Hike Info:
Type: Backpacking
Trail: Woodchuck Lake
Destination: Woodchuck Lake
Distance: 4.92 miles
Start Time: 10:04
End Time: 4:35
Travel Time: 6:30 (0.76 mph)
Moving Time: 4:43 (1.04 mph)
Elevation Rise: 2,039'
Maximum Elevation: 9,909'
Description:
I got up a little bit before 7 and had my quiet I'm up on a rock, away from camp. I
guess that is sort of ironic isn't it? (You may need to have some Christian background for that statement.) When I came back from my morning, Rose was already up and Sherri was just getting up. It is
a slow morning and we enjoy the easily time. we had our breakfast was right before
we left-the usual oatmeal. But for some unusual reason Sherri says
that this morning's concoction is pretty good. |
| Wishon Reservoir area |
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| Rose on the prowl |
The first stage is about 350' rise and gives us a taste for what today. Glad we did not do this climb last night for two reasons:
- We were tired when we got into camp last night
- Where would we have camped? No water at this time of year and few camp spots.
After our break it is some more climbing. It it is all trees with some meadows and then an occasional rock. From those occasional rocks, sometimes we can look out over what we are climbing and know that we are working. I won't say that these views are sensational but it has been nice just to stop and gaze on what we have gone up. On the other hand, our conversation has been minimal, to conserve our precious oxygen.
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| Gary |
Our trip continues are not bored as I've said before that it's a story of the day. We just enjoy the climb, going one step after another. I am last, probably says something about me. Sometimes though it is nice to be fast and so that you can. All and that is what I do a lot of times it is nice just to see do woods without the layer test coming up off of our feet.
We get to the first junction, which goes to Chuck Pass. From there, we continue on our way up to Woodchuck Lake. That is another 1500 feet above us. We still have quite a climb and we can tell that we are not quite a fifth of the way. Even though we have done a similar climb out of Little Yosemite Valley a few weeks ago, this one, like LYV, is taking a toll on us.
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| We will climb above this |
A little ways further we decide to stop for lunch break. There's a nice large meadow which we enjoy looking at. On the far side of it is a snow measurement marker. Also, I think this is close to the spot which the map shows a historical location-meaning no longer there-called the Moore's Boys Camp. You sort of wonder what kind of camp this was. Sherri has the rest of her Subway sandwich and I have a concoction of dried peanut butter and water, with a bit of Nutella thrown in-of course.
Rose starts out in front followed shortly by Sherri. I stay behind to finish a chapter in the Lord of the Rings, about 10 minutes. That, as you may have figured out, does not bother me any. But there is a discussion between Sherri and Rose about whether they should wait for me at the next junction. As it turns out, Rose goes ahead and Sherri waits around until she sees me, to make sure I do not turn the wrong way. The way my navigational skills have been lately, that is probably a good choice.
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| Our Lunch Meadow |
Now Sherri and I start the remaining climb. It is a long one-a full 1000 feet remaining to go up. But its not a straight up push, but a grinding, continual climb. There's not much in the way of varying scenery even though the trees are great to have around both for shade and just for the relaxing the eyes. They give me a refreshed state of mind.
Rose is climbing pretty good. Later on when we catch up to her, she said that she found her stride and is able to make good time. That is when hiking becomes a joy, when we can feel the body in rhythm and just let the legs flow with that rhythm. The hike becomes a joy. Sherri and I are not quite in that rhythm though. We eventually catch up with Rose when she pauses for a while (I suspect for a great while, but she doesn't say how long).
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| Camp at Woodchuck Lake |
Rose has scouted out the lake for campsites, at least the north part of it. She has found some campsites and selected one. It looks pretty good but being the kind of guy I am, I wandered around and find one slightly better. Both would be adequate. But we go to the other one since its gone a nice view of the lake and it's a bit flattered. Also, it does not look like it will flood if it rains.
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| Wandering |
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| Southern End of Woodchuck Lake |
Sherri and I have a little bit too much garbage to put into the bear canister, so up it goes up into the trees. I say to myself , this is a pretty good hang, a real work of art-see tomorrow's post for a picture.. By this time it is dark and we are tired. We say goodnight to Rose and off to bed, or should I say bag? But Sherri and I do have the advantage of the phone which has movies on it. So we watch about 20 minutes worth of A Walk in the Woods before turning in.
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| Sunset |
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| Sunset |
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| Woodchuck Lake |
Menu
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snacks |
| Oatmeal and add-ins, such as dried peaches, strawberries, nuts, granola. Tang. | Ritz Crackers, Peanut Butter, Nutella | Mountain House Lasagna | Clif Bar, GORP, Propel, CytoMax, Scrytch, Coffee Candy, Jelly Belly |
Flowers and Plants
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