Wolfe Mountain Road

Fifteen sun-starved hikers woke to a clear, cold dawn. And it was on a Wednesday to boot!! Knowing the trails would be sopping wet and muddy, we decided on Wolfe Road, hiking the over 7 miles to the top and back. Clarence, Kim, Jo, Akiko, Maureen, Priscilla, Barbara G., Marilyn S., Frank, Tiana, Mary, Tammy, Karen, John, and Elly stretched our legs as we enjoyed the passing view of the Sierra with it's bright new snow. At the end of the hike, even the Sierra Buttes emerged from their clouds a bit to reveal their white selves.

The views on both sides of the ridge were spectacular. To the west were the Marysville Buttes with the snow-covered coast range behind it. We ate lunch on some sunny out-croppings where we could enjoy that view.

Next week there was talk of Gray Lodge once again. Since we know not everyone wants to go down there, why don't those of you who would rather hike somewhere else either comment on this blog or email me. We'll see who is interested in an alternative. (All this assumes good weather.)

Thanks to Clarence for the pictures.

Spenceville (can't seem to format these right!!)

Lunch:

Some close ups...

Picture and map from Frank Hamlin:

Clarence was back and it was visions of sunny Spenceville that drew so many of us in today. Twenty-six (I think) of us !!went west down 20 to meet the low-landers in - what? - FOG!! Oh well we got used to it - put on everything we had brought - and headed out to a five mile rambling hike that felt like we were going in circles. Other than a few long, steep hills, the hike was easy and slow enough that John and I felt we could heal from our 12 mile "death march" in Pt. Reyes a few days ago. (His family sure hikes quickly!) Just about everyone was there - I can only think of 3 that weren't: Cyndi, Laurie and Kim. We welcome Jo and Frank to the cyber world so that they, too, can stay connected. They each got a computer and are in the process of learning the ropes.

There were two visiting hikers, Irv and Ruth, fresh from Van Damme State Park near Mendocino, where they were campground hosts. Unfortunately they are not here permanently and they and their home will be moving on. Speaking of moving on, Barbara Blackford is selling her house and moving to an in-law unit at her daughter's in Colorado. This is not imminent but if you know anyone who wants to buy in Morgan Ranch, she has a small house there.

We were all happy to see each other as we caught up on the latest events in each others' lives. Although the scenery was less than spectacular, there were some lovely monochromatic sights in the various greens that presented themselves. A couple of young men came around with orange vests and very long guns hunting quail. Seems a little unfair as quail are such slow movers.

http://http//www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.html

We talked about heading to Gray Lodge (west of Gridley in the Valley) next week. It is a long ride but be sure to take your binoculars and bird books. There is some walking you can do but the piece of resistance is a slow 3 mile car trip between the flooded rice fields. There is a gravel hiking trail you can take that is 2.5 miles and some smaller nature trails as well. There are picnic tables at the parking lot so we could leave our lunches in our cars.