Monday, October 17, 2011

Sardine Lake

Several years ago we took a drive up California route 49.  We explored the northern end of this road through California's historic Gold Country. That trip had been before digital cameras and blogging and I was anxious to return so that I could share this place with you.



The innkeeper at the B & B we stayed at (no, we don't always camp) suggested dinner at Sardine Lake resort but warned us that they did not take credit cards.It doesn't look very impressive but as I recall, the food was good.  Since we didn't eat there this trip I can't vouch for the quality currently nor do I know if they now take credit cards.
















We were told to check in at the boat house where we could get a drink and wait for our table.

As pleasant as that evening had been, neither of these things are what I was anxious to experience again.



 It was this that drew me back. The incredible beauty of the Sierra Buttes reflected in Sardine Lake.






The area is very popular in the summer but was quiet when we visited early in the fall.  Even though many fisherman were out on the lake, there were still plenty of boats available to rent.



 Nearby is Sand Pond with a picnic area and swimming.












An interpretive trail begins at sand pond.  Signs along the way explain how both man and nature have changed the environment over time.






A sign here explained how beavers dammed up the creek here, drowning the trees.  After the beavers moved on the pond filled in and became a meadow.  Eventually the forest will retake this land.  

See more views of our wonderful world at Our World, Tuesday, hosted for us by  Arija, Gattina, Lady Fi, Sylvia and Sandy.

33 comments:

Misty DawnS said...

What a beautiful area!

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place, Martha! I love the reflections! I can understand your wanting to return to see those -- never mind the quality of the food and/or restaurant! Terrific captures for the day!

Sylvia

Gaelyn said...

Such a beautiful place. Looks like a great place to camp, in warmer weather.

Tania said...

Wonderful place and landscape! I love the photos of mountain and the great reflection in water. Would love to be on top:-)
Happy week to you!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Gorgeous Martha! It would draw me back again too. (There are so many places we'd like to re-visit, especially with a digital camera, and so many beautiful new places (like this one)! So many places....

Unknown said...

Stunning place!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Rajesh said...

Beautiful lake, very picturesque.

eileeninmd said...

Wow, what a beautiful place to visit. The views and your photos are just beautiful. My favorite is the reflection of the Sierra Buttes, it is a stunning scene. Thanks for sharing your world.

Katney said...

So many places to visit.

So little time.

I am so grateful for blogging, so that I can enjoy many of them vicariously.

Of course, it also makes me aware of more of them, so it could be a tradeoff.

VioletSky said...

This beautiful place would be best enjoyed in the off season I would think!

Tina´s PicStory said...

beautiful pics :)

EG CameraGirl said...

I can see why you want to go back there. Lovely!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

didn't realise beavers can cause such damage.

Anonymous said...

What a dream !



daily athens photo

Kay L. Davies said...

What an exquisite place, Martha, although I can imagine it might not be as photogenic in summer.
The cycle of life is fascinating, isn't it? The beavers build dams, then there are floods, ponds are formed, but the ponds dry up and become meadows, and the meadows are reforested.
Wonderful!

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

Penelope Notes said...

Beavers do cause a lot of damage that we here in Canada, who made them a national symbol many decades ago, had discovered. Although they destroy trees, they suffered in the hands of the Hudson’s Bay Company that sold beaver pelts that were in high demand. Seems it’s all about balance and nature has a way of coming out on top.

Pinay Tambay said...

wow that's a very nice view! I hope it would stay that beautiful forever!

Indrani said...

Lovely! The undisturbed reflections, extremely well taken pictures.

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous place!

Stewart M said...

Hi there - how many hours could you spend looking at those lakes!

Splendid pictures.

Cheers - Stewart M - Australia

Esther Garvi said...

Wow, what a beautiful place!

Judy said...

That is a beautiful place! I love the reflections of the mountains in both of those lakes!!

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

Wow, haven't been there in years, thank you for the trip down memory lane, and the incredible photographs.

Linnea said...

What a beautiful, peaceful, and colorful time of the year for a visit to such a scenic spot. Those reflections are to die for! Wow!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That's a place worth going back to. Thanks for sharing.

Ms. Becky said...

oh my, these are some nice photos. I love the vintage quality to them, and this spot looks as though time stood still there. I can see why you were drawn to it again. I especially like the shot of Sand Pond. happy weekend to you Martha.

Lily Riani said...

i have always wanted to visit places like this in my travel. sigh..... one day i will reach there.

Karin M. said...

These are gorgeous photos ... I like the pictures very well ... an excellent and wonderful series ...
LG: Karin

NatureFootstep said...

I wouldn´t mind living there. :)

Jenn Jilks said...

How very amazing. Wonderful shots. I love B & Bs.

Cheers from Cottage Country!

Gattina said...

A very beautiful landscape ! This old inn looks real romantic !

Diane AZ said...

Gorgeous reflections, I love the blue and green colors. :)

Kay said...

Oh my heavens! You're making me want to take another trip back to the mainland. I'm just traveling through your blog after hopping over from Linda's.