Donner and Stephens Trail

Karen contemplated swimming with nibbling fish at Maiden's Lake.

Fifteen warm hikers headed up the pass to brave the traffic and heat. Clarence had done his homework and gave us a first class history lesson on who REALLY came over the pass first and who REALLY did the the tremendous labor making the train tunnels and walls that crossed the Sierra. We learned about the trail and the wagon road and the old roads that crossed before Route 40.

We then removed our sunglasses, turned on our flashlights, and enjoyed hiking through the cool, unused train tunnels. Emerging into the heat, Clarence promised us yet another treat: a small lake chock full of catfish, descendants of the survivors of Chinese dinners.

Present were Karen, Barbara B., Marilyn N., Clarence, new Frank, Laurie, Priscilla, Selma, Tiana, Mary, Tami, Karen, Kim, John, and Elly.

Continued heat will turn hikers to stone.

Most photos by Clarence.

Next week John might lead a special hike depending on the weather and if we feel up to it. We would meet at 8 AM and hike the PCT to Benson Hut (about 10 miles RT). Clarence will come up with hike for the 8:30 group.

Penner Lake

Fifteen of us (Stan, Marilyn S, Frank and Ellen, Priscilla, Maureen, Tami, Mary,Karen, Akiko, Jim, both Barbaras, John, and Elly) in 3 cars drove up the rough road to Carr/Feeley and hiked the 3.5 miles up to Penner as clouds gathered around us. Although Mary doggedly kept hiking, she lost sight of the group and continued hiking the other way around Island Lake. After a while we realized no one had seen her and we sent a posse to round her up. The area is so used that it is easy to lose your way.

Up at the lake some decided they had had enough climbing and ate lunch at an overlook. Other members ate down by the lake with the idea that perhaps a swim was in order. But as luck would have it, the clouds and wind picked up during lunch making a swim uninviting.

When we were almost all the way down, Stan didn't feel well and had to take it easy for a bit. Nurse Tami stayed at his side and they joined us at the car later. Tami drove his car back as well.

Not to be forgotten, Elly had a "my cell phone is missing/empty the pack attack" and while the gallant husband was offering to "run back up to Penner", he suddenly had the idea of looking in HIS pack for the phone. Oh yeah - that USED to be my pack.

Thank you Frank for the maps and the pix last week, too.

Next week was supposed to be a John's "special hike" but we find we may have to postpone this a few weeks - don't know yet - we will email you-all when we know for sure (still messing around with the Richmond condo problem) - anyone out there used to be a realtor?

I don't know what the rest of the group plans to do. Any ideas? Please submit. Marilyn S. heading for big trip to eastern Europe...can't beat those prices!! - Bon Voyage...