March 29, 2017 - Wolverton

Title: March 29, 2017 - Wolverton
Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Background : Extra Photo's : Animals 

Trail head: Wolverton Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type:  Snowshoeing

Trail: Wandering / Lakes Trail

Destination:Wandering

Distance:  2.82 miles

Start Time:10:28

End Time:  2:16

Travel Time:  3:48 (0.74 mph)

Moving Time: 2:10  (1.30 mph)

Elevation Rise:  589'

Maximum Elevation: 7,721'

GPS Tracks

Description:

This was to be a trip with two of our friends: Betty and Rose. But Rose did not feel well enough to go so it was Betty only. We picked up Betty in Famersville and proceed on to Giant Forest. We thought that it would be a good idea to snowshoe into Crescent Meadow along its road. But there is a requirement for snowshoeing: snow. The road had been plowed. So we travel on to Wolverton, which is 600' higher. Snow.

Start of Trek

By the time we get unloaded, prepared and made our trips to the bathroom, it is 10:30. There are a couple of meadows in Wolverton which I had thought of walking around, enjoying the relatively flat trek, with an occasional foray into the slopes above.

Small Creek, Sizable Walls

But that was not to be. With the snow melt, Long Meadow was a swamp of snow and water-definitely not going to be enjoyable. So we followed up the other side of the meadow which parallels the parking lot. There two a little creek with five foot snow sides cut off our path to go over to the slopes. So I am content to follow up the creek and see how far we go. One thing which hampered us, particularly me, is that one of my baskets broke off of the pole. It was more of annoyance because occasionally the pole would sink way down into the snow.

That is one of the nice things about snowshoeing. For those who are relatively inexperienced, like myself, you can just wander and not be too concerned about the difficulty, except for steepness of the slopes.

Gary and Betty

The snow is old, so as Betty notices, we are crunching through it. Still that is the only noise we hear.  The silence of a snow landscape is so subdued, so different than our noisy city life.

As we follow the creek up, we start rising up. I realize that we might not be able to continue our course along the creek. So I look at the ridgeline above us and think, let’s see if we can go up there and find something interesting, or at least the Lakes trail.

Our route lead us up the side of a ridge, a bit of a zig-zag course, but well within the abilities of all. From my perspective, it was fun and a bit of a learning time-like how steep of a slope can I go up without sliding down vs digging in my toe. I figure I still have some things to learn.

Whose Paw Print?

Betty and Gary

As we get close to the top, three skiers whiz by up about 40 yards away. We must be getting close to the Lakes Trail. Sure enough, there is a yellow triangle in the distance where the skiers disappeared. We decide when we get to the top of the ridge, we will try to find a good view and stop for lunch. I notice some tracks, some big old tracks. Well maybe not old-less than three days old. I think we have some bear tracks we follow. In a few minutes, we find a nice look at Mt Sillman and a flat place to lay my space blanket down. Score!

Mt Sillman

 

As we munch on our lunch, two snowborders came by. They happen to be the backcountry rangers for Pear Lake. They check on us and continue on down. They are certainly graceful. I guess that is what practice, youth and coordination gives you. 

Sky Candy

Big Feet and Good View

Betty and Sherri ready to leave

Betty Descending

 We continue following the tracks for a few more minutes until they disappear, but we continue on. Nothing too exciting. The trail branches to the right and we decide it is time to turn back. But instead of following the trail which goes below the ridge, we follow the ridge in the hopes of getting some better views. But there are many trees blocking the views, so we catch glimpses of the area across the Topakah Valley. 

End of Trail

Eventually the Lakes Trail meets the ridge and we follow the trail down. It is much easier going down. By now the afternoon soon is starting to make the snow a bit slushy and consequently slippery. It is fun doing a mini-slide down slopes, even though it is pretty easy to fall. We reach the car without further incident around 2:15.

The next question is where to eat? We decide River View Bar and Lounge in Three Rivers will be a good place. Food was good by the fast moving Kaweah River. A good place to relax after our walk today. We drop off Betty at her car and proceed back to Fresno. Our arrival was about 6pm. Showers always feel good.

Trail Lesson:

Anytime I am in the snow I think of that verse which says Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Is 1:18). Fresh snow is so white, so clean. But as it ages, debris and dirt get mixed in and it no longer looks that blinding white. Is that not like me? While grace never diminishes, I need to be re-covered with His grace to look clean.

Background
The Wolverton area used to be a ski recreation area.



Extra Photo's

Sherri and Betty

Sherri and Betty descending

Animals

Bear Track