Aug 26, 2010 - Donner Pass & Abandoned Railroad Sheds

This weeks Geezer adventure was a hike through the abandoned railroad snow sheds at Donner Pass. This hike was rated as easy/moderate.

The hike begin at the Pacific Crest Trailhead (PCT) on the Old Donner Pass Road (same one used for the Mt Judah hike previously this year)- elevation about 7000'. The hike followed the PCT up to the junction of the Emigrant Overland Trail (EOT) then to the saddle below Donner Peak- elevation about 7850. The hike continued down the EOT to the vicinity of the of the abandoned railroad tracks and snow sheds at around the 6750 elevation. From there, the hike returned to the start. The length of the hike was about 8.2 miles. There was a climb at the start of the hike to the Donner Peak saddle, and a decent to the railroad roadbed, then a gradual ascent via the roadbed/road back to the start. Good flashlights were needed as the snow sheds were very dark with uneven footings and water puddles. There were a bunch of weary geezers at the end of the trail but Foster Freeze was just 60 minutes away so we dragged ourselves into the vehicles and raced for the finish line!

Sept 2, 2010- Loch Leven Lakes.

This week was our annual Hike & Swim at Loch Leven Lakes. We hiked the new (to us) trail that has a total elevation change of 213 ft., instead of 1070 ft. There were some ups and downs but it was NOT boring and much easier than the old way.
The hike was rated moderately-easy by Loren and for once, I agreed! It was only 2 1/2 miles into Lower Loch Leven Lake and a very scenic hike and perhaps another 1/4 mile to the middle lake. Dominic braved the cold water by swimming to a small island, whereas John & Loren also braved the water and went in up to their knees! Sherm, Beauford and Roland took a nap. The day finished as usual with ice cream at Foster Freeze in Auburn.

Aug 19, 2010 - Lake Valley Reservoir.

This week's hike is was KIKE - a kayak/canoe paddle at Lake Valley Reservoir. You may recall, that's the one at Yuba Gap off ramp !

It was a perfect day and nobody fell in the lake neither did we lose any cameras to the deep. The KIKE finished early, so we made a dash to Foster Freeze in Auburn for ice cream and stuff in order to replenish those lost calories!