June 29, 2014 - Roaring River to Comanche Meadow

Avalanche Peak

Title: June 29, 2014 - Roaring River to Comanche Meadow

Hike Info:

Type:  Backpacking

Destination: Sugarloaf Meadow

Actual Destination: Comanche Meadow

Distance: 11.82 miles

Start Time:  8:24

End Time:   7:23pm

Travel Time: 10:59 (1.08 mph) ¹

Moving Time: 5:46 (2.05 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,414'
Elevation Descent: 2,076'

Maximum Elevation: 8,392'

 ¹This time includes two extended breaks. One at Ferguson Creek to enjoy its coolness; the other at Sugarloaf Meadow for dinner.

Description:

Roaring River a little below camp

Got up at 6 and wrote for a little while until everyone got up. Usual camp routine. We leave the campsite at 8:30. I guess this is really the start of our trip back. I have a feeling of trying to make time to a spot rather than enjoying the journey. Not saying that the hike is not enjoyable, but just there is an effort to make it to a place rather than enjoying the scenery. But to me, the scenery is not the A+ quality we have been seeing along the way. It is your normal Sierra scenery.

Andrea  observing handywork

Roaring River from bridge

It is a good thing we stopped where we did last night. We saw maybe one spot between there and Roaring River.  (Note: in looking at other sites, people make mention of many other campsites along Roaring River, but we did not see them.) The trail is pretty good and we make good time, arriving at the bridge crossing the Roaring River before 11. Like I said previously, there was not much in the way of jaw dropping beauty, just the ordinary Sierra scenes. At Roaring River Ranger Station, there is an outhouse with bear lockers. So we stop for a break. It is warm and I am getting lethargic. The ranger station is much like I remember it, along with the hitching post.

Sherri on top of ridge

Andrea on way up ridge

We decide our next stop will be on the other side of an upcoming unnamed ridge. Even the mile and a half walk along Roaring River is hard work. But when we start up the 400' climb up a ridge to go over into the Sugarloaf area, the heat is oppressive.  We are glad that Ray and Rachel have found Ferguson Creek. Rachel found a nice to lie in a pool in the creek, which we all take turns enjoying the the sensations to our bodies. Cleaned and cool-a twofer! Even the hot springs do not feel this luxurious. The cold water in contrast to the warm air, so invigorating.

Sugarloaf

But once we hit the trail again, our stride is better, but the clean feeling does not last long. Actually, the cool leaves us pretty quickly as well. After a short descent to Sugarloaf Creek, we cross over and now our ascent of the day really starts. We start up the Sugarloaf Valley. While the walking is easy, the heat continues to sap our energy. We finally get to Sugarloaf Meadow and decide to have dinner. Our energy level has hit bottom.

West and East Videttes

Running up Trail

Now it is time for decision. Are we too tired to continue on to Comanche Meadow: 1.5-2 miles with between 500 and 800' rise? We are tired, but nobody likes the idea to camp here while looking forward to a 2000' climb and eight miles of hiking tomorrow while trying to get Ray to Sacramento at a reasonable time. So we settle  on a plan. Andrea and Ray will race ahead to Comanche Meadow and Sherri and Rachel. Steven and I will come along and set up camp. Off we go with another hour plus hike. But the plan worked!

Ready for bed

We find a bear box and and a good campsite. Water is a bit of a problem, but a small creek is located. All are tired, and all get into bed by 9. But we are a in good position to get an early start tomorrow.

Trail Lesson:
Plans do come together, so have a plan.

Todays's Slogan:

Sleep. Eat. Walk. Enjoy

Snowball

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Oatmeal and add-ins, such as dried peaches, strawberries, nuts, granola. Tang.	Peanut Butter and Nutella on crackers	Tamale Freestyle	Clif Bar, Jelly Bellies, CytoMax, Propel, GORP, Bank Balls