Tahoe NF
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Summit Lake Tahoe NF |
July 23, 2012
I had planned to meet my sister for a hike today; but thunderstorms have unexpectedly arisen in the I-80 area, and Margaret's windshield wiper is broken, so she has canceled on me. As long as I am up here, however, I must do something to justify two hundred miles of driving; so I will take a shorter walk at Donner Summit and brave the threat of rain.
As soon as I set out on the trail, I notice the little sign identifying the new Donner Lake Rim Trail. I am officially walking on it for the first time.
The Donner Lake Rim Trail passes through here
Despite the humidity, it feels really good on this trail. Having expected a hot day, this cooler climate is most refreshing.
The trail is pleasantly damp
Cloudy days make for good flower photography, and damp leaves make them even better yet; so I find myself stopping a lot and bending over beside the trail to take pictures.
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| Crimson Columbine | Mountain Monardella |
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| Corn Lily | Checkerbloom |
The meadow is almost sunny
Hmm. I seem to recall that my late wife and I foolishly planted some marijuana seeds around here about forty years ago. Foolish, because this was not the right place to plant them.
Interesting fungus
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| Alpine Lilies | |
My reverie is temporarily interrupted by the sight of the freeway; but the road soon disappears again.
Out of mind, but not out of sight
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| Pinedrops, old and new | |
Summit Lake soon appears. The last time I was here, with my bride-to-be, we rescued a dragon fly from drowning. Today, those guys are having the good sense to stay out of the rain.
Summit Lake
Naturally, I must circumambulate this lake — because it is there.
The back side of Summit Lake
About halfway around the lake, thunderclaps abound and it begins to rain in earnest. Taking shelter underneath a fallen tree, I stand for about five minutes listening to the pitter-patter before it subsides.
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| It's raining harder now | My haven from the downpour |
As I return to the trail, a foursome proclaims that they just weathered a small hailstorm; Perhaps I was lucky to have missed it.
The old Donner Summit area
Back through the nice meadow
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| Meadow Sweet | Azure Penstemon |
On the return leg, I find myself walking faster than usual. The additional exertion feels really good right now.
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This growth is even more interesting
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| Back at the trailhead | Behind the rest station |
§: What a fun outing this was! That was the first time it has rained on
me since my trek to Gertrude Lake five years ago, when I was totally unprepared for a
change in the weather. Perhaps I'll request another thunderstorm for the next
hike!
Donner Summit
Summit Lake