Bishop is an eclectic town of cowboys, sportsmen, and mountaineers. We liked the bluntness of the restaurant sign.
The crew: me, Gail, River, Tim, Sue, and Paul. Tim and River joined us for the first night, and then returned to Bishop the next morning. Paul and Tim met as SAR (search and rescue) team members a number of years ago. We heard great stories in the evening about SAR adventures, including the discovery of Steve Fossett's remains. River was one of the nicest 9 year olds you could ever meet!
Ruby Lake was where we camped for the first night.
Our tent site, nestled among the trees and rocks. The elevation here was about 11,000 feet, and, having come from sea level, we felt it on the climb up from Mosquito Flat.
In the morning, we explored the creek and meadow below our tent site.
The next morning, as we made our way up Mono Pass, groups of young runners were coming back down from their run up to the top and back. The top of the pass is at 12,080 feet, a height where some people would feel sick doing nothing!
Among the rocks were different wildflowers - Spring comes late in the John Muir Wilderness!
We were soon well above the timberline. So much granite! See the trail going around the corner?
Every plant has its niche.
A bush cricket with its long ovipositor for laying eggs
Some people cheat and have mules carry their loads. Mules also poop on the trails :(
Poor mules!
On the top of Mono Pass, and feeling good! The pass is at 12,080 feet, but is surrounded by 13,000 foot plus peaks - a very harsh environment!
On the pass is Summit Lake. Normally, there would be much more snow up here this time of the year, but this was a very dry year.
Going over the other side, and about to drop a couple thousand feet before climbing up to the Pioneer Lakes Basin later in the day.
Sue and Paul set up their spot. It was a full day of hiking to get here.
Preparing "dinner" before daylight runs out. We have vowed to get more creative with food next time, and stay away from the expensive, boring, freeze dried packets. We envied Paul's and Sue's tortillas and abundant cheese.
Paul and Sue share a moment.
Our lake in the Pioneer Lakes Basin - morning glass.
Looking away from the lake near our tent sites.
On the third day, clouds started to add interest to the sky.
On Friday, we had a decision to make. Paul had been told that one could go cross country over this ridge, drop into another lakes basin, and loop back to our trail head the next day. We realized at this point that trying to go over this ridge, and facing an equally steep downhill, would be foolish - at least for three of our party. So, we decided to backtrack and go to a remote lake we saw on the map.
We dropped back down into the forest.
A drop in elevation means milder weather, running streams, and greenery.
Time for lunch. Note Paul practicing his Tai Chi (or is he fainting from hunger?).
Gail looking right at home.
Going to splash a little water on my face.
Friday night, we camped at Needle Lake, up on a bench and beneath "The Needle".
Sue comes up for a visit.
Dramatic skylines are the norm in the Sierras.
Sue's and Paul's site, nearer the lake.
Saturday morning, we say good bye to Needle Lake, and descend back down to the trail.
This is why we were the only people at Needle Lake - no trail and steep!
Sue decided to make the climb back up Mono Pass more challenging by carrying rocks to bring back home.
Gail about to savor our last cracker - kissing it first.
Sue and her nifty "Droid".
Summit Lake, again.
Sue gives a thumbs up for the dried pineapple.
I will never eat another Clif Bar again!
Starting back down Mono Pass - the "high country".
Looking down at Ruby Lake where we spent night one.
Sue and Paul coming down the trail.
Gail has a thing for gnarly old things.
It started to rain a little on us, and we learned the next day there was a large lightning caused fire and flash floods in the region.
Looking over our shoulders at the pretty little lakes in Rock Creek.
Just about back to the trailhead. Some of the animal highlights were seeing a peregrine falcon, bald eagle, marmots, clark's nutcrackers, juncos, pikas, and chipmunks. Sunday, Gail and I spent the day at Mono Lake, about 30 miles to the north. Blog post to come soon!
2 comments:
What an amazing, dramatic landscape and gorgeous photos! That granite is something else -- and the clouds! beautiful! Gail, you are a trooper!
Great pics! I love those alpine lakes and I never tire of seeing the stark contrast of the ultra-blue California sky against the white granite peaks. Looks like it was a fantastic trip.
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