THE HIKE. We will explore the Enchanted Pools Loop--which briefly crosses into Desolation Wilderness--starting from Wrights Lake. The upper and lower Enchanted Pools are unparalleled beauty spots, and are two of the best swimming holes in the Northern Sierra. However the water may be too cold for swimming this early in the season.

The total distance is approximately 5 miles, with several hundred feet of elevation gain. We will walk partly on trail, and partly cross-country, which will involve a little rock-hopping, and a few creek crossings.

PREPARATIONS. Although there are relatively few mosquitos at the Enchanted Pools themselves, there are a lot of them at the trailhead. Bring a DEET-based insect repellent.

Normally, the weather is clear and sunny this time of year. However local afternoon thundershowers are a possibility, even with an optimistic weather forecast. It would be a good idea to bring rain gear of some kind. A large plastic garbage sack, with precut holes for the neck and arms will work; it weighs very little, and takes up very little space in your rucksack or fanny-pack.

In places, the trail will be wet. Be sure to bring a change of shoes and socks for when we get back to the cars.

I can't guarantee the cleanliness of the creek water. It would be a good idea to bring 1 or 2 quarts of drinking water, along with your lunch.

Other things to bring: sturdy comfortable footwear, TP, sunscreen, sunglasses, optional hat, optional camera, and optional walking stick or hiking pole(s).

CARPOOL INFO. We will depart from the Nimbus Winery Shopping Center parking lot at 8:30 AM. Starting from Sacramento, go East on I-50. Take the Hazel exit, and turn right (South). As soon a possible, get into the left turn lane, and then turn left. Then, as soon as possible, turn left into the shopping center parking lot. I drive a white Subaru Outback station wagon. RSVP to
wimpehiker@yahoo.com
if you plan to join us. When everyone arrives, we can leave immediately, even if it's a few minutes early. If nobody RSVPs, I'll do a different hike, and will not stop at the rendezvous point.

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD. Get back onto I-50 Eastbound. Drive through Placerville, past Pollock Pines, and past the St. Pauli Inn (on the right side of the road). Watch for the tiny town of Kyburz. Go approximately 5 miles beyond Kyburz. Then turn left onto Wrights Lake Road. (The sign may or may not be up.) At first, the road is very steep. After the steep part, you will cross a small bridge. Then you will drive past a stumpy meadow. When you see a small ranger station/information station, turn right. The trailhead is about 1/2 mile from there. There is a restroom at the trailhead. Parking is sometimes an issue; so I encourage everyone to carpool. The driving time to the trailhead is less than 2 hours.

Happy trails, Larry