Postcards from the Rim, conclusion

Part two, the conclusion of pictures taken on trails around Lake Tahoe, plus an epilogue.

The background image of this blog!

On Thursday 9 July 2009, we took the lower part of the Mount Rose Summit Trail. First, though, we went around the opposite way for a bit to try to get to the lake in this picture, Tamarack Lake. It is the immediate source of Galena Creek.





The Summit Trail starts at around 8,900' (2,713m) elevation, and climbs to the very top of Mount Rose, at 10,776' (3,285m). Partway up that trail, I saw this boulder resting in the forked trunk (3 or 4 trunks) of a tree. I assume the tree grew up around it.













At the end of the lower part of the Mount Rose Summit Trail (c. 2.6 mi.), there is a cascade. In July, there was just enough water coming over it to make a nice sound and a decent creek. I can imagine in March or April, after a good winter's snow, it's quite a torrent.

The Summit Trail goes on for another nearly 7 miles to the summit. We were not in good enough shape to go that far at that altitude in one day, so we went back down from there.






On Saturday, 11 July, we drove to one of the many pullout parking areas on NV SR 28, on the East side of Lake Tahoe. Our goal was a small cove called Skunk Harbor. We learned that this "trail" was actually an old road that led down to an abandoned stone building on the shore of the cove. The road is still maintained as a fire road, so it was a very easy hike.

While we were putting our boots back on after wading in the lake, a couple of chipmunks came down to see if we had any food for them. We didn't, but I got a picture anyway!





Epilogue

On Saturday, 4 July (Independence Day), we went to a presentation about photographing trees as art, in a city park in Reno. It was a part of the Artown activities.

While we were standing around the first tree getting an orientation, I noticed a couple of robins flitting around, and it looked like one was carrying a worm. So I started looking up in the tree and found a nest. It took me a few minutes to realize that there were two chicks in it.







Finally, earlier this summer I happened to pass by a small pond near our power company offices. I noticed a goose family out for a stroll, so I pulled over (across the street) and snapped a few pics. This is the best one of the proud parents and their six goslings.






I hope you've enjoyed seeing some of the sights near my home.