Day hike to Lake Sylvia - September 12, 2016

A lot of my trip reports are about far away places, but I also like to visit places close to home. Hiking is one of my favorite pastimes and the area where I live is surrounded by beautiful, tucked-away destinations which can be seen in a day. I was fortunate to be able to spend time with my friend Lynda, who led us on a 10-mile round trip hike to a sparkling gem called Lake Sylvia.

Plenty of parking was available at the Lyons Creek Trailhead 9:30 Monday morning (I'm sure weekends are busier). This trail also takes you to Lyons Lake. A day hiker permit per group is required; you can get this for free at the self-serve station. If you plan to camp overnight, you'll need to pay for a wilderness permit in advance.

getting our day permit

The hike through the forest of Desolation Wilderness was relatively easy (in my opinion and physical fitness) and well-shaded. The trail is described as "moderate", as the path climbs 1500 feet in 5 miles, with elevation at around 6500-8000 feet; something to keep in mind while considering this hike.

We did not see anyone on the trail until we reached Lake Sylvia, and even then, there were just two people passing through. The water was clear, cool and crisp. It took about 3 leisurely hours to get here, plenty of time for conversation. Based on reviews, it seems that wildflowers would be abundant earlier in the year, but we didn't see too many at this late season. Beware of snow on the trail if you attempt it too early in the year. And bring your mosquito repellent if you are staying overnight!

Lake Sylvia

360 view at Lake Sylvia (drag image to look around):

Arriving at Lake Sylvia - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

After eating our sandwiches and snacks, we took some time to relax...ahhhh...

Hanging out at Lake Sylvia - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Afterwards, Lynda and I hiked back to the parking lot, seeing no one until a small group of overnight backpackers passed us. I like uncrowded trails! It does also help to go on a weekday.

If you want to get away from it all, this destination is a great option. I look forward to hiking other hidden gems with Lynda in the future!

What's next on the agenda? A 9-night New England and Canada cruise with my parents on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas...stay tuned!

***

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Getting excited reading about these trips and want to go?  Contact me at yellowdogtravel at gmail d0t com with your ideas and I can help you plan it!  Or if you've already put a deposit on a cruise through the cruise line, contact me to get more information on transferring the reservation to me to get bonuses like extra onboard credit or gifts.  I have lots of happy returning clients - references always available.

Come check out my other blog "What in the world is Kat Kong doing now?", documenting things other than traveling...sign up for blog updates direct to your inbox here!

Another disclaimer:  The intention of this blog was to remind Future Me in full detail about where I went and what I did.  I could have made it private, but I frequently get questions from family, friends and internet folks about how I planned things, got deals, etc., so instead of repeating the story over and over, I direct them here. If you are offended by anything I say or do, save yourself the discomfort and kindly click away from my blog. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

Previous post: Besties' Napa getaway weekend

Besties' Napa getaway weekend - August 6-7, 2016

It had been a while since I've spent time with my best friend Sandy so we decided to hit the road for a quick Napa weekend getaway. Though we rarely drink, we still find much to do in wine country. The Napa area is home to spas, shopping and fine food, which we both enjoy.

Our first stop was lunch at the Oxbow Public Market, just like a tiny version of the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco or the Lancaster Central Market, filled with quaint shops and eateries. Sandy and I split a herb crusted rotisserie half-duck half-salad platter from C Casa, and we didn't even finish it - such a big portion. Dessert was a selection of organic Italian pastries from Ca' Momi Enoteca (which no longer has a presence in Oxbow...what happens when I delay blogging my trips for almost a year).

you can't see it, but we're playing Pokemon Go here

Then it was time for our massages at Spa Terra inside the Meritage Resort. Sandy heard that the spa was built into a wine cave so we had to check it out. Also, Spa Terra accepted SpaFinder gift certificates, which you can get at a 20% discount at Costco during holiday season or sometimes on Costco.com.

No pictures allowed inside but it was certainly located in an underground cave; we did not even have cell service. Same-sex facilities included a huge jacuzzi and steam room. Surprisingly there weren't too many people there on a Saturday afternoon.

walking through the pool area to reach the spa

"estate cave" entrance

pretty big inside

After the massages and getting our fill of the jacuzzi and steam room, we showered and headed to the Doubletree Hotel and Spa Napa Valley to check in. I redeemed 50,000 Hilton HHonors points for a 1-night stay, which wasn't too bad considering that most of the hotels in Napa were either really expensive or sold out.

each room was "named"

signature warm chocolate chip cookies; free waters

comfy double beds

view of the lagoon outside our window

TV, coffee/tea service, mini-fridge inside cabinet

Diamond benefits

Aroma Actives toiletries

bulk toiletries in the shower

Dinner was at FARM restaurant. I was here before with Kaleb back in 2014 and enjoyed the tasting menu. It didn't disappoint this time either.

table in front of the fireplace

the tasting menu

a-la-carte menu page 1

a-la-carte menu page 2

salmon amuse bouche

served bread and individual butter

hamachi crudo

carmelized diver scallop

suckling pig confit

lamb loin

lemon custard cake with blueberry fro yo

complimentary petit fours

The next morning, Sandy and I enjoyed a hot breakfast (complimentary for Diamond members) at the hotel's on-site restaurant, Table 29. You can get omelettes made to order and waffles. Continental selections were served buffet-style.

cereal, breads, pastries, whole fruit

pastries, yogurt, cut fruit

I got an omelette for my hot selection

After our meal, we checked out of the hotel and headed to Napa Premium Outlets for some shopping. The store selection was limited, but Sandy and I were able to find a few things we liked.

For lunch, we stopped by Melted, specializing in waffle sandwiches. I had never tried one before and it lived up to expectations. Melted is small with limited seating. I still remember that tomato soup...dee-licious!

shared a large "Pigs on the Wing"

That was the end of our besties' weekend in Napa. What's next? A pleasant day hike to Lake Sylvia...stay tuned!

***

If you came here from a Facebook or Twitter link, thanks for clicking the "Facebook Like" button below or retweeting!

Don't miss a blog entry!  Sign up for updates direct to your inbox here or add the blog to your RSS feed.

Getting excited reading about these trips and want to go?  Contact me at yellowdogtravel at gmail d0t com with your ideas and I can help you plan it!  Or if you've already put a deposit on a cruise through the cruise line, contact me to get more information on transferring the reservation to me to get bonuses like extra onboard credit or gifts.  I have lots of happy returning clients - references always available.

Come check out my other blog "What in the world is Kat Kong doing now?", documenting things other than traveling...sign up for blog updates direct to your inbox here!

Another disclaimer:  The intention of this blog was to remind Future Me in full detail about where I went and what I did.  I could have made it private, but I frequently get questions from family, friends and internet folks about how I planned things, got deals, etc., so instead of repeating the story over and over, I direct them here. If you are offended by anything I say or do, save yourself the discomfort and kindly click away from my blog. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

Previous post: A quiet birthday celebration in South Lake Tahoe