Gary-Summer: June 25, 2022 - Jennie Lake to Big Meadows

Saturday, June 25, 2022

June 25, 2022 - Jennie Lake to Big Meadows

Title: June 25, 2022 - Jennie Lake to Big Meadows
Hike Info : Description : Menu : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Backpacking

Trail head: Jennie Lake

Trail: Jennie Lake and Weaver Lake Trails

Destination: Big Meadows Trailhead

Distance: 6.68 miles

Start Time: 9:39

End Time: 3:09

Travel Time: 5:29 (1.29 mph)

Moving Time: 3:45 (1.78 mph)

Elevation Rise: 883'

Descent: 2,221‘

Maximum Elevation: 9,177'

GPS Tracks

Description:

Empty campsite

So much for this new talent of sleeping in. I woke up at 6am with Korra sensing me moving around, so she wants to get up. Actually, she in her eagerness blocks me from getting my clothes. So we snuggle for a while until Steven rescues me. I finally emerge from the tent with Korra following me. Until everybody else gets up, I read for a while and do a few chores, such as get water, and gaze at Jennie.

Same menu as yesterday: oatmeal, granola and whatever toppings we bring. We get packed up. There is no long and interesting discussion like yesterday. I ask Steven if he is wanting to carry the tent today-yes.

Rachel's Wake Up Call

We are off before 10am. This time we will follow the trail all the way. Most of it is downhill. But after a third of a mile, we hit the uphill I was dreading. I take my time. Even the large steps seem to work out OK for me. We stop at one place on this uphill. There is a good view. Rachel has been trying to get a reflective view looking into her sunglasses. Between Andrea and her, they get it together and take some pretty good shots. Even I look half way fashionable.

Reflections

Andrea and Rachel

When we reach the top, we stop and rest-I do not know if they needed the rest, but I welcomed it. Now we start out on our long descent. This area seems to be so much more forested than what I remember. Is my memory going? Or has all of this grown up in the last 8-10 years? Or maybe the trail has been re-routed. Whatever it is, this top area is a lot more pleasant. I remember the trail junction to Stoney Creek being sandy with only a few stunted trees, not providing any shade. Today it is a ways down from the top among some respectable sized trees. Someplace back there, we went over Poop Out Pass-this pass has never been a favorite of mine. I like my passes to be definite and to have scenery. Poop Out fails on both counts.

This is a Saturday, so we are seeing more people. But we are going out; they are coming in. I wonder if the people who put the blaze marks on the trees knew how many people would travel their trail? Rachel had asked about what the cuts in the trees were: a square with a rectangle below it. The early rangers-I think they were mostly Calvary men-would mark their paths with these. Looking closely, you can still see them on the older trees.

Steven following the slow guy

The trail pretty much is a long down hill. Most people think this is easy. But after a while, the pounding on the legs gets you tired. So after a couple miles, we stopped in some shade for lunch. Korra is very interested in our food, particularly the salmon. She eventually gets a taste.

We continue down the trail, which eventually starts to round one of the flanks of Shell Mountain on the west side. First I see Big Baldy

Lunch Time

come into view. Right beside it is the radio tower on Forest Service land-you can see it from the Park as well, but just the top. Next comes a point which Sherri, Steven, Korra, Rachel and I hiked to a year ago when we did the Starlight Trail. Fun looking down on it. Finally, we are able to look down on the Big Meadow area. But across the way, just behind the ridge is Buck Rock Lookout. You can see just the top of it.

Knob where we walked to-Starlight trail

After passing Poison Meadow, we come back to the junction going to Weaver Lake. We stop here for 15 minutes. That seems to revive me a bit. And then we are off. It is about an hour more of walking. But the goal is in sight. After crossing Big Meadows Creek, there is a sight which is a bit disheartening-a small uphill section. But I make it and get to the car, where everybody is waiting.

I guess Korra will be driving

There is the feeling of tired goodness. A very enjoyable trip, seeing so many wonderful views and lakes. I am afraid my body is not what it once was. But none of that is the biggest blessing-it was three days with Andrea, Steven and Rachel. Korra gets counted in there as well. Thanks kids.

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Oatmeal and add-ins, such as dried peaches, strawberries, nuts, granola. Tang.	Ritz Crackers, Tortillas, Peanut Butter, Nutella	Hamburgers at home	Clif Bar, GORP, Jelly Belly