Grouse Ridge

Two cars/eight hikers drove the long trek on the bouncy dirt road to Grouse Ridge.  A few fishermen and hunters advised us that the high trail is mosquito free but not the low one.  We hiked up the beautiful Sand Ridge moraine, paid Frank's geo cache a visit and glorified in the amazing views that ridge provides of the Black Buttes and the Sierra Buttes.  Lassen was visible as well.  After descending a while we found the "jumping off place" for the ducked route to Five Lakes Basin.  Poorly defined trails were in abundance and our designated photographer managed to get separated on one of the wrong ones.  Luckily we called and retraced until we found her.  Reminds me that we SHOULD be carrying loud whistles.  We descended further until we reached a lovely lake suitable for lunch and swimming. 

Later we ascended some rocks for a different view and Akiko found some epidote on a piece of granite,  a green crystal-laden face.  On the way to Glacier Lake we took a "shortcut" up to the route we wanted.  It was steep and difficult but this intrepid group was up to it.  We rested and cooled our faces in Glacier Lake before the long trek (considering the late time) back down and then UP to the cars.  Well, the hunters were right.  The mosquitoes honed in on the group, trying mightily for a blood meal.  Swatting and hiking fast, no one dared stop for a pee.  We did not rid ourselves of them until we got above the trees at the cars. 

The drive down the Grouse Ridge road was spectacular as the sun was setting orangy red, the mountains were lavender and the green trees still had some color.  Their needles actually picked up some direct sunlight that made them sparkle.

Next week there were two suggestions but I think PCT to Benson Hut won out.  Maybe we could save Mt. Lola until the following week.  It is 6 miles out to Benson Hut, so a 12 mile hike.  The trail is spectacular, following the crest and offering wonderful views in all directions.  Since it is a well-built trail, we can make good time and will meet at the regular 8:30 time.  Hikers would be advised to carry about 50 ounces of water on these trips and carry a flashlight and an extra jacket.  The season is getting later.  If the weather closes in next week, we will go to Plan B, to be determined.

 

Sand Ridge Lake

Although 13 gathered at the meeting place, 10 of us decided to go all the way to Sand Ridge Lake.  The other 3 went to Grubb Hut and turned around.  On our way up to Castle Pass,  we ran across 2 guys who were on a pilgrimage to Tahoe from Ft. Bragg.  Turtle and Patrick were their names and they were obviously not on a direct route but they did relish Tiana's hand out of fresh green peppers.  They are trying to promote this pilgrimage thing - maybe you can read about it at www.plantsandhealers.com or Dave might have another website for them.

We turned left after the Grubb Hut and headed back along the Hole in the Ground Trail (HITG) to the turn-off for Sand Ridge Lake.  The trail was beautiful and kept up by either a Folsom bicycle group or equestrians.  There were a few bikers but, it being Wednesday, not very many.  The lake was lovely and 4 of us went swimming before lunch.  Cold but refreshing.

After lunch we returned via the HITG trail over the side of Andesite Peak.  We kept up a brisk pace set by Jim and were thrilled to have hiked a total of 11 miles. All pictures by Maureen.

A note on observed motorcycle fatality on way home:  all I know is that victim was from Reno.

Next week we plan to confuse things by hiking another Sand Ridge - the one found near Grouse Ridge.  We will go to 5 Lakes Basin and return by Glacier Lake.  Some of this route is off trail and is 9.5 miles - we took this trip last year in mid-Sept.  For those who want a shorter hike, you can split off from us and spend the day at Glacier Lake.  Meeting time is 8:30.

The Three Ladies redux

Thank you to Clarence for writing the following: 

The Wednesday hikers went to the Donner summit once more to visit Lakes Angela, Flora, and Azalea. We started near the Donner Ski Ranch and headed North this time. We visited the “Maiden’s Retreat” to see the many little catfish and the wide view of Donner Lake. Then we did a short cross country to get onto the “newer” PCT . The weather started out crisp and made a wonderful hiking day, with some undecided about bringing a windbreaker. We soon had broad views of Castle Peak, and of course the ever-present HWY 80.

We got onto the old (but still popular) PCT and walked past Lake Azalea, arriving at Lake Flora for our lunch. Hiking back to the parking spot we found the trail was changed a little from winter damage. We had a distant view of Lake Angela and then we connected again to the PCT, heading down the switchback trail toward the cars.

For next week it was suggested to hike to Sand Ridge Lake. The group will leave at 8:30

 

These wonderful pictures are by Maureen.

Clarence's fabulous pictures are in his letter to you.

 

Blue and Gold

From Clarence:

On a warm day we decided to go to Blue Lake and see the spectacular view from Zion Hill. There was a nice breeze on the hill. Ten of us hiked the rocky hill before picking up the old ditch trail toward the Indian petroglyphs.

 

 

After lunch we headed back, but had unexpected excitement as we neared the parking spot. A small fire, but really out of place and too large. We called 911 and after 20 minutes The fire fighters were on the scene with a very large crew. We had a front row view of the action, but soon the fireman wanted to know what “we were doing in the area”. We looked suspicious to them. After a few question we were on our way. The fire grew very large as we were driving away.

They had a helicopter, a bomber, the spotter plane, and about six trucks. I don’t know how many crew members on the ground.

Welcome new hiker, Chris

Photos: Clarence, Maureen, Susan

For next week we have the suggestion to go to Lakes Azalea, Flora, and Angela.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other group:

 

Our four headed up to the Gold Lake area below the Sierra Buttes.  We started at Gold Lake Lodge and headed down through great meadows with some different flowers. Then we climbed up the steep trail to Long Lake.  The trail headed around the end of the dam and up the other side, descending down to the lake once along some talus for fun stone hopping.  Dave and John took the opportunity for a quick dip and we headed back up the steep incline for lunch in the shade of tall trees.  After lunch we continued up and around the steeply graded flat diagonal cliffs that line the lake on the other side.  Then we headed down past a series of other lakes including and the other side of Long Lake.  There we saw the most amazing green (epidote) and quartz boulder.  Oh, for a piece of that in our gardens.  At Silver Lake we stopped again for a swim.  This time 3 of us got in and the four did get her feet wet.  Feeling refreshed, we headed past the Bear Lakes back to the Lodge. 

 Dave as a meditating otter.

Epidote and marble.

While the many meadows had the usual corn lilies, mule's ears, Knotweed, penstemon, and paintbrush; we did notice a few new flowers.  We saw checker mallow, horsemint, and alpine campion, and other not mentioned (because I'm not sure what they are). 

 

We emerged at Gold Lakes Lodge and went down the hill to Sierra City at the base of the Buttes.  Dave knew of a restaurant that was pretty good: Mountain Creek restaurant.  The creek actually rushes through the center of the place with tables on various levels.  Flowers abound by the creek which is engineered to go through old stumps and falls to disappear in a grate at the bottom, where it goes under 49 and into the Yuba.  Stunning and well worth a stop. 

 

Next week there will be no extended group.

Donner, Judah, Castle, & Basin

Four peaks - sore legs. 

The 8:30 group did the first two (from Clarence):  pix: Clarence and Maureen

Hope your group had a good day. The weather was wonderfully cool. We had 12 in our group, including a new hiker, Susan.

We drove up to Sugar Bowl area Jim suggested going to Donner Peak and Mount Judah. We got there pretty fast and we went to the great view of Donner Lake.

We then continued on to circle Mount Judah. We met a lot of other hikers (with dogs too) out on this midweek hike. We ran into a sizeable snow bank and a downed tree that we had get past. Very awkward and slippery! As you must have known, there was a crisp, cool, strong wind up there on top.

On the return section of the loop it was much easier and a welcome downhill.

Next week this group suggesting the trip to Mt Zion and Blue Lake. Looking for the petroglyphs at the end. Hope the weather is just as nice as today.

 

The 8 AM group did the second two:

 

 

Our group of 7 hiked 10.5 (9.5) miles (depends on which way you returned) and gained 2600 feet.  Dave brought his friend, Lisa, who is a young and powerful hiker.  Being from San Diego, she was excited about the flowers and SNOW.  We ate lunch at the top of Castle Peak (for 4 of us it was the second time this year).  View was great but hazy - Lassen just visible.  We figured it was the smog of Burning Man.  The wind was warm and comfortable.  We walked along the knife edge, marveling at the low plants, especially buckwheats, paintbrushes, and Davis' Knotweed that can survive the severe weather.  Mounds of locoweed pods were found in the lee of rocks and larger plants.  Lisa started us amusing ourselves by throwing rocks on the steep snowbanks below us.  They bounced all the way down making a satisfying clunk at the end.  Finally Frank lifted a larger one for the throw.  Darned if it worked too.  We did worry that one of us would travel with the rocks, nominating us for a posthumus Darwin award.

 

At the top of Basin Peak we found a new log-in book/geo cache in an ammunition box.  We had remembered a different book.  Finally Akiko realized she was looking at scraps of paper way under the rocks.  After some sleuthing and reaching in the cracks we realized the old book had become a rodent nest.  Luckily the rodent wasn't home.

 

We descended the ridge/cross-countried to find that our favorite meadows were NOT as good as years gone by.  Covered by snow and then ground not wet enough?  They were good but not stupendous.  Corn lilies, lupines, various yellow composites, stickseed, flax, paintbrushes, jacob's ladder, larkspur, and penstemon were dominant.

 

Although we hadn't seen any other hikers all day, we did see 2 when we hit the PCT.  One interesting and very large man with huge feet had been hiking since about 4/1 from Mexico.  He purchases food in towns such as Truckee and mails some ahead to post offices.  He said he only goes about 16 miles a day, taking his time talking to hikers and keenly observing his surroundings.  All his clothes and head scarf were army green colored and his pack was not inordinantly large.  Clipped to the front of his shirt was a solar cell for his phone and music.  From his chest pocket he pulled a small and delicate journal with meticulous diminutive hand writing.   It was interspersed with carefully and skillfully drawn illustrations of snakes, feathers, and the Peter Grubb Hut.  This was his 4th volume.  He planned to go to mid-Oregon and re-locate to Bend.  All his belongs were on his back.

 

Next week:  Extended hike and ride to Gold Lakes Basin.  We will take a long hike but not nearly the elevation gain of this one.  Dave is leading around Deer Lake.  If you want to join us, come at 8 AM.

 disappointing meadow

surprising tree we had missed on the way up but noticed going the other way