Six of the 8:30 group decided to explore arriving at Penner by an alternate route. We parked at Carr-Feeley, hiked up to Island Lake, but then went cross country toward Fall Creek Mountain, passing Hidden Lake. We went over the shoulder of Fall Creek Mountain and followed the ridge all the way to Penner. The new views of familiar peaks and lakes. There are lots of very small lakes sprinkled along this route. The going can get pretty rough as you rock-hop and slide or bushwhack through Manzanita. Up and down we trekked through rock gardens of gorgeous warm-colored rocks with wildflowers (mostly Phlox, Penstemon, Pussy Paws, and Mountain Jewelflower blooming around us.
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| Island Lake from Fall Creek shoulder |
We arrived at Penner which had large stands of bee infested heather. While eating our lunches by the lake, we enjoyed the jumping fish, a CA Racer snake swimming in the water, and lots of insect exoskeletons clinging to the grasses. Turquoise dragonflies, darners, damsels, or whatever they are called clung to grasses in various lakes.
We had to cancel camping at Wild Plum this week but are hoping to go next week for two nights.
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Sierra Buttes |
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| Black Buttes |
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| Penstemon |
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| One of many unnamed lakes |
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| Heather by Penner |
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