Fifth Stop - Lakes Basin/Sierra Buttes CA - June 12 - 14, 2018

From Tahoe, we drove just an hour or two north to Lakes Basin Recreation Area/Sierra Buttes.  (Before leaving Tahoe, went into town and did two weeks worth of  laundry . . . the laundromat had a view of Lake Tahoe!)  We stayed at Lakes Basin campground, in the national forest.  National Forest campgrounds are generally more rugged than National Park campgrounds . . . less pavement and more gravel roads . . . less level sites . . . but also more private and perhaps more natural.  Had a beautiful site.   Relaxed upon arrival, and did some reconnaissance for the next day . . .

Next morning - our first time kayaking on this trip.  Drove to nearby Gold Lake.  Wind picked up a bit once we were on the water - small whitecaps.   Paddled near the shore for a while, then struck out across the lake so we could head into the wind.  Nice little










beach on the other side for a snack before heading back.  Always nice to be on the water!

Next day, starting out hiking from our campground, and went on several trails making a big loop - past Long Lake, Silver Lake, Round Lake, Big Bear Lake, Little Bear Lake, Cub Lake.   I understand why they call this area Lakes Basin!   Some snow still on the mountains.  We are at 6,000 feet elevation or so.  Great day hiking - maybe 6 or more more miles.  Incredible views, and the lake water is so clear and clean.   Some wildflowers are blooming too.  One place on the trail was covered with something that filled the air with their sweet scent.

So far - great weather!  Blue skies!

Sorry I have not figured out how to bring in pictures to the blog without their coming in at random places.








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