6000' Vertical Work Weekend

So all the lakes in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness you really have to work at to get to. There are less lakes than the Inyo, and people who want to go to them are either determined, or have pack animals!  We wished we had a pack llama named ... Edgar... (I just picked his name just now) to haul our tools. 

Either way, there's a lot of fishing in the CI, but a lot of areas in the Southern Region that are protected for two trout species.  The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and the Paiute Cutthroat Trout.  Where we went hiking was in the border area where you couldn't fish, to where you can.  Tamarack Lake outlet North is fishable. 

Sarah and I added it up... but our work week of 4 days was a lot of up.  But we hiked Mt. Rose (2300') on Friday.

Rare fish sighting in Lake Tahoe 

Work Can Be Distracting

As I sat and struggled with Excel the other day during my "office day" I realized I am lucky to have my job, and that although I often feel like I want to be somewhere that I am not (VT or Inyo where there are "real" peaks), I really shouldn't be complaining.  
 Read the text of the photo below.  The Wilderness I patrol and monitor is very little used.  It is WILD! The bear that was walking toward me sniffing the ground the other day was a perfect example.

There are some days where I'd rather have a faster pace of life, maybe on a bike, maybe at the shores of Lake Tahoe or June Lake, and there are days I want to be with friends.  I started to finally study the GRE (I applied to UVM without this score) in my tent at night.  Each night I think of all the things I want to see and do out here. Ultimately, I feel very far from home, but I am thankful for my friends out here for keeping me occupied and distracted enough not to go home yet.  My summer will be filled with things until mid-August.  Maybe then I'll get to some things on that tick list.  

Until then, I wish you all epic swimming holes and stunning sunsets, and as always the best of times with those you care about.

Stanislaus National Forest's Sonora Pass Trailhead. Part of sign. Leads into the Carson Iceberg Wilderness. My area.

Zoom-a-Flume.... Trail...

Errr... Otherwise know as the Flume Trail. 

From Tahoe to Mammoth to the Mobil Mart!

The river crossings have been really high, and I can't get a lot of my work done.  We have done car camping last weekend, and did day hikes in the Reno/Carson City area in the Mount Rose Wilderness this past weekend.  It is hot. Whew.

Sarah and I took down some bridges that we for sure know someone will be mad about. But no makeshift bridges, other than logs, in wilderness.  We got misted on by a waterfall on Hunter Creek Trail.  This trailhead is really close to the PattyG Outlet.  We were too dirty after taking out bridges to go in.  It's okay.  I know how much all that costs anyway.

Mount Rose from Jones Creek Loop Trail, Mount Rose Wilderness

Silvia goes to Melissa's!

I finally got to Flagstaff. Was a quick trip to see the cuz.

I got to see Dan, my UMaine and Rose Bike alumn.  Thanks Dan for telling us the secret spots to bike in Flagstaff.  I loved the biking in Flagstaff!

Let's just say that 12 hours in the car and a broken camera lense (again) later... I had a good time.  Thanks for the David Sedaris CD Em!

Arizona Trail, Flagstaff, AZ

Carson Valley Livin'

This is a long update...

I have started my new USFS job based out of Carson City, Nevada.  I am living in government housing about 12 miles South on US 395 in Minden.  It is the first time in 2 years that I’ve had to drive to work.   There are no bike lanes on 395.  Carson City has an active bicycle advocacy group I may get involved with. I'm somewhat tired of moving, but this whole year has been an adventure that I never planned. So I'm rolling with it, and making new friends, and missing my family and friends back home as always. 

GLORIOUS Housing behind a gate

Almost Out of Mammoth

Here are some low quality photos of my last week in Mammoth, before starting my Backcountry Ranger job in the Carson Ranger District, 2 hours North. Job starts Monday!  Lots of ACL strain, but it'll be worth it.

Had Mint Juleps and drinks with Lauren (my NEK gal) thanks to Matt, my friend from MAUHS, at the Double Eagle Resort in June Lake.  

Walking with the dogs I was dogsitting

fresh snow a few days ago (it was almost June then) and the dogs like to play

Nordic trail we explored. Still PLENTY of the white stuff here. 

Yes, there is a phone booth, and yes, I had pie.  Steven and I went hiking toward Hilton Lakes, out of Rock Creek Road, and the trail was all snow. ALL SNOW!