Woods Lake Trails

Hi all,

Appetizers at Melissa and Chris' camp

We had a great time last weekend with the Trails: Mary, Melissa, Chris, Kylah, Mom and Dad all converged with us in a fully booked but peaceful Woods Lake campground at an elevation of 8200 feet in El Dorado National Forest.

Warm by the fire

The weather was gorgeous, the wildflowers magnificent, and the s'mores delicious. The only thing missing was running water - the snow pack was so deep this year that the campground only opened this week and the water system wasn't fully operational yet. We ended up bringing water and filtering some from the cold, clear mountain lakes.

Carson has found a patient ear in Melissa

Mom and Dad had reserved a couple of spots for the gang on Thursday morning - but by noon the place was full. Apparently everyone has been waiting for the campgrounds to open! Melissa, Mary and Company joined the gang later on Thursday, and we arrived Friday evening. We sat around the campfire, sang some songs, ate some chili, and slapped at the clouds of mosquitoes that were also enjoying the late spring runoff!

A story after breakfast

Entering the Wilderness

Saturday after breakfast we took a hike up the mountain to Round Lake and Winnemucca Lake past amazing wildflowers. The snow fields were much more extensive than last year, and we had a great time throwing snowballs and sliding down the slope.

Mary and Mom on the trail

After the ~4.5-mile loop we cooked some burgers and dogs on the campfire, followed by toasted marshmallows (which Maggie has become an expert at cooking) and a delicious cheese plate from Mary. Melissa provided the tamales. As usual, we were over-stocked with wine and food in typical Trail fashion.

Upwards to Round Top Lake

A nap at lunch

Round Top Lake

Maggie starting a snowball fight...Lake Winnemucca below

Carson and Red Mountain

Maggie among the lupine and mules ear

Sunday morning we hung around and broke down camp in a leisurely fashion before heading back down the hill and home. Nothing like a shower and soft bed to make you appreciate home after camping! Luckily, we wore bug repellent so we escaped without any major bug-bite collections - even Maggie!

Anyway, for the flower buffs out there, here are some various (but not all) types of flowers we ran across during our hike. God's amazing creations!

Peace, all!

Penstamon

Phlox

Lupine

Shooting Star

Paintbrush

Mule's Ear

Heather

Aster

Wallflower

Lupine and Paintbrush

Columbine

Larkspur