Gary-Summer: July 16, 2023

Sunday, July 16, 2023

July 16, 2023 - Weaver Lake

Title: July 16, 2023 - Weaver Lake

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Big Meadows

Trail: Weaver Lake Trail

Destination: Weaver Lake

Distance: 7.14 miles ¹

Start Time: 10:59

End Time: 5:42

Travel Time: 6:42 (1.07 mph)

Moving Time: 5:39 (1.26 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,027'

Descent: 1,560‘

Maximum Elevation: 8,721'

GPS Tracks

¹The mileage is a little low as I did not turn on the GPS until we were about a quarter of a mile into the hike. Also the start time is about 10 minutes low. Other figures may be affected as well. AllTrails has this as a 6.8 mile trip.

Description:

Last night we discussed should we go up to the mountains tomorrow?And if so where? The concern is that last week I saw snow in the Weaver Lake area. But then it is to be 112 in Fresno. Seems strange being concerned about snow and heat.

Big Meadows Creek

I got up at 5:45-no lightning today to report, so I did a few things, including eating breakfast. We were trying to leave by 8am, but settled for 8:20. Then I compounded the lateness by forgetting my hat. Steven gets the car filled up with gas and then we are off. The drive, with me as a passenger, was pretty smooth. We arrived at the Big Meadows trailhead at 10:15.

The “we” in all of this is Andrea, Steven, Korra-the snow dog, Sherri and Gary. We get on our boots, get our packs situated, and our picture taken. I made a comment to Andrea that with it being as warm as it is, this might be a short hike. By the time we leave it is 10:45.

Korra, Sherri and Gary crossing an unnamed creek

We have been up this trail many a time-including with backpacks last year. So there are other places where I describe this trip. Going over Big Meadow Creek on its bridge, the greens are splendid and vibrant. We probably hit it at a good time as there are only a few mosquitos. I do OK as long as the trail is level or a bit ascending. But that does not last long. The trail starts to rise. While my legs are doing OK, I am starting to breathe harder. But with the rise, we start to see a bit of the Monarch Divide and beyond and the high mountains to the east. They are pleasant to see and gives me an excuse to stop and gwack.

As we approach the trail coming in from Fox Canyon/Meadow, Andrea finds a nice log to sit on. Since it is 12:15, we all agree it is a good place to stop and time to eat. Andrea, Steven and Korra play catch with some sticks. A good thing about lunch in the Sierra during a hike is that you are content to let the break go on and on. Of course, that is the same attribute which can lead to less fortunate consequences, such as relaxing too long.

Andrea Charging up a hill

We did neither. We started walking. There are a few patches of snow across the trail. The snow only makes the walking a bit different, not really a hindrance. Korra is a snow dog. She loves this stuff and rolls and florlicks in it. I wonder if it is the heat or her natural tendency?

Someplace along this trail, we talked with a family who used to be with Sierra National Forest. They indicate that a group is looking for a friend who got separated. So we are on the lookout for Kirk with a lime-green pack.

A short while later, at 1pm. we get to this little unnamed creek. each time we come to it, it seems so refreshing. Maybe it is just because I am tired. Evidently Sherri is more tired as she indicates this is about as far as she wants to go. I guess we have gone up about 500’ with another 700’ to go up, some of it is steeper than what we have gone up already.

After resting a bit-didn’t we just have lunch 25 minutes ago?-I start off because I know I will be the slowest and the most likely to peter out. A short time later, Steven and Korra catch up with me, but there is no sign of Andrea. Steven goes on. I continue to trudge up the trail. The legs are doing OK, but the lungs are another story. Andrea comes up and talks with me for a few minutes. I think she is checking out the old man to make sure he is doing well enough to continue. I must have passed inspection as she goes on.

Gary Crossing a creek

One of the joys of hiking is coming across fellow hikers. One of these had been out for five days-I was amazed with him with all the snow he must have encountered. He had gone to Jennie Lake, then into the Roaring River area, up to Avalanche Pass and then spent last night at Weaver Lake-he said that it was crowded. Fun talking with him. We then went our separate ways.

A few minutes later I come across a couple of young females. We talked for a few minutes. I make a comment that I will just be happy getting to the Weaver Lake sign. They take pity on an old man and say it is just around the bend. And sure enough it is. I know that Weaver is just about 80’ up from here and less than a quarter mile. I can do this.

And I do make it. The time is 2:54, just a couple of minutes before my 3:00pm turn. Andrea and Steven are right there. It is pleasant looking at the pool of water. I relax for awhile. They have been at the lake about 30 minutes before I showed up and had gone out and cooled themselves in the lake. Right before getting to the lake, I started sucking air out of my bladder. I probably drank at least two liters if not 2½ litters. Andrea gives me half of her water.

LifeStraw in use

But about 15 minutes after getting to the lake, we left. The trip down is pretty uneventful. I take a lot less water going down than when I was coming up it. We get to the creek and Sherri at 4. A couple of years ago, Steven gave us a LifeStraw to filter water with. Sherri brought hers. I get down on my knees and start sucking water from the creek. Tastes really good. I will need to dig up mine. We rested again for a little while.

The lungs are no longer an issue. The legs are like rubber. But we are mostly going down so it should not be a struggle. I just do not feel very springy. We get down to Big Meadow Creek and the short uphill to the parking area. It is 5:45.

Korra on drive home

We load the car up and take care of business. Andrea’s Smart Watch tells her that the temperature ranged between 85 and 90 degrees. No wonder I used up my water. On our way back, with Steven driving, I let our family know we will not be able to attend the Sunday Family Zoom this evening. We make it home by 8, tired and ready for a shower.