Scouts enjoy local wonders on snowshoes
By Gregg Scott
Staff Writer
Troop 36 and others follow the ranger as they work their way up the slopes of Mt. Lassen to new winter sights and adventures. Around 30 to 35 people signed up for the Feb. 11 snowshoe walk and it appeared that all enjoyed their time learning about the mountain. Photo by Gregg Scott
Chester Boy Scout Troop 36 took advantage of clear skies and invigorating temperatures on Saturday, Feb. 11, to explore the southwest regions of Lassen Park starting at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee visitor center. The park offers ranger guided snowshoe treks from early January through March. Three members of the troop were unable to make the outing due to work or other commitments, but the rest were ready, willing and able. Always wanting to “Be Prepared,” the troop arrived around 11 a.m. with a lunch menu they had selected in advance. Some good food and a few rounds of the game ‘Blank Slate ‘and it was time for the 1:30 p.m. snowshoe walk.
The 10-to-12 inches of fresh snow on top of the 10-to-12 feet of packed snow made the walking quite easy. Many people participating brought their own personal snowshoes, including a couple of the troop members. Not to worry though, the park has shoes available for trekkers age 8 and up. Average time out is about one and a half to two hours depending on weather conditions. Troop 36 was back in around an hour and forty-five minutes due to a pretty good wind starting to come up.
Bottom line — everybody said they had a good time and were able to see some great winter landscapes up in the high country with a ranger explaining some of the unique aspects of Lassen Park’s geology. Some times we may forget what a unique and beautiful area we live in.
The park ranger leading the snowshoe trek gives a quite overview and guidelines prior to starting. She had some good information for the troop and the public as the adventure progressed. Photo by Mark Welch