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.