hiking
Mt. Rose Trailhead
Last weekend, headed up to the Mt. Rose trailhead to hike up to Galena Falls. From the beginning of the trail you can see Lake Tahoe through the clouds and Tahoe Meadow just below in gold. The gold tones of Fall are just starting to peep in the mountains.
Trailblazing Pup
Going here and there in search of vermin, the trailblazing pup!
Granite Pegmatites
Walked across this ridge and it was loaded with quartz crystals. You can see the faint veins of white running through the granite. When I got back, I searched the web for “red granite with crystals” and this is what I learned.
What is Pegmatite?
Pegmatites are extreme igneous rocks that form during the final stage of a magma’s crystallization. They are extreme because they contain exceptionally large crystals and they sometimes contain minerals that are rarely found in other types of rocks.
To be called a “pegmatite,” a rock should be composed almost entirely of crystals that are at least one centimeter in diameter. The name “pegmatite” has nothing to do with the mineral composition of the rock.
Most pegmatites have a composition that is similar to granite with abundant quartz, feldspar and mica. These are sometimes called “granite pegmatites” to indicate their mineralogical composition.
Colors and Textures
Some people might find this photo of a rock, a tree and a mountain. What I see is the rusty hues in the boulder, hard and mottled with lichen. A tree with textured bark that reaches down into the roots. A peak in the distance with lofty white clouds of various shapes and size set in a blue sky. To me, lots of cool colors and textures.
Great View, Great Companion
There are great views to enjoy around every corner of a trail. The journey is even better when you have a great companion to share it with. Here I am with my pup, and we’re enjoying the great outdoors!
Yawning Tree
I felt like this tree was bored with this spectacular view. Maybe it needed a change in the scenery?
PCT South
I hiked along the PCT trail about a mile and a half. Found a great spot to view the mountains of the PCT heading South.
Clear for Miles…
From this spot, one could see for miles. That’s Hope Valley in the middle right side on the photo. I lucked out on the views on this road. I’ve driven by it so many times, never making the time to stop. My dad use to take us fishing at Blue lakes when we were young. I remember old dusty roads and goofing off along the shoreline. I don’t remember views like this. Time to make new memories and combine them with the old ones.
Blue Lakes Road
Fun road to travel on with lots of areas that I want to explore. I’ll be back soon!
Ducks on a Pond
Took a detour on the way home a few weekends ago. Just off of Hwy 88 is Blue Lakes Road. I followed that road almost to the end and spotted these ducks on a pond. They were camera shy and got outta there as soon as I got close
Snapshots by Kats 