Elephant on Snowshoes 2005

Trip map

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:41 -0800

Obligatory Trailhead Photo -- At the Meiss Lake Trailhead, near Carson Pass on Hwy 88. From left: Jason, David, Bex, and Frank. We wanted to XC ski, but not everyone could rustle them up. So ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:44 -0800

Frank Farmer
Obligatory Trailhead Photo -- At the Meiss Lake Trailhead, near Carson Pass on Hwy 88. From left: Jason, David, Bex, and Frank. We wanted to XC ski, but not everyone could rustle them up. So ...

Bex and Jason, at the snow survey gage in the meadow near the trailhead.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:47 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bex and Jason, at the snow survey gage in the meadow near the trailhead.

Our first view of Round Top Peak -- Monarch of Carson Pass

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 21:21:44 -0800

Frank Farmer
Our first view of Round Top Peak -- Monarch of Carson Pass

David leads the way over some hills

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:49 -0800

Frank Farmer
David leads the way over some hills

Jason adjusts his snowshoes

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:50 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason adjusts his snowshoes

Jason takes off, leaving me in the dust. These kids are all in much better condition than me! Elephant's Back, our goal, looms ahead.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:51 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason takes off, leaving me in the dust. These kids are all in much better condition than me! Elephant's Back, our goal, looms ahead.

Another view of Round Top

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:53 -0800

Frank Farmer
Another view of Round Top

This area, west of the sierra crest, is a fabulous, wide-open snow area. A great place to learn X-C skiiing!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:54 -0800

Frank Farmer
This area, west of the sierra crest, is a fabulous, wide-open snow area. A great place to learn X-C skiiing!

David takes a picture

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:55 -0800

Frank Farmer
David takes a picture

Round Top yet again -- Out in the open. We'll be returning across the wide snowy area in this view. Winnemucca Lake is beyond the small trees in the distance.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:57 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top yet again -- Out in the open. We'll be returning across the wide snowy area in this view. Winnemucca Lake is beyond the small trees in the distance.

David starts up the side of Elephant's Back. Jason and Bex were ahead of us, on a more gentle area. We decided to climb up a steeper portion.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:58 -0800

Frank Farmer
David starts up the side of Elephant's Back. Jason and Bex were ahead of us, on a more gentle area. We decided to climb up a steeper portion.

David

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:00 -0800

Frank Farmer
David

Panorama of the western slopes of Elephant's Back. Looking toward Carson Pass and Red Lake Peak.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:53:56 -0800

Frank Farmer
Panorama of the western slopes of Elephant's Back. Looking toward Carson Pass and Red Lake Peak.

David ascending Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:02 -0800

Frank Farmer
David ascending Elephant's Back

Jason ascending Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:04 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason ascending Elephant's Back

Looking back toward the trailhead

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:05 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking back toward the trailhead

Looking up toward the summit.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:07 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking up toward the summit.

Bare rocks peeking out of the snow

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:09 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bare rocks peeking out of the snow

Southern peak on Elephant's Back. We're headed for the higher northern peak.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:10 -0800

Frank Farmer
Southern peak on Elephant's Back. We're headed for the higher northern peak.

Zoom out view of the back of the elephant

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:12 -0800

Frank Farmer
Zoom out view of the back of the elephant

Jason takes off his snowshoes near the summit

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:14 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason takes off his snowshoes near the summit

Jason, David, and Bex on the summit. Waiting for the slowpoke (me).

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:15 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason, David, and Bex on the summit. Waiting for the slowpoke (me).

Enjoying a brew on the summit. David and Jason. David was kind enough to provide India Pale Ales for anyone who cared for one in the group!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:18 -0800

Frank Farmer
Enjoying a brew on the summit. David and Jason. David was kind enough to provide India Pale Ales for anyone who cared for one in the group!

Bex on the summit. These brews hit the spot!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:20 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bex on the summit. These brews hit the spot!

David and Bex are active members of Backpacker Gear Test. He is evaluating these Scarpa hiking boots. So far, so good!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:23 -0800

Frank Farmer
David and Bex are active members of Backpacker Gear Test. He is evaluating these Scarpa hiking boots. So far, so good!

I decided to use my Mountainsmith Auspex backpack for the day. It was very comfortable.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:25 -0800

Frank Farmer
I decided to use my Mountainsmith Auspex backpack for the day. It was very comfortable.

360 Panorama from Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:54:05 -0800

Frank Farmer
360 Panorama from Elephant's Back

Round Top Peak and The Sisters

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:27 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top Peak and The Sisters

Round Top Peak, from across Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:29 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top Peak, from across Elephant's Back

Nice little Round Top Panorama

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:53:58 -0800

Frank Farmer
Nice little Round Top Panorama

A wider Round Top Panorama

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:54:00 -0800

Frank Farmer
A wider Round Top Panorama

Ski runs on the eastern slopes of Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:31 -0800

Frank Farmer
Ski runs on the eastern slopes of Elephant's Back

Red Lake Peak, Carson Pass, Luther Pass, and Hope Valley. Lake Tahoe is on the other side of the mountains on the right horizon.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:54:03 -0800

Frank Farmer
Red Lake Peak, Carson Pass, Luther Pass, and Hope Valley. Lake Tahoe is on the other side of the mountains on the right horizon.

Bex and David relaxing

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:34 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bex and David relaxing

My new snowshoes -- MSR Denali Evo Ascents. These things are fabulous. I got a great deal at Sport Chalet.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:35 -0800

Frank Farmer
My new snowshoes -- MSR Denali Evo Ascents. These things are fabulous. I got a great deal at Sport Chalet.

Jason -- He is a real gentleman, and a skilled backcountry hiker.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:37 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason -- He is a real gentleman, and a skilled backcountry hiker.

Peaks east of Round Top

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:40 -0800

Frank Farmer
Peaks east of Round Top

Obligatory Summit Photo -- From left: Frank, David, Bex, and Jason

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:43 -0800

Frank Farmer
Obligatory Summit Photo -- From left: Frank, David, Bex, and Jason

David, Bex, and Jason -- Great people to spend a day with

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:45 -0800

Frank Farmer
David, Bex, and Jason -- Great people to spend a day with

Cornice-laden ridge -- Gives meaning to the phrase, "don't go there!"

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:47 -0800

Frank Farmer
Cornice-laden ridge -- Gives meaning to the phrase, "don't go there!"

Hope Valley

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:48 -0800

Frank Farmer
Hope Valley

Jason

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:51 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason

Bex and David

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:53 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bex and David

Caples Lake -- A primary source of the South Fork of the American River

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:55 -0800

Frank Farmer
Caples Lake -- A primary source of the South Fork of the American River

Tough shrub on the summit of Elephant's Back -- A very harsh environment. Buried under snow for half the year. Dry and sun-baked for the other half. Wind-blasted year round.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:04:57 -0800

Frank Farmer
Tough shrub on the summit of Elephant's Back -- A very harsh environment. Buried under snow for half the year. Dry and sun-baked for the other half. Wind-blasted year round.

Looking over to the summit

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:53:54 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking over to the summit

David and Jason descending. Bex has gone ahead, to the place further down where she left her snowshoes.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:05:02 -0800

Frank Farmer
David and Jason descending. Bex has gone ahead, to the place further down where she left her snowshoes.

View from Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:05:06 -0800

Frank Farmer
View from Elephant's Back

Round Top Peak and The Sisters. Winnemucca Lake is the flat, low spot in the center. We're headed there.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:03:43 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top Peak and The Sisters. Winnemucca Lake is the flat, low spot in the center. We're headed there.

More views from the ridge

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:10 -0800

Frank Farmer
More views from the ridge

A last look over the ridge, before I descend.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:11 -0800

Frank Farmer
A last look over the ridge, before I descend.

David, Bex, and Jason putting on their snowshoes.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:13 -0800

Frank Farmer
David, Bex, and Jason putting on their snowshoes.

Gentle terrain along the sierra crest, to the south of Elephant's Back. The PCT passes just a few hundred feet to the east, on the other side of the ridge.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:15 -0800

Frank Farmer
Gentle terrain along the sierra crest, to the south of Elephant's Back. The PCT passes just a few hundred feet to the east, on the other side of the ridge.

Approaching Winnemucca Lake

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:17 -0800

Frank Farmer
Approaching Winnemucca Lake

Round Top Peak, looming above Winnemucca Lake

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:19 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top Peak, looming above Winnemucca Lake

Gentle ridges, to the east of Round Top

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:20 -0800

Frank Farmer
Gentle ridges, to the east of Round Top

Looking back at our tracks down from Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:41 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking back at our tracks down from Elephant's Back

Elephant's Back Panorama. Our ascent was on the left, and the descent on the right. The trailhead is a couple of miles away, in the forested area at left.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:06 -0800

Frank Farmer
Elephant's Back Panorama. Our ascent was on the left, and the descent on the right. The trailhead is a couple of miles away, in the forested area at left.

David and Jason are over by a big rock -- let's check it out.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:22 -0800

Frank Farmer
David and Jason are over by a big rock -- let's check it out.

Round Top looming above.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:23 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top looming above.

Airplane coming in low, over the ridge

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:25 -0800

Frank Farmer
Airplane coming in low, over the ridge

Airplane

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:26 -0800

Frank Farmer
Airplane

Airplane

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:28 -0800

Frank Farmer
Airplane

Airplane

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:29 -0800

Frank Farmer
Airplane

Airplane

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:31 -0800

Frank Farmer
Airplane

Airplane

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:32 -0800

Frank Farmer
Airplane

David wants to climb -- climb on!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:34 -0800

Frank Farmer
David wants to climb -- climb on!

Nice rock

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:35 -0800

Frank Farmer
Nice rock

At the top

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:38 -0800

Frank Farmer
At the top

Wind-drifted snow around the rock

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:40 -0800

Frank Farmer
Wind-drifted snow around the rock

Solitary trees

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:42 -0800

Frank Farmer
Solitary trees

Ice on the rock

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:45 -0800

Frank Farmer
Ice on the rock

David's and Bex's snowshoes.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:23:08 -0800

Frank Farmer
David's and Bex's snowshoes.

Winnemucca Lake -- Someone skied across it. However, we didn't even consider trying it ourselves. Why ruin a perfect day.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:09 -0800

Frank Farmer
Winnemucca Lake -- Someone skied across it. However, we didn't even consider trying it ourselves. Why ruin a perfect day.

Drifted, crusty snow -- We started moving down toward the outlet of Winnemucca Lake, before turning back to the trailhead.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:12 -0800

Frank Farmer
Drifted, crusty snow -- We started moving down toward the outlet of Winnemucca Lake, before turning back to the trailhead.

Jason

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:14 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason

Bex and David

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:16 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bex and David

One last look before we head back.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:19 -0800

Frank Farmer
One last look before we head back.

Round Top -- We noticed the cumulus clouds were building to the south, over Sonora Pass

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:22 -0800

Frank Farmer
Round Top -- We noticed the cumulus clouds were building to the south, over Sonora Pass

Snowy ridges

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:24 -0800

Frank Farmer
Snowy ridges

Heading back. Red Lake Peak looms ahead.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:27 -0800

Frank Farmer
Heading back. Red Lake Peak looms ahead.

A fine view of Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:29 -0800

Frank Farmer
A fine view of Elephant's Back

Had to take a picture of my snowshoes in action

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:32 -0800

Frank Farmer
Had to take a picture of my snowshoes in action

Looking at some XC skiers

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:34 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking at some XC skiers

Blue diamond reflectors mark the trail. This section is part of the PCT and the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:36 -0800

Frank Farmer
Blue diamond reflectors mark the trail. This section is part of the PCT and the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail.

Jason, David, and Bex

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:39 -0800

Frank Farmer
Jason, David, and Bex

Looking over the meadow near the trailhead

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:41 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking over the meadow near the trailhead

An interesting footprint

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:44 -0800

Frank Farmer
An interesting footprint

David checking out the snow survey marker

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:47 -0800

Frank Farmer
David checking out the snow survey marker

A last view of Elephant's Back

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:49 -0800

Frank Farmer
A last view of Elephant's Back

A last view of Round Top

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:52 -0800

Frank Farmer
A last view of Round Top

Obligatory post-trip group photo. Elephant's Back is in the center rear. This was a great day, with great friends. We adjourned to a chili dinner at the Deer Ridge Lodge in Pioneer, for the ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:41:54 -0800

Frank Farmer
Obligatory post-trip group photo. Elephant's Back is in the center rear. This was a great day, with great friends. We adjourned to a chili dinner at the Deer Ridge Lodge in Pioneer, for the ...