One of the cool things about living in northern Nevada is that even during a pandemic, we can get outside to work in the yard, hike, kayak and maybe even explore our territory. (Don’t forget to click on a photo if you want an enlargement)
Jerri and I have been doing this off and on this summer. Hiking and kayaking, that is. Last week, on a fairly clear of smoke day, we zoomed out Hwy. 88 into the Sierra Nevada where we hiked to “The Potholes.” You’ll see why it’s called that name soon. This is an area of huge boulders along with forested area.
A nice path going through a shady, cool forest
Our path led us by a stream with fallen trees
And by some Dino poop…just kidding. It’s really a pile of ancient lava.
After trekking about a mile or so, we found the potholes. Sorry about the exposure. I was looking pretty much into the sun.
A pothole is a circular or cylindrical hole in the riverbed which is produced by force of water and abrasion. A pothole is formed when a circular current of water carrying small pebbles and sediment begins to wear away a rock surface.
KeweenawGeoheritage
This is a fun place to take a dip. But one must be careful because just past that big rock in the background is a long waterfall and a huge drop to even bigger rocks. No bueno to slip over the edge. We were able to to enjoy all this in solitude for about 20 minutes before people began to join us. Good thing we like to get out early.
“To infinity and beyond!” This view is just to the right and above where the potholes are. Another long drop into the abyss just beyond those trees on the rock if one is not careful.
The Potholes trailhead is just across the highway (more or less) from Silver Lake and that is where we kayaked twice last week. We love this place! This is Silver Lake about 9 am. It’s so much fun to get out there with no wind (as we have experienced at Caples Lake many times).
“Our” lagoon. You can see why we love this place.
Paddling into a little arm of the lake. A fun place to play and swim.
The water in our little cove is fairly warm and enjoyable on a very hot day like it was in this photo. We just need to be careful of rocks.
Don’t take my picture!
(Check out the rugged mountain in the background. Smoke from forest fires to the south of us was creeping in and making it hazy)
I swear the fish was this big!
This varmint visited us and wondered if we had any Grey Poupon or crackers. He was quite close to our chairs. (I think this is a golden mantle squirrel)
Time to skidaddle. These little guys are quite brazen. Another time, Jerri heard rustling in my backpack and it was one of these squirrels trying to find food.
Even though it takes close to an hour to get to Silver Lake, it’s the best place for us right now. Not many people during the week and plenty of social distancing (a term I’d never heard of until 6 months ago). We love the peace and quiet and the ability to get out and exercise without the crowds.
buzzardnotes 
So glad you’ve found Silver Lake! It’s a gem of the Sierra and (fortunately) not as well known as other places. My late husband’s grandmother had a very rustic cabin there, so after Cliff and I met, we went to Silver Lake every summer. And cool potholes, too! Lovely pix, Cora!
Thanks, Jan. What a neat connection you have with Silver Lake. Is that cabin still there? Maybe Jerri and I could see it while we’re paddling around.
Thanks so much for sharing! Your photos and commentary are great! I feel like I’m traveling with you!❤️🌈👍🏻
What a great spot. Thanks for sending the pictures.Too hot to get out for a walk here today—over 90.Love, sherry
Oh my, You ladies know how to live. I would have loved to have been along. Cant do anything here like that .. I do miss the mountains and Lake Tahoe. Glad that you are both doing so well. Love to you stay well and safe. Diana
Great time in the great outdoors. Peace,Sam