Feb 24, 2011 - Hidden Falls in Auburn

This week the Geezers made a second attempt (following bad weather on the 17th) to hike Hidden Falls in Auburn. This hike was chosen because the group on the Olmstead Loop hike 2 weeks ago couldn't make a decision on where to go. A couple of suggestions were proposed at Fosters Freeze in Auburn but there was no agreement on which one to hike (more attention was placed on the ice cream than making a decision)- so John made a Solomon decision to hike Hidden Falls since no two people could agree on a different location. This was an easy hike, probably about 5-6 miles and one that the Geezers do every year. We hiked from the parking lot to the falls, had lunch over looking Coon Creek (and seeing if a Geezer can throw a rock in the creek - or even better, across the creek) and then returned, hiking the perimeter trails. We just managed to beat the incoming heavy rains and other than Dominic finding (Friday morning) a large tick attached firmly in his side, all was well with the group.

Feb 10, 2011 - Olmstead Loop Trail

This week the Geezers hiked the Olmstead Loop in Cool which is on the west side of Highway 49. The first photo shows the actual trail we took and is shown on the map in red. Thanks to Sherm for creating this from his sophisticated GPS system. We were also pleased to warmly welcome two new guests, Bill Baker, a former member of Sunrise Community Church and Rich Kalsbeek, a newcomer to our church. The trail head started behind the fire station in Cool and the loop for some, was 9 miles with steady up and down areas. For newcomer Rich and John, it was 10 miles as they returned a half mile and back to collect Roland's poles which had been left following our lunch stop. (Roland's forgetfulness was blamed on a quite often senior moment). We rated this hike as moderately easy. Of course, after such a long hike we had to finish the day at Foster Freeze in Auburn to replace those precious calories we had burned off. The weather was beautiful and quite warm for February. The fellowship was outstanding and the day was blessed with a safe return to hike another day. Thanks to Rod, Loren and Roland for this weeks photos.

Feb 3, 2011 - Echo Lake

This week the Geezers went snow shoeing at Echo Lake (north of Hwy 50 at Echo Summit). This is an annual trek and a very enjoyable one. We started out at the Snow Park lot at Echo Summit and hiked about a mile to the frozen Echo Lake. Then the group made a decision to hike up the ridge above the lake, about another half mile, for a sit down and lunch. This is a fantastic location that affords a view of the Lake Tahoe area one side of the ridge and Echo Lake area on the other. This hike was rated as moderately easy. Photos by courtesy of John Hebner.