August 26, 2024 - Weaver Lake from Fox Meadow Trailhead

 

Title: August 26, 2024 - Weaver Lake from Fox Meadow Trailhead
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Fox Meadow Trailhead

Trail: Weaver Lake

Destination:  Weaver Lake

Distance:  4.12 miles 

Start Time: 11:26

End Time:    4:00

Travel Time: 4:34  (0.90 mph)

Moving Time: 2:38   (1.56 mph)

Elevation Rise:  905'

Descent: 905‘

Maximum Elevation: 8,756'

GPS Tracks

Description:

I got up at 5:30 and noted that there was no lightning to report. Then I spent the next couple of hours doing a few misc things. Such as there seems to be an issue when a person sends an email with an attachment to an AT&T address, such as when the Buck Rock people do that. So I spent half an hour explaining the issue. AT&T support then elevated the issue and said that I would hear back from them.

We also went to the church and dropped off some gift cards. And this was the root of a conflict this morning. One interpretation was that I was to drop off the cards and return; the other was that we would drop off the cards on the way to the trailhead. We ended up doing the latter, about 9:30, an hour later than anticipated. Which was the right interpretation? We will never know.

I drove on the way up and there were no real issues except for an occasional slow driver. When we entered the Park, I asked the ranger about our entry Friday. His reply was to come in early as it would be the start of the Labor Day weekend. We continue on towards Big Meadows, stopping at the snow trailhead for use of the bathroom.

 

 

Sherri almost to lake

Usually we will start at the Big Meadows Trailhead, but there is a second one at Fox Meadow. This is both a bit higher and takes off about a mile and a half from the trail. Given our late start, we opt for Fox Meadow. The one drawback of Fox Meadow, besides the fact we shortchanged ourselves of some of the trail, is the road. The road is 14S16 which gives you the idea it is a Forest Service road and non-paved. It is a bit rocky and rutted from some runoff. So we get jostled around, but nothing more than our Highlander is OK with.

Steven's Hammock

Gary Resting

Our boots touch the ground at 11:30.It is a short couple hundred yards walk till we meet the trail to Weaver Lake. This is a trail we have been on many a time. So the trail is not new to us. Last time we were on this trail, it was 112 in the Valley and very hot up here. We stopped at the creek which feeds Fox Meadow for lunch around noon. This is the same creek last time Sherri stopped here and thought it best not to go on. But today we all go on.

After our 12:00 lunch, we continue on. There is a good exposed rise out of this creek. But once we complete this rise, it is more rolling over ridges and down to creeks. Steven and Korra have gone ahead. When Sherri and I get to Weaver Lake, about 1:30, Steven has already set up a hammock and is wading in the lake. Korra does not seem as sure about going out into the water, but eventually does join Steven.

Sherri and Gary

Sherri and I stay on land and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Being in the shade is a bit cool with the breeze blowing through. But when in the sun, it is warm with the ultraviolet rays being able to penetrate in the sun.

We must have been a bit tired as we just enjoyed the rest for an hour. At 2:30, we start our trip back. Going down the hill is a lot easier than the inbound trip. Sherri and I leave a few minutes before Steven, but he quickly catches up and passes us, getting to the car before us. Sherri and I arrive at 4.

Steven drives us back to Fresno, That road down from the trailhead, the one I took my time, Steven makes it look easy, and it certainly seemed quicker with him driving. Once in Fresno, we get cleaned up and then go to Red Robin for dinner. By the time we finished, we all felt content.

Extra Photo's

Sherri passing by Fox Meadow

Steven in Weaver Lake

Weaver Lake

Korra on Watch

Squirrel Alert

Sherri and Steven on way back to car

Fox Meadow

 
Flowers and Plants


 

Fireweed

 

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.

Extra Photo's

Daughter and her Father

Steven and Korra setting up for a group shot

Buck Rock Lookout

Andrea in the lake

Steven sunbathing by the lake

Korra, Steven and Andrea by an unnamed creek

Steven and Andrea on trail

Korra

Unnamed Creek

Animals

 
Flowers and Plants

Western Wallflower

Indian Paintbrush

May 19, 2021 - Weaver Lake

 

Title: May 19, 2021 - Weaver Lake
Hike Info : Description :  Menu : Extra Photo's 

Trail head: Big Meadows Trailhead

Hike Info:

Type: Backpacking
Trail: Weaver Lake Trail
Destination:  Weaver Lake
Actual Destination:
Distance:  3.81 miles  ¹
Start Time: 11:25
End Time:    3:51

Travel Time: 4:26  (0.81 mph)
Moving Time:  2:54  (1.24 mph)
Elevation Rise: 1,297'
Descent: 201‘
Maximum Elevation: 8,740'

GPS Tracks

  ¹Originally the GPS said we did about 4.7 miles. But looking at the tracks, it went crazy at lunch time. Based upon previous hikes, this seems much more reasonable.

Description:

Last year was a bust to go backpacking and I am not getting much younger. Our initial thought was to go to Alder Creek in Yosemite, but the logistics of getting a permit in this COVID-19 times would eat up a large chunk of our enjoyment. So Plan B was to go to Paradise Valley in Kings Canyon. As the day approached, I felt less and less ready-both in preparation, physically and mentally. Plus someplace over the weekend I lost my medicine bag (sounds like I am making excuses). So come Monday night, I thought, let us postpone this a day-we can do that. So on Tuesday, the more I thought about things, the more content I got with Plan C-a short hike to Weaver Lake. Definitely less apprehensive the night before the hike.

Bridge across Big Meadow Creek

Now, when was the last time I was at Weaver Lake? I think it was about five years ago with our meetup group. Now to see if I can make it.

We get in the car at 9:40-a bit later. Then it is a straightforward drive up 180. We go to the Grant Grove Visitor Center to see if we need a Wilderness Permit for Weaver Lake. The quick answer is now. We already have a California Fire Permit, so we are ready to go. It is another 20 minute drive to the Big Meadows Trailhead.  

At 11:45, our boots hit the trail. It is a pleasant 57^o. This is the moment of truth. That moment gets deferred for a few minutes as the trail starts by going downhill-I can tackle this. Then there is a new twist-instead of crossing on logs like I have before, there is a nice sturdy bridge crossing Big Meadows Creek. 

  

Trail and Shell Mountain

And now the moment gets realized. The trail starts off by going gradually up-I am able to do this. And then it turns up the intensity. While I am able to go up this, my pace shortens and my breaths become more frequent. But at least I am consistent. It looks like the weight of the pack will not be an issue. By the way, the weight is 34 pounds. Maybe a bit heavy for overnight, but very doable.

Sherri, the hiker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary inching up a hill

We cross a small creek, rock hopping over it. Even if we fell in, only our shoes would get wet. There is a log across the trail, but very doable in getting over it. By the time we have gone a mile and a third, we are seeing some great views, including the glint of Buck Rock Lookout. We meet a few people leaving, but not a wild weekend crowd. Also it is after 1pm, so we think this is a wonderful place to have our PB&Nutella sandwich. 

 There is a downhill, which I am sure we will need to gain back. The trail meets another trail from the Fox Canyon trailhead. Then a short way, but steeply uphill, to the junction with the Jennie Lake trail-later we found out a friend of ours was at Jennie Lake at the same time we were here.. Now it is more uphill, climbing up a ridge.

 

 

 

We are now on the last half of the trek, and there is still a need to climb. While the trail starts out just as steep as before, we know there is an end. That is always something to look at. Good thing it is not a warm day, just comfortable for walking a trail like this. One thing, our good views have left as a ridge now blocks the view.

Once on top, we are anxious to see the junction to take us to Weaver. But the trail has other plans. We think we are close, but the trail goes ever on. Several low ridges and a couple of dry creeks, one we think is big enough that it should be coming from Weaver. That leaves us to wonder how much, or more concerning, how little water may be in the lake. We know there will be some, it is not a mud puddle. Still in May there should be water coming down a creek from the lake.

Buck Rock Lookout

We come to the trail junction which will lead us up to Weaver Lake. A short climb brings us to the lake. There has been a series of signs along the way which indicate the campsites are numbered, instead they are more approximate locations. We do not see signs of people occupying, so we have the whole lake to ourselves. And it is a good lake, pleasant to the eyes with the base of Shell Mountain rising from it.

We cross the creek, which is flowing. This raises the question, where is that water going? Many more campsites here. It reminds me of the west side of Ostrander Lake how the campsites are laid out. Continuously. We find one which will be sheltered by a log if the wind picks up and set up our tent. It is a little after four by the time everything is ready for habitation. We rest for a bit and then Sherri gets dinner ready.

 

Dry Creek Bead

Our dinner setting is one of the finest, sitting on a log, looking out west watching the start of evening to set in. I cannot say it is romantic as we share a bag of Mountain House freeze dried. But there is an element of 101 Dalmatians where Pongo and Perdita share a plate of spaghetti. Romance is wherever two hearts meet.

We clean up. While Sherri is off for a few minutes, I hear her phone ping. Evidently we have reception here. Andrea will be late for our family Zoom call. If we can get a text, can we get a phone call through? Yes! So we join the Zoom call. Sort of wild being able to be up here and enjoy a family time remotely.

 

Weaver Lake

The air is cooling, Sherri decides a warmer place is in her sleeping bag. While it is still light, I wander around a bit, towards the south. I am not intending to walk very far, just enough to enjoy the area. As I approach the boulders on the south, I notice some unnatural colors and a bit of movement. We are not alone! We talked a bit. He was to go to Mineral King, but the road was still closed. So he came up here for a few days. It is better than being in Los Angeles, which is where he is from, actually pretty close to Redondo Beach.

Enjoyable little chat, but now darkness is coming and it is time to head to bed. Sherri is reading. And I read for about thirty minutes. And now the eyes are closing and it is time to sleep. A pretty good first outing.

 

 

Menu

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Home	Peanut Butter & Nutella Sandwich from home	Mountain House Fusilli Pasta	energy bar

Extra Photo's

Tired Old Man

Our Camp Spot

Gary entering the Jennie Lakes Wilderness

Looking North

More north looking

Small Creek Crossing