


I had thought about going to the snow in spite of the storm but decided I just wasn't ready to freeze and have no view. The snowshoes still wait in my car for suitable weather.

Washer and dryer now fixed

Finally got the dryer hose back on. It turned out to be easier than I thought. I did end up with a spare part, but I don't think it's important. After running through two folks at Home Depot that didn't know anything, I was finally turned over to a guy who did know about dryer hoses and he assured me that it was trivially simple and there was no need to obsess about it. Basically, it's just make sure that not much air and moisture leak out so duct tape and ducts and those circular clamp things are really all you need. I also bought a cool circular clamp with a big plastic turn key on it so I didn't have to find the right screw driver and seat it in the tiny hole and then lose all leverage as the screw gets tighter. Whoever invented this is a genius.

I would give this chore about 1/2 a screw driver for difficulty. Getting to the back of the equipment is mildly irritating and unscrewing and screwing the hoses was mildly irritating and there's the potential to cut yourself on the metal duct.

For those who might be cackling at my inability to fix a simple hose, keep in mind that I didn't own a dryer until I was in my mid-40's and there's no inborn genetic knowledge, that I'm pretty clumsy, and that I can't see things close up (like tiny screws) without my reading glasses. Okay, laugh away, I'll admit I'm lame.

Not much of a walk

Although I'd planned to go to the snow several times over Turkey Day weekend I ended up not going at all. The best walk we had was on Tuesday at Cache Creek Regional Park near Rumsey. It's interesting terrain...dry...rocks and rock layers upended and twisted in many directions from the active fault lines...plenty of evidence of seasonal bad flooding in spite of the dryness. In the summer it will be hot and dusty. On this almost winter day it was cool. I saw no one the entire day. We hiked up the main dirt road. It's blocked at highway 16 due to a dicey bridge crossing or two. There's a cool stone barn that someone has spent a bit of time sprucing up. It has new doors and it looks like someone has mended the metal roof. The stone is volcanic rock and must have taken some hardy pioneer a bit of effort to put together. It is a nice bit of engineering and rock work though as it seems to be ready to stand straight and level with nice square corners for at least another hundred years. Took a picture of this weird plant. I have no idea what it is and I've never seen anything like it. It was fist sized, a small fist. That's two weird plants I've discovered. I've got to find a botanist so I can identify these.

Snow plow

Lots o' snow

Drove up 80 to visit the snow. I didn't even bring my snowshoes, but next trip I'll have to. We ended up at the scenic overlook on Hwy 20. The snow was about knee deep and very fluffy and dry. I couldn't make snowballs.

We really just strolled around in the woods and followed a soon to be x-country ski trail. The trees were blazed but no one had skied yet.

There seems to be a known sled hill there as some kids were leaving and some arrived as we were leaving. The roads weren't too bad.

Gambling and hiking along the Mormon Emigrant Trail

Met up with some of the BOE folks for a bit of gambling and the delicious buffet at Red Hawk. Commando napped in his luxurious palace in the back of the car. I was a loser at all the games I played. Scott was the big winner.

Then drove up MET to see if it was clear to Highway 88. I turned close to the end as the snow was noticeably deeper and I really do NOT want to get stuck. We hiked along the Light Canyon road in light snow, or maybe it wasn't Light Canyon. We strolled for about a mile paying close attention to the interesting animal footprints. We got to a road crossing that hadn't been driven too since the snow dropped. There was a rock fire pit and a nice place to camp or picnic. I briefly considered going overland on the unmarked road, but decided that it would be wiser to just retrace my steps.

I tried several times to take a good picture of the Crystal range. It was glowing with the late afternoon sun. Unfortunately, in my cell phone pic, it was a tiny whitish smudge. Someone else with a better camera will need to snap the picture.

Sitting at Icehouse Lake in the Eldorado National Forest

I wasn't in a very good mood today but forced myself to head up and do some hiking. I'd originally planned to hike around Wright's Lake, but there was a bit too much snow on the road. The vehicle has 4WD and snow tires, but they don't seem to be really good snow tires. We drove back down to 50 and then up to Icehouse. We parked along the Wright's Lake Tie road and hiked down to the lake and then along the shore. I tossed sticks for Commando and found one that he really liked. He carried it for a long time.

I stopped in some shade to lean against a rock and just look out over the lake. I like this picture because I think I framed it nicely.

First snow (for me) winter 2010

Drove up to Wright's Lake again. Just before the Lyon's Creek trailhead it was starting to rain and snow at the same time. After Lyon's Creek it was snowing and with every little bit of elevation the snow got deeper and deeper. We parked at the main lot for the Bloodsucker lake trail and hiked through the campground and along the trail. We could have crossed the creek if we'd wanted to wade through the calf high, freezing water but we wisely chose not to. Instead we followed a clearly delineated trail. It's not marked on the map, nor is it evident on Google Earth. The route started to get quite marshy and so we headed back.

Commando really LOVES the snow and he ran everywhere. I hope this snow is a harbinger of a great snow shoeing season.

Low elevation hikes

It rained on Saturday so drove up to Colfax and took the Yankee Jim's road up to Foresthill. We tried to hike up the American River at the bridge crossing but found that Shirttail Creek was a bit treacherous to cross without a human partner to report on any broken limbs. We ended up hiking around the forest near Foresthill road and the Christmas tree place. Commando chased a deer.

On Sunday it was nice an sunny. We drove up to Colfax and then up Iowa Hill road to the Foresthill area. The river crossing was busy with folks so we didn't stop there. The hoary denizens of Iowa Hill were out in full force and stared at our unusual car when we drove by. We ended up hiking in the forest and on some OHV trails and then at the Fork House trail and also on the forest service road near Fork House.

I put two pads in the heel of my problem foot and it feels fine. Maybe I just need to make absolutely sure that it's fully elevated and I'll be healed.

Go Giants!

Grouse Lake Success

On my second try I made it to Grouse Lake. The first time I just wasn't feeling very good and even the easy, flat trail sections were hard. This time, although the steep climb was hard, we charged right up. Once the trail splits from the Twin Lakes trail there is a short, somewhat steep granite section. Then, there's a right turn up and there's a steeper forest section. Next, it levels off a bit, but still angling up and somewhat southeast. Just before the last bit, we ran into some hikers on the way down. The man said the lake was just at the base of the leftmost rounded "peak" as I faced the steep forest/granite wall ahead. The trail switches back to the left (northish?) and angles up the wall. This section is the steepest and reminded me of the trail to Loch Leven lakes or even Mt. Judah. There weren't many switchbacks though because there isn't really room for them.

We started to cross the stream that exits the lake but I couldn't see the trail on the other side. As it turns out, that's the trail. Instead we took some marked cairn "trails" up and did eventually reach the lake. We found a likely spot. Commando gobbled his trail meal down. I had my banana and some vitamin water placebo. I soaked my feet in the lake. Wow. It was cold. It was so cold my feet turned red and my toes started to ache with cold. The socks and boots went back on.

As we headed back we ran into a backpacker and his dog coming up over the granite ridge instead of from the trail. The backpacker asked what lake this was, and then asked how to get to Twin Lakes. Hmmm. I told him the general vicinity to head cross-country and said he could also backtrack on the trail. I hope he makes it.

I then stupidly decided to try and make it back cross-country. We angled along the ridge generally heading down, west, and south trying to find the path of least resistance. My theory was that there was a long, gradual ridge that led back to Wright's Lake. I don't think my theory was correct. If it was correct, I never found the ridge.

We headed down dry stream beds interspersed with granite slabs or large granite blocks. As we got lower, we got caught in a section of large granite blocks (some the size of houses) and dense manzanita. We had to climb rocks and push through dense flora. At one point I looked down and realized that the manzanita was hiding a 3-4 foot drop next to the boulder I was trying to go around. Commando had difficulty too. He can't see over the manzanita and he's not so agile over the big rocks. He needs some type of flat surface for his paws to grip.

At one point I realized that, although we'd been hiking for a while and were still descending, we weren't on the trail yet and the sun was starting to set. We headed straight down to get to the trail fastest. At first, we were helped by some deer trails. There were also fewer rocks. Then, it was back to thick manzanita. We just pushed through as carefully and as quickly as possible. At last we reached some flat space and soon discovered the trail, just inside the Desolation Wilderness boundary. I'm really not sure my "short cut" had saved us any distance.

The sun set before we got back, but we were almost to the flat section of the trail when it set. There was plenty of residual light to see. The moon was up and a little over half full so it's reflected light was enough to cast a faint shadow.

Both of us were exhausted when we got back to the car after about 7 hours of hiking. Commando is still sleeping on the bed, a sure sign that he's one tired doggy.

It was a great hike though!

Barrett Lake Jeep Trail Hike

I wasn't feeling very motivated so took an easy and somewhat boring hike up the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail.

We met a few rigs coming down the trail. I have to remember to park us uphill from the various vehicles because being on the downhill side was a little scary. There wasn't always a lot of room to stay out of the way and I kept worrying about the rigs rolling over on top of us.

The first vehicle that passed us made Commando quite nervous, but he calmed down with the next sets.

Like the grumpy people we met a few weekends ago at the Enchanted Pools I was grumpy when there were about 5 trucks parked at the Silver Creek crossing. Unlike most of the other vehicles, they weren't very friendly. I had wanted to stop there and soak my feet and eat my sandwich, but the large group, and not very friendly dog convinced me to keep going. Commando would have liked to have stayed to try to use his wiles, but I didn't get a good vibe from the other dog.

We climbed up to a "summit" and then then sat and ate. Commando was quite hungry and really tucked into his food. He was so tired he even laid down for about a minute. Wow!

When we got back to the creek crossing, no one was there. We relaxed for a bit and I ate part of my sandwich.

We didn't encounter anyone else until we were back at the car. Two hikers came down after us.

We stopped at the Best View in the Sierra Nevada so I could soak my feet and Commando could clean some of the mud from his paws. A great way to end what turned out to be a good hike.

Best view in the Sierra Nevada

Hiked part of the way to Grouse Lake. The original plan was to hike to the Enchanted Pools and then to Lake Umpa but I changed my mind on the trail. It was getting late and as I hadn't done any research on Grouse Lake I wasn't sure how much farther we had to go. It was climb, climb, climb and an allegedly REALLY steep bit at the end. I'm glad we turned back.

Water was everywhere from the rains. Two weeks ago the terrain was parched, now, it's wet. There were puddles everywhere and snow dusting above about 8000 feet.

We stopped at the Wright's Lake boat ramp and this is one of the best views in the Sierra Nevada. The Crystal Range seems to loom over the still lake. Today, they were wreathed in clouds with some faint pink from the setting sun. A bald eagle flew over our heads clutching an enormous trout in its talons. It landed on a tree snag and scolded our presence and then flew away, still clutching the trout. Wow.

Best View in the Sierra Nevada 2

Second day at Schneider Cow Camp

Hiked up the forest service road and then up the stock trail. It's marked on the map but has no particular sign. It does allow motorbikes and two of then passed us on our way up. We reached the possible crest of the trail and headed off trail straight up the ridge angling a bit south east to head toward Little Round Top. It's not too difficult other than the altitude. The ground varies from somewhat loose dirt to hard packed dirt with rocks. There are plenty of mule's ears. We had almost reached the crest when the threatening storm clouds started to release rain and a few tiny bits of hail. There was also some thunder an lightning so we decided to descend. We cut back heading slightly more south towards Caples Lake heading for a tree line.

I was glad we got to some trees because the spitting rain turned into a downpour and we were glad to take shelter and stay somewhat dry under some trees. Poor Commando got soaked and had difficulty seeing through the rain, he really did look pitiful. We kept heading down and finally intersected with the stream that intersected the forest service road.

I had dry clothes in the car which I was glad to change into!

I guess it will take one or two more trips for me to "summit" Little Round Top.