And this time our craziness wasn't due to steepness, or distance, or lack of planning on our hike, it was due to the wind. The wind has been pretty blustery this fall, more like winter, as a series of cold fronts have moved through. We headed up to Sabrina and South Lake for the leaves. We did a short hike at Sabrina and then retreated to the car, It was simply too cold and windy to spend much time outdoors. Lovely, but cold.
Sabrina and South Lake
Sabrina ebird list
Sagehen Summit, Virginia and Lundy Lakes
The leaves kept calling to me. Aspens in oranges and yellows are irresistible, so off we went. The forecast wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible. The reality was terrible, 29 degrees and a howling wind. We made it a quarter mile before we decided to leaf peep from the car. BRRRR! I was chilled for days. The leaves were incredible and I already have a hike planned for next year. We also took a look at Virginia and Lundy Lakes. Nothing much happening there, but cold and wind.
 |
| Yes, that is Bob wearing all those cloths and freezing. |
After freezing to death for a couple days, it was time for a hike in the warmth. We headed to the Middle Fork of Shannon Creek. Ok, so maybe this one does rate crazy for the terrain, although, in my defense, it is all on old mining roads. Old roads that are so terrible, that even the jeeps guys eventually give up.
 |
| Bob is on the road. |
 |
| Bob is wishing he had a flashlight to explore further. |
 |
| If you can spot Bob, he is on the road. |
 |
| Even Bob didn't go in this one. |
 |
| We had to cut a few corners as the road had so many willows and stinging nettle it was impassible. |
 |
| Yep, Bob is on the road. |
 |
| The main Shannon mine. Doesn't look it, but it is 20' high. |
 |
| It is always a bad sign when your double-decker mine shaft is held up with a tree trunk. |
 |
| Yep, there is a sketchy boardwalk in there that goes to who knows where. |
 |
| Big ears, the antenna array on the valley floor. |
Brown Lake, Green Lake and the Grunion Plateau
Brown and Green Lake offered some wind protection and were close to home. Yes, it was another not so nice day. We headed up with Hikin' Bill. It was cold and a bit windy, but after lunch we decided to head up to the Grunion Plateau and out via the cow trail. Nice views on this lollipop trip.
 |
| We have switched seasons and it is summer no more. |
 |
| Brown Lake is already starting to freeze. |
 |
| Mt Tom |
 |
| Green Lake |
 |
| Cloudripper and Vagabond |
 |
| Green Lake is far below |
 |
| Bill, Bob on the Grunion Plateau with the hunchback in the distance. |
 |
| Bob and I walked back via the pipeline. Always a test of balance. |
We headed south exploring the "Edge of the World". A local favorite that we had never done. Amy, Dan and Brian kept us company and showed us the way. It was actually a pleasant wind free day. I could get used to that.
 |
| The wind must really blow up here. |
 |
| Trailmaster, Cirque, Langley |
 |
| Industrial Owen's Lake |
 |
| Olancha Peak |
Doc, a Bit of WWII History
We had no idea a B-29 was coming to town until our friend Terri told us about it. We braved the wind, and went to look at one of only two B-29's that are still flying. This is a local piece of history coming out of the China Lake boneyard. Its home is now in Kansas, and Inyokern was a last minute add on stop for their tour. We were lucky to see this piece of living history.
 |
| This is how the crew got to the back of the plane. |
No comments:
Post a Comment