Thursday morning my Dad, Mom, and I head out on our way to the Delta Peddlers Spicer camping trip. We packed as much stuff as the truck would hold as you can see us here stopped at Denny's for breakfast.
This is my first time up to Spicer Lake and I was blown away at how beautiful everything is up there. Its like going to Yosemite, getting to setup camp lakeside , and there isn't thousands of people to deal with, just you friends.
Here we are Setting up Camp I liked the layout of the whole group camp.
After camp was setup we asks Dick if he'd like to take a drive up to Bear Valley to grab some supply. We figured since he rode his bike with trailer in tow up there he could use a few more things. We stopped to check out the soapbox race car out front.
I had to stop and take a picture of this city sign because I'd never seen a population in the single digits
Thursday night everyone gathered around the fire relaxed and made smoores.
We stayed up to watch the Moon rise over the lake. This is something you have to see in person to really appreciate it.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
Day 2
Dick at the starting trail head we are expecting a leisurely 20 mile hike, boy we are in for a surprise.
My dad standing at the entrance on the wilderness forest border(No bikes or motors of any kind)
We soon realize that Dick not only rides his bike everywhere but is a very fast hiker. I hope he starts to get tired soon or he's going to drop us later.
There are lots of fallen trees and plenty of places to cross the streams.
Another great view overlooking Spicer lake.
My dad and I over Spicer Lake.
We're not sure if it's a grave for the last poor saps that decided to do on a little hike with Dick or a trail marker(maybe both).
Yet another of many trees we have to cross to find the trail again.
We decide to take a little detour and find a bridge.
Next to the bridge we find a little more shade and somewhere to sit down for lunch.
On one side of the bridge you have the rock and rapids.
And on the other side there is a nice refreshing pool. Look how clear the water is.
Towards the top of our hike we came across huge meadows of Mule Ears.
As we got further in it got so thick it felt like we were swimming in them.
Here a look into the next valley from the top of the pass and our turnaround point.
It looks endless out there.
On the way back down I snap a close up of the flowers in the fields.
On the way back we came across a trail crew in the middle of nowhere. They said they had been living out of tents based down by the lake for months. They were also caring a 7 foot two person saw, because of the forest rules they cant use chain saws so it all has to be done by hand.
We stopped at the bridge one more time for another food stop and my dad made his way down to the lower pool.
My dad grabbing a little water to pour over his head to keep cool. At the turnaround point we had checked our water and to our surprise despite taking around 100oz we had already gone through 60%. We had to start really conserving our water if we wanted to have anything for the final miles in the hotter areas.
In the end we finally made it back to the truck tired and VERY thirsty. The total for the day was 22.33 miles in 8hours 48 minutes with about 4000' of climbing.
Day 3
Saturday we decided on a nice relaxing MTB ride and truly the only way to start a leisurely ride is with a fire road so steep! and loose! not one of could pedal up it.
A picture of Dave admiring the view among other things.
Chris clearing the logs.
Dave clearing the logs.
Chris's buddy Brian clearing the logs.
Finishing up one of the harder trail we can now relax on some easier stuff.
Another shot of Brian.
Dave Sizing up the rock garden.
Here he is making all us experienced MTBer look like chumps, he was the only one to clear that section.
I can't remember the name of this trail but it lead us onto a huge granite slab about 1/4 mile long.
Brian dropping off the Granite.
Sorry Chris I got you a little late but you didn't give me enough time.
Video of Dave schooling us.
Dinner
The Meat and corn over the huge BQ pit.
This was Dave's special South African dish, I'll have come back and post the name after I get the correct Spelling from Dave.
Everyone grabbing a little of everything so not to miss anything.
Most everyone eating and chatting, and going back for seconds.
Here he is man and machine this was Dick's method of transportation to and from the 2010 Spicer camping trip.
