Hello Friends,
It is 81 degrees this afternoon in North Tahoe with a very light breeze. A perfect day for water sports. Perhaps you want to float down the Truckee River from Tahoe City to River Ranch. Of course you will not be alone if you choose this sport. Watching the parade of people and rafts reminds me of video I have seen of spring break in Florida. A day with nature and a few hundred of other people ready to party. Fun, but not my cup of tea.
In the past week I have been out hiking seeking views and bathing myself in wild flowers.
I have said this more than once lately, but I think this year is one of the best wildflower years I can remember. They remain prolific. This week I walked up from the base of Alpine Meadows to the top of Summit Chair where I took a few minutes to visit my parents whose ashes were spread just under Ward Peak. One reason for this is they loved Alpine Meadows and the other is that they loved Primroses. It turns out that this is an area where the somewhat rare Primrose flourishes. They much be happy as the mountain side was covered with beautiful pink Primrose.
From the top of Summit Chair I dropped down to the Pacific Crest Trail and headed north. More flowers including the attached photo of Stonecrop (a field was growing behind Beaver Bowl. I have also included a photo of a Mule Ear plant that I stumbled upon with a red flower. I understand this is very rare. I have no idea what caused this plant to sprout a red and yellow flower when normally they are yellow. A picture of Primroses from the top of Alpine Bowl is also included with the report. I have also attached a photo of the base of the Alpine Meadows Ski Area taking from the top of Wolverine Bowl. I though those of you who are excited about the gondola might like to see the rather large concrete structure being built between the lodge and the Tree Line chair. This building will be the end of the gondola on the Alpine side.
My hike continued along the crest until I entered a forested area which drops the trail down into the Whisky Creek drainage where it meets the Five Lakes Trail. From this point it is a short walk uphill to Five Lakes and then down to the Five Lakes Trailhead in Alpine Meadows. This is about a 10 mile walk with another 1mile plus to get back to your car if it is parked in the Alpine Meadows parking lot.
Yesterday we walked up the Tahoe Rim Trail that begins in Ward Valley and ends where we turned around when hiking from Barker Pass to Twin Peaks. The trail wanders through shaded forest and open meadows allowing for flower gazing and stellar views of Twin Peaks and lush meadows. You pass a lovely waterfall known as McCloud Falls. We stopped for lunch once we reached the saddle where the trail marker indicates Stanford Road to the east and Twin Peaks to the west. This out and back walk is also about 10 miles. We met a number of people who were backpacking the Tahoe Rim Trail.
View of Twin Peaks along the trail
I bit of Alpine Real Estate for you. Anyone seeking a panoramic view home with a brand new contemporary design should contact me for a tour before it is completed within the next few weeks. This is a rare commodity in Alpine Meadows (the combination of new, contemporary, full sun, panoramic views, and in the Juniper Mountain Subdivision. I also have access to a small home in the Juniper Mountain Subdivision that is being upgraded throughout should anyone be interested in something small, clean, and remodeled.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
It’s 93 in Downieville……………………aaaggggghhhhhh
Andy – Indeed a beautiful hike (I did almost same route last weekend). On the way up Weasel from the base I was saddened to see the massive tree cutting project that was undertaken on the small grove immediately adjacent the Chalet – Every one of the trees removed and apparently transported to the parking lot. Email me if you want a picture.
I have had a few pictures on that topic sent already. I should be doing a post with that info soon.
Rob I have also seen the number of trees that were cut at the Chalet. I am not sure it this was done for construction near or to the Chalet now or in the future or if the trees were dying. It is so depressing to see how many trees are dying in the valley as well as all over Tahoe.
Thank you for sharing the spectacular summer beauty of our beloved Alpine Meadows.
Regarding the trees at the Chalet, they are expanding the deck. This is from their building permit application:
Chalet at Alpine Meadows Deck Expansion. The Project will install approximately 2,060 square feet of additional patio/decking at the Chalet, a food and beverage facility that serves Alpine Meadows Ski Resort. In addition, a pre-constructed container kitchen will be installed at the new deck.