BABB Thousand Lakes Wilderness, 8/31/17-9/3/17
The alternate destination was Thousand Lakes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest, located midway between Lassen Nat'l Park and Burney, CA.
Zuri and I were joined by four stalwart members of the Bay Area Boomer Backpackers - Karen, Lisa, Russell, and Toni. Lisa brought her four-legger Mickie, and Toni brought Ventana.
Thursday we hiked 2.5 miles to Lake Eiler, the largest lake in the wilderness, and found a very nice campsite near the shore. Conditions were hazy, as the wind blew in smoke from wildfires in other areas of Northern CA.
At the lake, Zuri immediately went for a swim. Initially Ventana wouldn't get in the deep water, but after seeing how much fun Zuri was having, she couldn't resist! It was her first time swimming!
On Friday, we broke camp, and headed deeper into the wilderness to our final destination, Magee Lake. Along the way we passed Upper Twin Lake and Everett Lake. The lakes were all rimmed by tall mountains formed by an ancient volcano. Magee and Crater Peaks were the most prominent, and they provided a majestic backdrop for our camp at Magee Lake.
On Saturday, Karen, Lisa, Russell, and Toni decided to take a 6-mile round trip hike to Barrett and Durbin Lakes. Zuri had begun to limp, so I decided to stay close to camp, and try my luck at fishing. On Friday night, Magee Lake gave up one trout, which became part of my dinner. I was not as lucky on Saturday. It was fortunate that I packed enough freeze-dried "goodies" so that I didn't go hungry!
Sunday, we broke camp, and packed 6 miles back to the parking lot. It was hot by the time we arrived. So it felt really good to drop our packs, and relax before starting our 5-hour drive back to the Bay Area.
Driving down the mountain on the forest service road, two of us were gifted with special wildlife encounters. Just after leaving the trailhead parking lot, Karen caught sight of a bear climbing a tree just to the side of the road,. Further down the mountain, a large female elk bounded across the road 50 feet in front of my car. What perfect endings to a most pleasant backcountry experience!
Smoky conditions prevail as we high-step it through a bed of lava rock.
These beautiful pink wildflowers are part of the forest's renewal process.
A nice view to wake up to!
The women are all packed up, and raring to go!
Upper Twin "Lake" is actually more of a pond.
Mickie, Lisa, and Zuri take a breather as we enter a section of the forest ravaged by fire.
Lake Eiler, the largest lake in the wilderness, will be our home tonight.
Russell and Karen chat after setting up camp.
After dinner, we gather around the campfire.
Zuri and I saddle up for the hike to Magee Lake..
A friendly ranger passing by agreed to take our photo.
Karen looks excited about being on her first backpacking trip in many years.
Zuri and Ventana can't wait to lose their packs... they need to cool off now!
Toni is enjoying her accommodations for the night.
We arrive at Everett Lake, where Lisa drops her pack, and takes a break.
Russell looks happy, even in a burned out forest.
Beautiful Lake Eiler, with Eiler Cone in the distance.
Lisa looking wistful now that the hard work is out of the way.
Friday morning, Zuri gets in a final swim before we hit the trail. Ventana watches with envy.
Smoky conditions greet us again on the trail.
I'm smiling because it's only 1/4 mile to Magee Lake from here.
