Loney Lake

Heading up towards Loney Lake

 Eight of us headed to Blue Lake in order to stay away from peaks and ridges where we would be more vulnerable to lightning strikes.  We originally thought we would hike to Beyers Lake, a round trip of 14 miles. As we hiked along the ditch, past the petroglyphs and stupendous view, we decided that due to the heat and mugginess of the weather, we would shorten the proposed hike and go to Loney Lake instead.  This would mean being off trail in steep, rocky terrain.  We had to climb up boulders, and sidle around rocks in order to avoid the dried up outlet and steep but dry waterfalls.  The going was tough and exhausting.  Most of the vegetation was the dry type with a good stand of scarlet gilia and a few Mountain Ash bushes with bright orange berries.



Loney Lake

Loney Lake was serene with it's yellow blooming water lilies, but it was muddy and not inviting for swimming.  Distant thunder and large clouds added to the muggy drama.

After lunch we decided it would be easier if we would descend by hiking in the dry outlet.  After a start that dead ended, we turned around and waded through the reeds and grasses.  That route stopped in a dense growth of willows.  Feeling trapped, we headed straight into them.  Bouncing and snapping, the willows appeared to be gaining on us.  After a few falls and clothing tears, we emerged to more reeds and we were worse for the wear.  We swished through them, only to discover we were actually on a peninsula.  There was no way we were going to attack those willows again, so we waded in the muddy lake even though it was up over our hiking boots.  Once sprung by the lake's grip, we continued down the outlet until we had to go back up on the ledgy rocks. 

After a well-deserved rest, we headed back to Blue Lake.  There, we found a group of campers taking apart an elaborate set-up after a month's camping trip.  They used a small skiff and a canoe on many trips to ferry their multitudinous belongs back to the dam. 

Next week we hope to be less ambitious, especially if the hot weather continues. We must have a swimming lake we can enjoy.  One of our members brought water shoes which we all thought was a good idea for next week.

People's devices recorded different mileage and elevation gain but it appears that we went about 9.5 miles with an 1100 ft. elevation gain.






Rest and snack in late afternoon breeze

Blue Lake

Akiko is in training - big pack

PCT to Anderson

Enjoying view from Roller Pass

Although seven of us met at 8:30, two decided to climb Mt. Lola for its high elevation as they are training for their Yosemite trip.  The rest of us, wanting less of a drive, opted for the PCT south from Highway 40.  There were a lot of day trippers headed to the Mt. Judah loop but once we passed them, there were few other hikers. 



The goal: Mt. Anderson

Fireweed

The day was gloriously cool and bright.  Only a good stiff wind detracted from the day's perfection. On the ridges, hiking poles held by their straps, blew to about 20-30 degrees from vertical.  We secured our hats and some even had to hang on to them.  As usual, the views from that trail were continually spectacular at every turn.  Instead of continuing up to Benson Hut, we stayed on the PTC around Mt. Anderson.  I was hoping to climb it from the other side but the group wasn't up for it.  The trail had become more exposed as we headed towards Tinker's Knob and the winds precluded eating lunch anywhere past some trees a while back.  So we retreated to the trees for lunch before heading back. 

Although most of the trail is too exposed for spectacular wildflowers, there were areas of displays of fireweed, scarlet Gilia, Sierra Primrose, and a purple Penstemon - probably Meadow Penstemon. 

We had walked about 13.5 miles with about a 2500 foot elevation gain. 

Castle Peak

Devil's Peak

Right below Mt. Anderson

Penstemon

Sand Ridge Lake Loop

Since thunderstorms were predicted for the Sierra, seven of us chose a lower trail in order to stay away from the peaks and ridges.  From the Castle Valley road stub we headed north and then up the side of Andesite Peak following Hole in the Ground trail.  Once we were on the ridge below Andesite Peak itself, we descended, continuing left where the Sand Ridge Lake Trail comes in.  These trails are a bit dusty due to their heavy use by mountain bikers who actually keep the trails up.  We had the lake to ourselves and enjoyed a leisurely lunch (and swim for me). 

After lunch we retraced our steps part way but took the Sand Ridge Trail to Round Valley and the PCT.  There, we turned right and went in to use the facilities at Peter Grubb Hut.  At the hut a group of about 30 autistic men and their 10 leaders were setting up a camp in the area.  Those counselors looked like they had their work cut out for them.  There were many trips to and from Castle Pass where some belongings had been left.  Some of the young men were having digestion problems, adding to the work of the harried counselors. 

Further down the PCT we met a couple of thru-hikers from New England.  They didn't have the normal (tall and skinny) build of thru-hikers and were taking their time.  He was wearing a new and unusual pair of shoes, Hoka One's from Europe.  According to the Hoka One website, there are no dealers in USA yet.  They have thick, cushioned,





rocker soles and so far, the owner was quite happy with them. 

We hiked 11(+) miles, with a 1500 ft. elevation gain.

Twin Peaks (Barker to TP and return)

Eight of us took another spectacular hike on the PCT/TRT from Barker Pass to Twin Peaks.  It was an area we had eyed during a couple of hikes last year.  The wildflowers were plentyfull - Alpine Lilies, Columbine, Paint Brush, and Scarlet Fritillary - a palette of reds - were abundant in water seepage meadows.  Also there were Monkey flowers in yellows - and pinks and the blue Monk's Hood.  Caterpillar Phaecia and Pennyroyal were more neutral to white as was cinquefoil.  Sulfur Buckwheat and Mule's Ears were in the drier areas. 

Looking down from Twin Peaks

The hike is along the PCT/TRT which means we ran into loads of thru hikers, each with their own stories.  Swiss girls with a large camera and a man carrying an electronic racket bug killer (he thought it was amusing), a tall bearded fellow with the trail name of Che were all interesting to greet and talk with.  There were day hikers as well - a couple from Poland were out for a brief walk from Barker.  Lady walking along in slip-on clogs. 



I Made it!!

The views of Lake Tahoe and distant mountains are just as exciting as immense lava out croppings seen at every switchback.  After lunch in the shade while admiring the views, we headed further down "only 1/2 mile" to Twin Peaks.  It was a massive rock that ascended almost vertically from the TRT.  In spite of being already tired, one member started the hands and feet ascent.  Remindful of Old Man Mountain and Devil's Peak.  We ditched the poles and headed up rocks that were so steep I had to back up at a few points and try a different area.  All the while we worried about what it was going to be like when it was time to head down.  We also thought of yellow jacket nests.  They had bedeviled us while climbing around on Devil's Peak.  Maybe that's where it got it's name.  But all was well although going down was tough as we sat and oozed ourselves to the next rock below or turned and went backwards or let our bodies swing to the next foothold.  We were lucky that our foolishness didn't lead to anybody getting hurt beyond a few scratches. 

The return hike was grueling as our bodies had had enough.  But we all made it - I think it was 6:30.  We had hiked 11.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 2600 feet.  Although the traffic was light on the drive home, we did see a good sized rock/boulder roll down and across the freeway in front of us.  Phew, dodged that bullet!  Thanks to Frank for map trace and first 3 pictures.

PCT headed north from Barker Pass

PCT

One of many views while hiking

Alpine Lily

Chokecherry



Tahoe from Twin Peak summit



Summit group (some people wisely chose to skip climb)

Looking down from summit

Enjoying view from summit

Showing the kids in live time

and now to descend

Twin Peaks from a safer distance

Five Lakes Basin Exploration

This is LAST week's hike - I couldn't go so here is John's information:

We hiked last week, but neglected to publish a blog.  It was a beautiful hike, as usual, with a lot of off trail.  We explored the Five Lakes Basin area, allowing ourselves more time than we have in the past.  We started at Grouse Ridge and hiked towards Glacier Lake, but took the Sand Ridge trail, which inexplicably is not shown on any of our maps.  I'm not sure why this is true because it is very nice, albeit a bit steep with loose footing where it ascends the ridge.  Spectacular views from the ridge, with remarkable carpets of flowers.  We left the trail at the first lake, unnamed, heading across open granite country, to our first destination, another unnamed lake, with an amazing campsite.  Stone furniture enough for a pretty good sized group, complete with (very comfortable) chairs, tables, fireplace, etc.  it was an engineering marvel.  A perfect place for lunch.  After eating and admiring the beautiful lake (deep, with sheer cliffs on the far side), we continued XC to Five Lakes Basin itself, heading to another wonderful campsite one of us has camped at over the years.  It looked like a great place to stay a few days, exploring, swimming, just hanging out.  From there we started heading back, past several more lakes and up a route we've taken In the past, the usual access "trail" to the Five Lakes area.  It put us back on Sand Ridge Trail, fairly close to where we had left it earlier.  We decided not to head back via Sand Ridge, but to XC (yes, again) to the "official" Glacier Lake trail.  It runs roughly parallel and is only a half mile or less away from where we were.  Our maps did show a connector, but I can't say we ever found it.  We did make it OK after a bit of flailing about, and cruised on back to the cars (the last bit climbing back to the parking area left our tongues hanging out).=