Warner Mountains - June 2020

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Healing Times

 

The stitches were out. As a precaution, since the incision was in the palm of my right hand, the surgeon covered the area with surgical super glue - "That should hold it together." We decided we'd also keep it wrapped.

At least now I could help with driving.

We left home at dawn. Early is the only time to drive along the usually crowded west shore of Lake Tahoe. We were in Alturas a little after noon. Finding  gas 70 cents cheaper than at home, you bet we filled up. Hand sanitizer on the hands and masks on during the stop - precautions are easy, no reason to be lazy and careless - we were on our way up the west slope of the Warner Mountains.

We explored the southern Warners and then found a nice spot for the night at the tiny and free Pepperdine Campground.

We continued our explorations the following morning after a night of scattered rain and snow. Since the Warners are the real Pacific Crest, we wanted to get high and turned north on a rough two track our topo map indicated would take us to the top of Payne Peak.

The wind was cold as the storm broke. The views were well worth it in all directions.

The Lady loved the view south down the crest to Warren Peak.

Do not be surprised when Warren Peak is mentioned again during this trip.

We descended the road down the North Fork of Deep Creek to Surprise Valley.

 

We turned north and recrossed the Warners at Fandango Pass.

The emigrants coming west mistakenly believed they had crested the mighty Sierra Nevada Range and danced the fandango to celebrate.

We again climbed into the Warners on highway 140 and then turned north. We enjoyed the broad meadow valleys as we passed by - Bull Prairie, Sherman Meadow, White Pine Marsh. We continued on to the top of the famous Abert Rim - an incredibly impressive fault scarp.

A bumpy two track led up to the edge of the rim.

Far to the east was the equally impressive western escarpment of Hart Mountain.

We drove back down from the lip.

Late in the afternoon we set up camp at small Vee Lake.

We both noticed a large raptor perched near the earthen dam as we took on set up chores. A look through the see mores told us it was an adult Bald Eagle.

Night Hawks were working above the water. The Bald was very vocal when they flew near. It did not appear the Night Hawks were intentionally harassing the eagle, but the bald was letting them know its feelings.

 

It turned on its perch as I came closer.

The Fremont National Recreation Trail runs through here. John C. Fremont passed through this area in the fall of 1843 on his second expedition.

 

I must mention how lucky I am. With compromised use of my dominant right hand and not being able to get it wet, the Lady was a wonderful help. From taking over many of the usual camping chores to the more personal, such as washing up and showering and tying my shoes, she was great. Of course, we made it fun and laughed about it all continuously.

The evening light was wonderful. After our dinner we took it all in as we walked until dark.

We slept well this night. Quiet is so necessary for our souls. The next morning we continued on our adventure, leaving the Warner Mountains and heading east.