What an Interesting Week: January 2017
Hume Lake, Kings Canyon National Park
It began last Monday when Marilyn and I decided to head to the Sierras and snowshoe. We were buoyed with the info that new snow had fallen at Hume Lake, so into the trusty Outback, armed with snow shoes, poles, boots, and warm clothing, and we were off.
There was much more snow than on our outing the week before. The pictures tell the story yet I must first celebrate: Marilyn did the entire loop around the lake—in powder, on ice, and across streams, she kept the momentum going.
About 5000 feet, brown trees are dying due to the Bark Beetle infestation. Millions of trees in Sequoia, Kings Canyon are affected, rather sobering.
With all the water coming down the streams into the lake it was soon going over the top. So they pulled the plug and as it began to go down the ice settled on top of rocks and tree stumps causing it to crack in amazing shapes.
There were many piles of wood, trees that were dying due to the Bark Beetle and were cut down to avoid their falling on walkers. These piles were all around the lake.
.heic)
Death Valley
Then it was time to head out to Death Valley for a few days.
I said in November that I was going there the 3rd week of January, for what better place to be, with limited cell service, amazing vistas, and grand walks. However, Mother Nature seemed to have other ideas. After so much drought, we were finally have a rainy winter with lots of snow in the Sierras.
There was water in the neighborhood park, which also serves as a ponding basin, too.
And there was rain—yes, rain—in Death Valley. After looking at the forecast and knowing that at least all day Friday was to be rain, rain, and more rain, Marilyn decided it may be better for her to stay home and just relax. I quickly saw her point but, well I mean there is a chance that the forecast could be wrong, so at 5:00 AM Thursday, I was off first to the 24-hour grocery to get a few items and then on to Death Valley. Note: Had I realized that it would be a solo trek I would have taken the VW Bus, but as I had gone over the Traverse (Ford van with a poptop) and it was already packed, off I went in it.
It began last Monday when Marilyn and I decided to head to the Sierras and snowshoe. We were buoyed with the info that new snow had fallen at Hume Lake, so into the trusty Outback, armed with snow shoes, poles, boots, and warm clothing, and we were off.
There was much more snow than on our outing the week before. The pictures tell the story yet I must first celebrate: Marilyn did the entire loop around the lake—in powder, on ice, and across streams, she kept the momentum going.
Fog over the Valley as we climb up to Hume Lake.
About 5000 feet, brown trees are dying due to the Bark Beetle infestation. Millions of trees in Sequoia, Kings Canyon are affected, rather sobering.
Dead trees standing & logs from trees already felled.
Sand had been spread on the road to provide traction for vehicles.
Entry Station at Kings Canyon. A bit of snow had fallen since our visit the previous week!
Inside the park, the roads had been plowed but were slick in places.
At Hume Lake, the snow was about 4 inches of powder on top of ice, making snowshoeing rather interesting but a lot of fun.
Hume Lake in foreground with a cover of ice.
Hm, how do we get across the stream?
Artful designs of water freezing over the landscapes.
Little ice castles.
Marilyn making her own trail.
There were many piles of wood, trees that were dying due to the Bark Beetle and were cut down to avoid their falling on walkers. These piles were all around the lake.
Trees dead from the Bark Beetle were felled & piled beside the path.
.heic)
Dam is at the far end of the lake. Buck Rock Lookout, covered in snow, is on the ridgeline in the background. Famous snowshoer in foreground.
The trail, a combination of snowshoers, folks walking, & a few cross country skiers.
The frozen lake & on the horizon to the left of the tree on the ridgeline, Buck Rock Fire Lookout covered in snow.
Back side of the dam, water is still flowing out. Five days prior water was coming over the top of the dam.
Looking at the dam, built over 100 years ago & still doing its job.
Taking a break.
What to say, snow shoes are red.
Bridge at Sandy Beach, rather quiet today.
Looking at the dam. We kayaked the lake a mere 6 months ago. On the center horizon the Obelisk, surrounded by snowy hills.
She made it, a hike around the lake.
Rowboats await warmer weather.
Road was a bit icy but the Subaru did great.
Death Valley
Then it was time to head out to Death Valley for a few days.
Death Valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
I said in November that I was going there the 3rd week of January, for what better place to be, with limited cell service, amazing vistas, and grand walks. However, Mother Nature seemed to have other ideas. After so much drought, we were finally have a rainy winter with lots of snow in the Sierras.
The 2 ditches that flow through are neighborhood were brimming.
There was water in the neighborhood park, which also serves as a ponding basin, too.And there was rain—yes, rain—in Death Valley. After looking at the forecast and knowing that at least all day Friday was to be rain, rain, and more rain, Marilyn decided it may be better for her to stay home and just relax. I quickly saw her point but, well I mean there is a chance that the forecast could be wrong, so at 5:00 AM Thursday, I was off first to the 24-hour grocery to get a few items and then on to Death Valley. Note: Had I realized that it would be a solo trek I would have taken the VW Bus, but as I had gone over the Traverse (Ford van with a poptop) and it was already packed, off I went in it.
The first two hours on the road were in rain, but once I neared the desert the sky opened.
Soon I was in Furnace Creek and in a nice campground at Texas Springs, a great site and no generators allowed—heaven.
Though there were few in the campground I was lucky enough to meet a couple gents who made my stay even more enjoyable. Alan from Whidbey Island, WA, was here with his beautiful 1986 VW Westy. He was a source of much info on various Westy groups, and thanks to him I am now a member of WetWestys. I also enjoyed meeting Mike from Vancouver BC who had a poptop Ford Van similar to mine made by GTRV in Sebastopol, CA.
Mike's van was a Ducata, by Fiat. About 3 years later, we were to buy the US version: Ram Promaster.
It was fun comparing notes with these knowledgable gents.
Down at Furnace Creek RVers are parked on an abandoned runway. With no generators allowed at Texas Springs, those who wish their TV and Microwave park on the flats.
With dark skies again Friday, it was a day to check out the desert in the rain.
Finally, near Death Valley Junction, I found an area where it was not raining as much. I was able to hike and not get very wet, and when it was coming down, sat in the van and read. I also found the only flowers of my trek.
Saturday morning, it had gone from the previous day's overcast and rain to severe clear.
Snow on the Panamint Mountains to the west of Death Valley.
Death Valley is almost surrounded by snow capped peaks, quite a change from previous years.
I drove to Badwater. Dressed in shorts, the goal was to head out on the salt flats to meet the sun.
Badwater, 280 feet below sea level looking toward snow-capped Telescope Peak, elevation 10,800 feet, to the left.
Folks are beginning to move. A wonderful brisk day with most of the bundled up hikers speaking languages other than English.
1-1/2 milea from the trailhead on the salt flat & finally warm.
Note the texture of the salt crystals. It was tough not to step on top of the ridges.
The parking lot was filling up, so it was time to move on. I drove to Ashford Mill, a great place for a hike as the weather is so accommodating. I am still over 100 feet below sea level in what 12,000 years ago was Lake Manly, a nearly 100-mile-long and 600-foot-deep lake of fresh water. The lake is named after one of the members of the 1849 ill-fated Death Valley Party.
Driving into Death Valley.
Soon I was in Furnace Creek and in a nice campground at Texas Springs, a great site and no generators allowed—heaven.
Texas Springs Campground.
The campground was rather empty, others had also read the weather report.
Texas Springs Campground above Furnace Creek, Death Valley. Snow on the horizon and an almost empty campground.
Arrived, set up camp, & spent the rest of the day hiking, as the temps were just brisk & the sky clear.
Though there were few in the campground I was lucky enough to meet a couple gents who made my stay even more enjoyable. Alan from Whidbey Island, WA, was here with his beautiful 1986 VW Westy. He was a source of much info on various Westy groups, and thanks to him I am now a member of WetWestys. I also enjoyed meeting Mike from Vancouver BC who had a poptop Ford Van similar to mine made by GTRV in Sebastopol, CA.
Mike's GTRV poptop van.
Down at Furnace Creek RVers are parked on an abandoned runway. With no generators allowed at Texas Springs, those who wish their TV and Microwave park on the flats.
Sunset Campground on an old runway.
Sunset doesn't have hook-ups, but it does allow generators.
Beautiful vista from the RV campsite.
With dark skies again Friday, it was a day to check out the desert in the rain.
View out back of van Friday morning.
Finally, near Death Valley Junction, I found an area where it was not raining as much. I was able to hike and not get very wet, and when it was coming down, sat in the van and read. I also found the only flowers of my trek.
The only flowers of my trek—photographed for Mariliyn—were growing in only one area, along the roadway just west of the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction.
Closer look.
Saturday morning, it had gone from the previous day's overcast and rain to severe clear.
Death Valley is almost surrounded by snow capped peaks, quite a change from previous years.
Looking north toward Scotty's Castle & Stove Pipe Wells.
I drove to Badwater. Dressed in shorts, the goal was to head out on the salt flats to meet the sun.
Badwater, 280 feet below sea level looking toward snow-capped Telescope Peak, elevation 10,800 feet, to the left. 
Note the white mark about midway up the mountain in the center of the photo, which is a sign that says "Sea Level."
Folks are beginning to move. A wonderful brisk day with most of the bundled up hikers speaking languages other than English.
It was fun just watching as they experienced the area.
Water on the salt, a first for me.
Note the texture of the salt crystals. It was tough not to step on top of the ridges.
The salt crystals. I put my keys in what would be the middle of this picture just for perspective as to their size.
The parking lot was filling up, so it was time to move on. I drove to Ashford Mill, a great place for a hike as the weather is so accommodating. I am still over 100 feet below sea level in what 12,000 years ago was Lake Manly, a nearly 100-mile-long and 600-foot-deep lake of fresh water. The lake is named after one of the members of the 1849 ill-fated Death Valley Party.
Ashford Mill my last stop before heading home.
Another great trip(s) report. Great to see frozen water in the Southern Sierras. We are in Shasta visiting family and it was wet all the way north and have 3-4 feet of snow on the ground here.
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