Nine adventurous hikers set off to see the Applegate Reservoir during the low level time of the year. The skies were cloudy, with patches of blue sky in some places and 35 to 40 degree weather. It turned out to be a good day to hike and no rain or snow was felt. The views of the snow covered hills and an empty reservoir were interesting.

Two of the hikers were decorated with the Holiday spirit. There was one big tree that had fallen across the trail, but after working our way over it, there were no serious barriers to overcome. Lunch was taken on the picnic table at Hal’s Point, after which we decided to cross through the reservoir, instead of going back on the trail because of the low water levels. It was amazing to see how big the reservoir actually is from the bottom.

One question that often comes up when we hike around Applegate Lake is what causes the striations that are visible on the lake banks. The proper term is Varve: noun, Geology (in lake sediments) deposits usually consisting of two layers, one of fine materials and the other of coarse. In the case of Applegate Lake multiple layers form from wave action as the water level drops during the summer.

Refreshments were taken at Boomtown and we all wished each other Happy Holidays in the coming days.

Keeley