Friday, June 18, 2010

...More snow

Day 66-June 18th
Destination: Bee Camp
Miles: 21

It would seem that the nature of the trail is to provide most every hiker with snow in early June. Those who go through the Sierras deal with snow, those leaving Manning Park (Canada)deal with snow, and those leaving Ashland north or south have to deal with snow.

It is not that we don't want to deal with the snow, but rather it is fatiguing, and such a large part of the day, it is hard to avoid talking about it. So...we dealt with snow most the day, now that it's said, let us move onto other topics.

Last night as we pulled into camp, Apricots saw a doe deer and her fawn at our campsite. Upon hearing us, they sprang up the hill and disappeared. This is not the first deer we have seen, but it was the first fawn, and so it was special.
Today, Psycho caught a distant glimpse of what he believed to be a bobcat; small and laying close to the ground it slinked away stealthily like a cat before Psycho could get a solid look at it. When we approached the area the cat was seen, we saw fresh prints in the snow. We also saw multiple prints in the snow and mud from bear in the area.

Looking at the ground, which we saw more of today, than yesterday, we noticed a subtle change in the rocks. Occasionally, white patches would pop up, which were first thought to be snow patches. Very quickly we realized that the white rocks were filled with dark veins, and are very likely some sort of marble rock. Also today, we noticed a beautiful rock, flaky like a croissant, and shining gray black. Light reflected off the rock like light off wet pavement, and the rock flaked from it's parent rock with the gentlest touch from our trekking poles. We are camped just below Red Butte, upon a hillside covered with it's orange-red intrusive rocks.

Prior to finishing our day, we ran into a weekend hiker, Jim F., who told us of a road out to Seiad Valley five miles ahead. He had come up the road to find a place to camp free of snow. Apparently this section as well as what we will be hitting after Seiad Valley are both packed with snow. We have dealt with a fair amount of snow so far, and the road was as about as long as the trail, so we debated taking the road out.

After hitting the road, we scanned the map; all south facing, all below 6000 feet. We figured we would be okay, so we continued the trail. Three miles later and 1000 feet higher, we set up camp at the rocky butte. From where we are camped, we see a little on trail snow, but it is patchy and relatively low sloping. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
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1 comment:

  1. Snow.......and a bobcat...In the book we tell a story or two of mountain cat in Kentucky. The legend goes that if they give chase, drop an item of clothing and they will stop, sniff and shred it giving you more time to get away...true I know not...but just thought I'd mention it. Wish it were warmer for you, but I think, except for a few places, the cooler temps are hanging around.

    Take care...now I can track you on the map.

    Journey on with blessings of safety...and clear thinking....xo

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