9.37 Deer, Grass & Packer Lakes in the 'Lost Sierras'

Before beginning a climb, we could not resist stopping at Packer Lake

“Where to today?” We asked our editor, after an extraordinary hike to the peak of the Sierra Buttes the day before. ‘Let’s try Deer Lake, Dear,’ she answered, making us feel quite special. She added that if we are quiet we might spot deer on the trail. Of course, the problem with being quiet, normally a good thing, is that we could surprise bears in close vicinity. Surprised bears become quite testy resulting in fisticuffs or worse. Besides, being right-handed, we have never been able to deal with a ‘southpaw’ in a fight, easily. Here’s the dilemma. Using a quiet approach might enable us to see deer, but surprise bears; being noisy, scares both the deer and bears away—it also gives our editor a headache. When we consider it: ‘Oh dear, we barely have a chance.’

No sunshine at Deer Lake with Sierra Buttes in background

'Gesundheit' at Deer Lake rocks

We awoke to much cooler weather, lovely actually. However, when we reached our destination, which was only 1,200 feet of elevation gain at about 7,000 feet, a cold front hit us hard. From a reasonably warm morning start, conditions became icy. That we understand is the weather behavior in the Sierras. Once the sun disappeared, the lakes lost their sheen although not their attractiveness on this 6-mile hike.
We only realized when perusing photographs today that the Sierra Buttes were in our pictures from the hike up Mount Elwell, some three days earlier. Of course, by today we recognized the buttes as we’d climbed up to the peak the day before—a breathtaking experience.

Sierra Buttes, a full frontal, in a manner of speaking

We thought we had traveled a great distance to get from Graeagle to Downieville, our current residence. ‘Why would you rather be a crow than an eagle?’ Our editor inquired, after we threw a minor tantrum. We are saving the major tantrum for a better opportunity. We explained that it’s an obvious choice, that is, the crow. Clearly, this bird always flies straight, never gets lost and takes the shortest distance between two points—we would have thought it to be obvious why we choose a crow. Sometimes we have to shake the head and ‘flap our wings’ when our editor misses the point.

Here comes the editor in deft waterproof mode

We chose Downieville, with a population of 325 people, for our location to access the Sierra Buttes. We mentioned previously that our room is almost in the river of this idyllic spot. How can we move so soon? We thought. However, our Inn could not accommodate us for another two nights, only for Friday night. So we moved across the Downie River to the other Inn in town, a move ‘as the crow flies’ of 60 feet (see what we mean). However, we drove the car over the bridge which distance is a little longer. Both Inns are on Highway 49, a narrow single carriageway in each direction that meanders through outstanding countryside. There are mountains covered in trees on both sides, the Yuba River as a constant companion, lakes close by and of course, the Sierra Buttes. Between the two Inns, the highway becomes a single lane narrow bridge—quite a sight.

60 feet from downtown, just as peak traffic builds in Downieville

Both Inns cornered between Highway 49's single lane bridge and Downie River

The experience in the town, four days nestled therein, was quite memorable. Whereas we might return for the hiking, we wouldn’t for the life. We’ll expand on it next time.
We are in bear country; therefore, it’s no surprise we are alert for the critters. While relaxing on the rocks with our feet submerged in the freezing, clear lake the other day, we pondered the great issues of life; also, what our editor would be preparing for dinner. At times, we are practical, too. Suddenly we heard a splash, looked up into the sun and caught sight of a big, black animal that had entered the lake. Grab the camera or hightail it out of there. It turns out that it was a rather large dog that arrived with another couple, the only people we saw on the hike the whole day.

Early morning at Packer Lake, time of day creates wonderful opportunity

You should 'LOG OFF' now, you're definitely running out of steam...um...power

A good moment occurred when our editor came forward with the brilliant suggestion late Saturday afternoon. Let’s hike the Sierra Buttes again. Don’t you just love her when she announces such ideas!

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey