Sierra Buttes

Although it was a crystal clear day, the thermometer hovered in the thirties as six of us stepped out of the cars for the shorter route we had all opted for.  Then it hit us:  a howling north wind with gusts strong enough to knock you off balance.  We donned as many garments as we had brought, some being more prepared than others and set off, heads down, coping.  The deafening noise combined with flapping nylon from hoods and other garments made for fast hiking to the base of the stairs.  Four of us made it up the stairs with pauses during the gusts to hold on to the cold railing and catch our breaths.  On top we found someone's waterbottle completely frozen, as we would be too if we lingered too long.  Huddling in the leeward side of the lookout, we laughed as we posed for pictures in the strongest blows which Dave estimated at 70 mph.  Going down the stairs was slightly more difficult as you couldn't lean over and the last flight of stairs nearly froze our faces off.  Our smarter compatriots were huddling in the lee of the cliffs as they waited.  Then we all quickly high-tailed it for the cars.  Too cold to stop for lunch.  We drove down to Sand Pond with it's windless, sun-drenched picnic tables and magnificent view of the Buttes. There was no sign of the windstorm from which we had emerged, unscathed but quite chilled.  After lunch we took a more leisurely stroll around the area on a boardwalk trail.  Craving hot soup, we stopped in Sierra City but our timing was off and the restaurant was closed.  The same was true in Downieville.  Oh well, home to HOT water, be it in a hot tub or shower.

The shorter route is about 4.5 miles RT with an elevation gain of 1600 feet.  We were all glad we had chosen this over the alternative longer route.  Enough is enough!

Sand Pond

Lower Sardine Lake

Depending on the weather, our group is considering one of the following hikes:  Pauley Creek near Downieville, or Island Lake counter-clockwise loop going cross country through the Crooked Lakes.  We will meet at 9.

The other group went to Malakoff Diggins.

Out the PCT to Benson Hut and Maybert Rd.

Pictures by Maureen!

Seven of us braved the long trek of 12.5 milesRT with 2100 feet elevation gain to Benson Hut on the PCT.  Last year we measured the mileage at 11.5 and the year before at 12, so go figure.  It was exhausting as we were forced to go fairly fast by people's needs to be somewhere in the evening.  Two turned back just 1/2 hour short of the hut due to illness and a late afternoon commitment.  The trail was it's usual, spectacular self - incredible high views of various mountain ranges and valleys.  Large rocks jutted out of the windswept slopes with malakoff-like erosion and color.  It is a pleasure to go on a carefully constructed trail.  Yellow Aspens along 80 and on the beginnng area of the trail with red and yellow colored bushes made for some color. The sky was varying shades of blue with fluffy clouds, some containing a worrisome amount of moisture.   John discovered the trail behind the hut to the summit of Anderson Peak.  Next time we HAVE to do that.

It seems there was some confusion in the hike venues this time with some ending up unexpectedly at the wrong trailhead.  Be careful when loading your cars that the passengers want to stay out the same amount of time as you do.  Also it is important for the passengers to make their needs known.  This brings us to:

 NEXT WEEK:  Although this week's Maybert Road group decided to hike at 9, the group going higher decided on an 8 AM meeting.  This is because we plan to take the LONG ride to Sierra Buttes.  The group in our car will start at Packer Lake.  There may be other cars going to the higher trailhead further up the road.  Also, our car may NOT return to GV for  dinner.  The driving is all on paved roads.  Clarence thinks Sierra Buttes is a great idea and is planning on the 8 AM meeting time to do this hike INSTEAD of Malakoff Diggings.  When we have done this in the past we tend to meet up fairly near thelookout tower.   Maybe we will see Sand Hill Cranes flying low again!

From Clarence:

Our hike along Maybert Rd. at Washington started off with 5 of us. Then there were 9 of us. Finally there were 11 of us plus two friendly dogs. It was a typical unusual start! When we were all together we started off driving Maybert Rd. 3 miles to the Canyon Creek bridge. The road was in pretty rough shape. The Fall air was crisp and cool but it got plenty warm after a short distance hiking. We saw the same ole “dead cars” along the way. Just for good measure, someone had put many more bullet holes in them. Some of us even tried our hand at putting a couple more dents with rocks.

We came across the “Jolly Boys” mining claim and did a little more exploring and trespassing because no one was at home.
Finally we had lunch at the rivers edge. Some enjoyed the sun and some looked for shade before walking back toward Washington.

There was a suggestion to hike next week in Malakoff to see the fall colors, but also others that want to make the trip to the top of the Sierra Buttes, while it is still perfect weather. The trip to the lookout on the Buttes can be from two starting points. One from the Packer Lake area and an easier start on the PCT. ( I’ll take the easier one.) Because of the longer drive we would leave earlier, at 8:00 AM.

This group suggested to start our Wednesday hikes again at 9:00 AM. HOWEVER, not for this trip to the Sierra Buttes.  Those wanting to go to Malakoff can meet at 9:00.  At this time, there is no leader for that hike.

Pictures by Clarence.

2 Hikes

Picture by Clarence.

Tuesday night eleven of us went to the tombstone (red rocks) area of Spenceville and hiked towards the moon.  As the sun set behind us, the moon brightened enough to see, precluding the need for flashlights.  On the balmy evening, we hiked 3.5 miles.  Afterwards, six of us gathered at Rod and Susan's Lake Wildwood house to enjoy wine, cocktails, and snacks.  They are quite the decoraters with a modern hillside house.  Even their cat and dog were black, nicely complementing the decor.  Rod and Susan love to hold parties and their generosity is evident and much appreciated.

Wednesday, six of us (four from the night before) hiked at Lake Valley Reservoir.  We did the usual hike to the rock outcropping with the stupendous view where we usually stop for lunch.  This time, it was too early for lunch so we took Clarence's suggestion from the previous night (he couldn't hike with us Wednesday) of continuing on to Kelly Lake.  The route involved a very steep rutted downhill section but was otherwise pleasant.  We were particulary impressed by the many gooseberries we saw (Darlene - take note).  Kelly Lake must have a lot of people who visit as it had two outhouses.  As far as we know, we were the only ones there except for a group on an ATV which putt putted by on the road.  We sat on a rock and ate lunch.  The way back was dicey in that the area is laced with logging and off road vehicle trails.  But the forest was lovely and we finally got a good view so we could figure out the way back to the cars.  We had hiked 6.5 miles.