Independence Day, et al

The Snake Valley Festival was held back in June.  I highly enjoyed the ice cream social and even braved the sketchy looking 'roller coaster' at the carnival they set up in town.  Sunday morning there was the Snake Valley Slither.  I wasn't able to run because it was the same time as my church meetings.  I was surprised at how much flack I got from friends and co-workers (including the park superintendent) for not running. 

The Community of EskDale had a race the morning of the 4th.  I had to work that day, but not until 9am.  The race started at 7am, Utah time.  That's 6am Nevada.  Plenty of time to run, come home, shower, and go to work.  It was a perfect morning, a beautiful course, and I had one of my best times for a 5k.  I may have been slightly motivated to run fast so I wouldn't be late for work...

Cartwheeling across the finish line!

That evening, EskDale had their annual barbecue and program.  The program was great.  They set up a projector that showed the image of the flag on a sprinkler's spray.  It was pretty awesome and had a cool 3D effect.  The fireworks were pretty amazing.  It had been much too long since I'd seen fireworks.  It was also the closest I'd ever been to where they were being launched.  I could have easily lobbed a lacrosse ball from where I was standing to where they were being shot-off.  Awesome!

Finally, one more picture from the backpacking trip a few weeks ago.  There was a downed aspen and I decided to hang from it, backpack, trekking poles, and all!

Backpacking Baker/Johnson Lakes

I know, I know, I've disappeared.  It's been busy out here in the desert, but not a busy worthy of a blog post.

My roommate from last summer, Jennie, is moving with her fiance to Oregon in a few weeks and I'm going to miss them both dearly.  Before they start their new adventure, Jennie and I were able to do a backpacking trip together.  She is a pro and there were a lot of times I wished I'd had a tape recorder to capture all her wisdom.

About to leave; holy cow, I'm so excited.

 The trail up to Baker Lake was beautiful.  It was a steady climb, but nothing too strenuous. 

 Looking east into Snake Valley.

We reached Baker Lake a little before sunset.  It was simply beautiful.  We found a camping site, pitched the tent, filled up and treated our water, and got started on dinner.  Nothing makes food taste better than a good six mile hike with a 35ish lb pack resting smartly on your hips.

Jennie's watch/alarm woke us early the next morning and we both looked at each other, rolled over, and slept for another half hour.  We got up, enjoyed a lovely breakfast, broke camp, loaded our packs, and headed for the ridgeline that divides Baker Lake from Johnson Lake.  Jennie took this picture before we started up; it looked a little hairy.

Once we hit the ridge line, Pyramid Peak was only a few more feet up so we dropped our packs and scurried up to enjoy the view.  In the picture below, looking east, you can see an avalanche scar.

 On top of Pyramid Peak.

Looking down at Johnson Lake from the ridgeline.  Notice the 'stuff' in the top edge of the lake; this is an avalanche termination point.

The Johnson lake area and the Snake drainage have a lot of historic sites from the mine and mill.

It even has historic trash.  Don't touch it or move it or you will suffer the wrath of our archaeologists.

Jennie and I reached the trailhead, and soaked tired and sore feet in Baker Creek.  It was really, really cold and my poor toes only lasted a few seconds in the water.

I am really going to miss Jennie.  She was a great roommate and is a great friend.  I thoroughly enjoyed her company on this adventure.