NATURE AT WORK IN THE CALIFORNIA SIERRAS
When we heard that there were several feet of snow in the Sierras, we left Foster City, California, and drove for three hours to go cross-country skiing above Pinecrest, California.
When we were putting on our cross-country ski boots, it started to snow lightly: small flakes twirling around like they had no place to go. By the time we were ready to go--boots and skis on--the snow flakes were a little larger and coming down heavier, which gave us an indication that the storm was going to let up for while.
The area we were in became very quiet and the littlest movement made a big sound, which could be heard for some distance. The ski trail led off and disappeared down a small hill and to the left. Because it was early in the morning, the snow was slightly frosted on top, but our small cross-country skis cut a new path in the freshly manicured trail.
When we looked back, along the trail, we could see the path that our skis cut, filling up with fresh falling snow, which made us a little more careful in remembering the trail. Each step we took, we heard the skis cut into the snow. The sound reminded us of walking on small cardboard boxes which were crushed by our weight.
After fifteen minutes, we learned we could move faster if we would slide our skis on the snow--this sliding motion also made it easier to ski up a small hill instead of walking. Because we could move faster by the sliding motion, we covered more distance in a shorter time. After thirty to forty minutes, we became tired and stopped to rest.
Sitting on a rock and looking around, we saw small animals and bird prints in the snow, which had not been covered by the falling snow. The quietness of the area was shattered by the sound that we thought was thunder. Looking toward the sound, we could see, in the distance, snow moving down hill at a fast pace, breaking and covering everything in its way--we were witnessing a Sierra avalanche that we haven't seen in several years. The last one was in Yosemite coming off one of the high cliffs. Where once stood a small group of pine trees, there was nothing left but tons of snow. The moving snow took everything in its path, even trees that were many feet tall. Just as quickly as it started, it was over.
A small white mist was moving around the avalanche area like a white sheet being thrown over a bed. Nothing moved, everything in the area seemed to be asleep like nothing happened. Here we saw nature doing its work of moving snow, and changing the looks of an area by the use of snow.
After seeing nature at work, we decided to head back to our car. But before we headed back, we ate our lunch, which we brought with us. The snow was softer and we sank down further, which made it a little harder to slide our skis.
While heading back, we came upon deer tracks that seemed to be new. These tracks were heading the same way we were going. Within several minutes, we saw a big buck moving about thirty yards in front of us. As we gained on the animal, it took off at an angle and disappeared into the woods.
A few minutes after we passed the area where the deer took of, we heard and saw snow hitting the ground and tree limbs moving. Then everything was quiet again. After thirty to forty minutes, we were back at the car. Our skis were put on the car rack, the snow was scraped off of the front and back windows, and we were on our way home--back to Foster City.
We had a day of cross-country skiing and saw nature doing her thing in changing the lay of the land by the use of an avalanche, which made us think how powerful and beautiful nature can be.
