July 30, 2009

Trail Signs and Cushioned Soil

Many trails in the Uinta Mountains have few, if any, signs. The sign above indicates where the trail is supposed to go, but following a trail is sometimes problematic.
When a trail is invisible, there are occasional cairns, usually 2-3 rocks on top of each other, not huge ones like this. Perhaps the boy scouts needed a project?
We began our hike along Reader Creek at 10,200 feet (3100 m). Good thing we're relatively accustomed to the high country, or breathing while alive would have been challenging, not to mention breathing while hiking. (Just kidding. It's really not overly difficult when you're acclimated.)
Daisy had a fantastic time running in the high meadows.
The creek has lovely cascades. The DWR (Utah Department of Wildlife Resources) elecroshocked Reader Creek a few years ago to remove the non-native brook trout. Supposedly they have replaced the brookies with native cutthroats, but we didn't see many fish of any kind.
We took a break at one of the many lakes in the high meadows above Reader Creek.
The meadow near the creek and lakes has a six inch cushion of spongy growth. Stepping on it is like walking on air. I suspect there is a botanical term for this kind of growth, but I don't know it.
Dark clouds moved in by early afternoon, which kept the hike cool. We walked 7 miles with no raindrops, enjoying a fantastic alpine day.
(Boss is out of commission this week with a sole bruise. We'll be back to riding soon. Meanwhile, a little foot exercise for the erstwhile riders won't hurt.)
To view more skies of every variety, click here.

43 comments:

  1. Hi Janie!

    Beautiful photos. It looks quite like the north of Sweden. I like walking at high altitudes myself, but it is a challenge.

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  2. That's got to be the biggest carn I've ever seen. Would be hard to miss. The mountain creeks and lake look so inviting to visit. Hope boss is better soon. Doesn't hurt to walk once in a while. And hope you didn't sink in too far.

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  3. Oh Janie, I love it!!!! The high meadows are gorgeous. I love those cascades.. I could just sit there and listen to that water foever!!!!

    We notice many 'rock' trail markers when we hike also. That helps especially when we are 'off-trail'...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  4. Gorgeous cloud-filled skies, Janie, and I hope Boss is better soon. That spongy growth is interesting...wonder what that is...

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  5. Marvelous shots, Janie, as always! Gorgeous clouds! What a great place to hike! I, too, hope Boss is better!

    Have a great weekend!
    Sylvia

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  6. Thank you for the guide along your wonderful walk.I am envious.
    Hope your horse injury mends soon.

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  7. I think that my high altitude hiking days may be over, so I doubly appreciate you letting me hitch a ride via your photos. They are beautiful as posted, and stunning when clicked on. Thank you!

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  8. amazing beauty as always! Love our photos. That has got to be something hiking on terrain like that!

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  9. Beautiful country for a hike. Probably good to stretch your legs once in a while. I was a little worried though, glad to hear you'll be able to be on horseback again soon.

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  10. Hi Janie,
    I live at 10,200'. Looks as though Daisy isn't having trouble breathing! I love the creek pics - looks very refreshing. Is it getting cold there at night?

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  11. I'm impressed with that hike when you do so much riding! Beautiful as always. I'd like to walk on air!

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  12. Nice. Glad to hear of more native cuttie (vs. brookie) restoration projects. Also loved the beekeeper story--have some friends that do that, and I love the total nonchalance they develop around the swarm.

    Steve raised some great Qs about flyfishing tackle & methods--I'll respond separately. Don't usually think about how I fish, so it's been good exercise.

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  13. Oh, almost forgot--I think the technical term for those lakeside (also alpine etc) mats is simply "cushion plant" or "cushion bog." Love it for a change when the botanists don't coin needlessly complex/obscure terms.

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  14. beautiful hike...like that cushy mat "cushion bog"... and the sky was absolutely breath taking.

    have a wonderful weekend.

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  15. Beautiful photos all...I love the lake with evergreens...you began at 10,200...I'd have breathing difficulties at the start...

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  16. Lovley skies and lovely views as always! So who's the "boss" the husband or the horse?

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  17. Oh man, I get so jealous sometimes. I'm glad you share your trips with us.

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  18. Howdy Janie
    Thank you for coming by and welcoming me back.
    We had a death in the family and three other family members go into the hospital this past Saturday .
    all are stil in ICU.
    I live about 5 hours away so it was a bit of a job to juggle life,family,blog ,work,etc...
    Thank you for your comment !!!!
    Blessings to you and yours for the rest of the week.
    Love your gorgeous photos .
    Thank you so much for sharing.

    Hugs
    Happy Trails

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  19. Always enjoyed all your post about your beautiful corner of the world. Sky is really beautiful.

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  20. This looks like a beautiful hike, although i imagine the spongy ground felt strange. I really like the cascades along the creek.

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  21. Ah Janie, here I go mental tripping again over your mountains and meadows carpeted with wild flowers. What with those streams and creeks and rivers? They're all breathtakingly paradise to me!

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  22. Well worth the wait until the end to see that break-away beautiful Western sky!

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  23. Beautiful clear skies and scenes.
    Great shots. Have a nice weekend all.

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  24. Mother nature how beautiful it is!

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  25. Breathing at 10,000 feet! I love it. Here in Southeastern Idaho the Fish and Game poisoned several creeks to kill the non-native brookies - put in cutthroats which did not take. That equals no fish for the campers which means less camping, but more bear and elk!!!!!
    Great job as always.

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  26. breathtaking pictures. i specially like the pic u took when u were taking a break

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  27. Walking high meadows is such a beautiful experience. Ours are very difficult to get to but when you do they take your breath away. Your series of photos are beautiful and they look cool and refreshing. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the hiking.
    Blessings and smiles

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  28. Lovely photos!!Beautiful nature...

    kisses,

    irina

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  29. Thank you for letting us take a wonderful trail with you. What a beautiful lake!! And i can imagine cushoned spongy growth.

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  30. There's a surprise for you. Click here to get it :)

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  31. I hope Boss is back to good health soon. I'm sure he misses riding the trails up in the high country. And I bet Daisy miss her buddy. I sometimes wonder if the two of them realize just how lucky they are to have you and Steve. But I can see that you feel the same way about them!
    I so enjoyed the wonderful journey, thanks...
    and I didn't feel winded at all :D

    I wish you all a delightful weekend, Happy Trails, Janie!

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  32. Looks like a beautiful area. I love the one with the pines around the water.

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  33. Beautiful skies, beautiful landscapes, beautiful everything.

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  34. Looks like you had a wonderful day, I can see it in your beautiful photos.

    Spirithelpers

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  35. Awesome images!
    Especially the last one is spectacular :)

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  36. love the trail and skies, such a beautiful area

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  37. Great hike and those photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend. Another hike maybe? Will look forward to the next set of photos :)

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  38. What a beautiful place to hike in! The spongy plant in the meadow sounds interesting.

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  39. It's been a while since I've hiked and come across one of those cairns. I miss those ...

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  40. Beautiful hike!! That is a huge cairn. I have definitely been on hikes where I was relieved to find one!

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