Lots of Lupine on Momyer Loop

[Sally]

If you are expecting the usual adventure-packed TR that follows Ellen and Sally's adventures, be forewarned that we managed to do a hike where we did not get headed down a wrong ridge, headed up a wrong canyon, and no one broke or sprained anything.

Ellen and I figured it was about time for us to visit the Momyer Trail for our Wednesday Wanderings yesterday. We shoved off from the trailhead at 5:40. The trail begins by crossing Mill Creek and meandering about before it starts climbing in earnest through a rather desert-ish zone and up through an oak forest. From the beginning we realized we were there at the peak of this year's wildflower show. We saw wallflowers, lupines, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, and lilac to name just a few. But the real surprise came as we entered the Momyer Fire burn area from a couple of years back. HUGE clumps of lupine were all over the hillsides, looking most dramatic against the remains of charred black tree trunks.

Eventually we left the burn area and began the climb through the infamous triple whammy of brush - buckthorn, manzanita, and chinquapin. We re-wrote the lyrics to a popular tune: "Wading away in Manzanitaville." This is one of the few hikes you will find Ellen and me in long pants.

We finally topped out on the San Bernardino Ridge and we bagged Anderson Peak. Here we enjoyed a leisurely lunch before heading across to Dollar Saddle. As we neared the saddle we observed that Dollar Lake appeared to be bone dry. There ws a small finger of snow in the chute above the lake where one could obtain snow to melt if they wanted to camp near Dollar Lake.

From the saddle we headed down the seemingly endless Falls Creek Trail back to Mill Creek.

Beverages were obtained at the little market next door to El Mexicano restaurant. The market has a great selection of beers and soft drinks for the discriminating beverage consumer. We finished off the day with a great meal at El Mexicano.

Thanks, friend for a great day!

https://picasaweb.google.com/1009477359 ... directlink

[zippetydude]

Beverages were obtained at the little market next door to El Mexicano restaurant.

Wow, reminds me of some guy bringing a couple beers up to the top of San G on a group hike! I have to say, though, that after the hike is a better time for a beer. At the top, well, it's still a very long way down.

I did Momyer to San G on Saturday, so I saw some of the flowers, although I didn't hit the burn zone. It is a very challenging, seemingly very long trail, but it has some of the prettiest flowery meadows and most delicious streams...

Nice job on your loop. I love the contrast in your pictures of the burn zone, with flowers next to dead, burned out trees. Sweet composition.

z

[arocknoid]

What?!!

Sally and Ellen traipse through Manzanitaville without the requisite blood donation?

Jamaica Misataica or some such?

(howls and growls from a SOASOAS)

I hope that Ellen's wrist is doing well; get some good tx with Kevin if she can make it out his way. Nah, she'll just tough it out like usual...

lovely pics of lupine, and what a mixed fulsome bouquet in this photo:



The walk through Paradise Garden @ 9K':



Thanks for the pics and TR,
kind regards,
arocknoid

[Hikin_Jim]

Wow. That's some lupine.

Hey, long pants is cheating on the upper Momyer Creek Trail.

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy HJ

Hey, long pants is cheating on the upper Momyer Creek Trail. HJ

Sally can attest that even with pants, I sported blood at the end of the day.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

Oh, well OK then. That's more like it.

HJ