Rock Lake via Bowman Mountain

Frank Hamlin led us on a stupdendous hike Wednesday. The superlative has to do with the route, the view, and the weather. After examining Camas Lilies and Fawn Lilies in Loney Meadow we climbed over the side of Bowman Mountain and around to the view to Bowman Lake. We also saw the tippy top of a snow-covered mountain, possibly Lassen, and the Sierra Buttes. The high trail was a path in the scree that afforded view after view. Gnarled trees including a tall one that had at least 4 separate trees for the top came into a view. Finally, after the "watch tree" a small tarn was laying along the path at the bottom of a melting snow patch. There was almost mutiny in the group as we were divided over whether to stop there for lunch (unparalleled beauty) or continue on around to Rock Lake.

Rock Lake won and after 4 of us had a swim, the clouding sky gave way to hail, causing the lake to boil and the ground to be covered with ice balls. Tianna was attempting to dry herself but wetnesss was quickly overtaking her attempts. We huddled under trees until the sky was spent and then headed quickly down the trail to Loney and beyond. Unfortunately the mosquitoes tortured us most of the way, particularly Marilyn's grand daughter, Evvie who was dressed more sparingly that the rest of us.

Wildflowers were plentiful and included:

False Solomon's Seal
Corn Lily (False Hellibore)

Sierra Bitter Root or Sierra Lewisia (Purslane family which includes Pussy Paws which we also saw in great quantity).

There were 19 of us: Marilyn and grand daughter, Barbara G. both Franks and Ellen, Priscilla, Maureen, Tiana, Tammy, Grace, Vila, Becky, Akiko, Selma, Jo, Paula, John and Elly. We hiked about 8 miles and with quite an elevation gain - got up to almost 7K.

Lots more pictures are available - especially on Frank Hamlin's picasa album...but, sadly, I can't figure out how to post that here.