tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43556716924056167752024-03-14T07:47:15.549-07:00High Country CacheAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667275231371094824noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-76144590651409119212013-01-02T16:25:00.001-08:002013-01-02T16:25:12.206-08:00It's all about BOGS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_25cfZXhKYDFHRg8xrxg83zys0llcTHm1nTY6tv1acn8DfhQLmAYTtIcksscYMCjWr4CZtfQtygqW0HUHlOu8_qrXs0afHs7z73qgZ-A6ZRwSLfAWzJntYVoRsouOYH1vctZITQnnaI/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_25cfZXhKYDFHRg8xrxg83zys0llcTHm1nTY6tv1acn8DfhQLmAYTtIcksscYMCjWr4CZtfQtygqW0HUHlOu8_qrXs0afHs7z73qgZ-A6ZRwSLfAWzJntYVoRsouOYH1vctZITQnnaI/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am totally flipped about my new boots! For one thing they are gorgeous! And on the other hand they are practical....really. These boots are made of neoprene, so they are insulated. They have a sole that grips the snow well. And the pair I purchased go up to my knees, so deep snow is not a big problem. Really deep snow can be, but snowpants protect pretty well. Bogs are light weight compared to sorrels and they are definitely more waterproof! My new Bogs have already been through about four major snow storms and they have held up well. They even work with snowshoes! What could be better than to look down and see a floral pattern on your boots in the middle of winter! Keeps a girl's spirits up.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-22173915973344478862012-11-29T21:20:00.002-08:002012-11-29T21:20:34.085-08:00Thanksgiving at High Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well it is the last day of November and I am reflecting back on our wonderful Thanksgiving event at High Camp last week. We celebrated with 24 people on Friday evening. It was wonderful. I cooked a 21 pound turkey and a 7 pound turkey breast. They tasted great as I brined them the night before...moist and tender. Everyone brought side dishes which added to the festivities. The food was devine! Who knows, this may become a tradition.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-90362451406181241872012-11-20T19:14:00.001-08:002012-11-20T19:14:11.714-08:00John Muir Trail - Day 13
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<u>August 21, 2012 –mystery lake on Bishop Pass - Bishop<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9.5<br />
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All night long lightening flickered across the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 1:00 am thunder started and by 3:00 am
we had rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stormed the rest of the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain let up at 6:30 am, so we
began to plan our soggy exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don had
slept pretty well until the storms hit hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His hand was throbbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We needed
to get going and get him to the hospital in Bishop today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail gained 2000 feet in elevation in
the next three miles, and then dropped 3000 feet in 6 miles to the trailhead,
where we hoped to catch a ride the 21 miles down into Bishop.</div>
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We headed out in the cool, cloudy morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pass was totally socked in with
clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had no map for this trail and
with the visibility difficulties, we were concerned about getting over the pass
before storms hit again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like
time for VIA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Found a rocky area with a
beautiful view and brewed up some coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we sipped the cloud cover raised and we could see our
destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bishop Pass is just under
1200 feet and a very nice climb from the west side through areas of meadows and
trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Injured Don on Bishop Pass</td></tr>
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We rested on the top and took in the towering peaks all
around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we started down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a totally different environment, tall
mountains, rocky outcroppings and a steep drop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The trail was etched into the rock with airy switchbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked down on big blue lakes below, but
had no idea what the names were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
hoped the trail would be easier when we got down to lake level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, alas no, lots of rocks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continued down as the rocks around us
turned from grey to red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were more
trees, but the trail was still very rocky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We asked people that we met if they were going out to Bishop that day
but no luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Although the scenery was gorgeous Don and I were worn down
by the stress of the injury, exit and the rocky trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were anxious about getting a ride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had been told that the dislocated finger
had to be taken care of within 24 – 30 hours of injury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right near the bottom there was an older
woman on the trail with a young woman walking slowly with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was carefully hiking uphill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said hello as we passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I looked back and noticed they were
heading down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don asked if they were
heading into Bishop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said no, since
they were staying at a resort near the trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, they asked why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he showed his hand and explained our
situation, they said they were going to Bishop now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah was the mother and this was the first
time she had ever hiked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was from
Philadelphia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was truly thrilled to
hear our story and to take care of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This brought tears for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
not realized how tense I had been about getting Don to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emily, Sarah’s daughter, is an artist and architect
from Los Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drove us the 21
miles to the Bishop Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way
we shared our stories all enjoying learning about very different individual
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got to Bishop they would
have stayed with us at the hospital but we sent them on their way with one thousand
thank yous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In Bishop we hiked into the hospital packs, hiking sticks
and all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We trudged down the hallways by
nurse’s stations, doctors and patients on our way to the emergency room which
turned out to be at the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
arrived a nurse was with Don immediately, before we even registered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the course of the next two hours he was
x-rayed, doped up and reset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
severe dislocation and Dr. Black stressed resting the finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were other follow up procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a relief that she was so firm about
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made our decision to end the
hike a no decision at all.</div>
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We checked into the Tree Motel, an older traditional motel
which was friendly, clean, and comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After delicious showers, we walked into town for a great Mexican meal at
El Rancho, a little café.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking the
long way back to the motel we strolled, winding down after an arduous day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were asleep by 8:30!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-58550949686393379892012-11-06T22:44:00.002-08:002012-11-08T16:00:08.284-08:00John Muir Trail - Day 12<br />
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<u>August 21, 2012 –Sapphire Lake to mystery lake on Bishop
Pass<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>15<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10,900 feet<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muir Hut on Muir Pass</td></tr>
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Well, Bishop Pass is not on the JMT, but we will get to that
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning we rose early ready
to attack Muir Pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were out of camp
at 7 am and on the pass by 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
beautiful weather with great views of rocky peaks and stark expanses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Muir Pass has a cool rock hut built in John
Muir’s name to shelter hikers who get caught in storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has stone benches, a mantle, and fireplace
that is “plugged” with rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where in the
world would they get wood for a fire anyway?</div>
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We began our descent over steep rock through canyons and
waterfalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very special beauty here,
with very tedious hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate lunch
with Mary and Justin and planned our next camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mather Pass is a long ways!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later, during the descent Don and I soaked our feet in a delicious rushing
stream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked by a campsite with a
huge rock that someone had added eyes and pointed teeth to, creating a whale
sculpture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were chairs formed with
rocks with arms and backs around a campfire circle …very clever.</div>
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Well rested, we continued on down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly I heard a huge noise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around and ran back up the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don had tripped and fallen, he
was in terrible pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea what
had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I screamed for help,
feeling very much in the middle of nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also blew my distress whistle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Within two minutes people came running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a Conservation Corps group working on the trail below us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First person there was an EMT…I was so
relieved.</div>
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When we got Don settled we realized he had a badly
dislocated middle finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
ranger station one mile down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lilia, a young woman from the corps helped carry Don’s pack and we
walked to the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point we
fully intended to continue hiking after the ranger “popped” his finger back in
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the walk down, Don
realized he no longer had the camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lilia was going back up to the work area after she brought us to the
ranger station and she promised to look for the camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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At Le Conte Station, Ranger George Durkee spoke with Don
about his injury and radioed a hospital in Fresno for advice on how to
proceed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They agreed that if the ranger
could reset the finger we could continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don wanted to face this procedure and not worry about me, so I walked
back up the trail to search for the camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Upon my return Don gave thumbs down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After many tries and radio help from a physician they were unable to
reset the finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don and I were told we
had to get to a hospital within 30 hours or there could be permanent tendon
damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were BROKEN HEARTED.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Bishop Pass is six miles above the ranger station at 12000
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then 6 miles below the pass is the
trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond that is a 21 mile
drive to Bishop, the nearest hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was 4:30 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don and I set out to climb
half way up the pass to a little no name lake to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would put us in Bishop tomorrow, if all
went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail took us straight up
from the 8900 foot level of the ranger station to our campsite at 10,900
feet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a huge hike after a very emotional
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lilia had returned with our camera!
We left some food and a bear barrel at the station to lighten Don’s load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will mail those back to us in the
fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this night we are camping at a
beautiful lofty campsite on a ledge high up on Bishop Pass for a quick exit out
of the Sierra’s tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a super
sad day!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-16498721070356638442012-11-02T16:58:00.001-07:002012-11-02T16:58:43.708-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 11
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<u>August 20, 2012 –Piute Pass Junction to Sapphire Lake<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>14.5<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10,900 feet<br />
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Early out this morning due to positioning for Muir Pass
tomorrow and extremely heavy packs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are hiking by 7:00am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail follows
a canyon created by the San Joaquim River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the Goodard Pass turn off we start the steep switchbacks into
Evolution Valley and McClure Meadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trail climbs a huge waterfall and the views are exceptional.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1jeoYTNuUklUJeCGUtD4L1mcDIqYQZY0Ph6lVp9ZpCVE4flPzs76KP7OIVCn8ovbGDrsJ-LIgZnskQDFg8xdyLrZtkAixn086UN3Se7i-8q5Qwqg7ZvNh0o5X4K46M7Uxjb6vhanNTI/s1600/215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1jeoYTNuUklUJeCGUtD4L1mcDIqYQZY0Ph6lVp9ZpCVE4flPzs76KP7OIVCn8ovbGDrsJ-LIgZnskQDFg8xdyLrZtkAixn086UN3Se7i-8q5Qwqg7ZvNh0o5X4K46M7Uxjb6vhanNTI/s320/215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary and Justine crossing Evolution Creek</td></tr>
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Upon entering Evolution Valley the ascent is more
gradual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The valley is very long with
glimpses of high peaks and waterfalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ranger David checks our permit and gives us a positive weather report
for the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRq_hvCdbfYXL_XZ-g51vyE8b4vWIbzd4czHdK4d68EVnn5oWmWaRCmz6rIUT4qyEu5X9Sj2KlfOiFL6txwwvRx3APvwVMsLW3UQURUMMHRbNo3uYCUeVK8hlCorPdh0CEIIdEkOb-og/s1600/216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRq_hvCdbfYXL_XZ-g51vyE8b4vWIbzd4czHdK4d68EVnn5oWmWaRCmz6rIUT4qyEu5X9Sj2KlfOiFL6txwwvRx3APvwVMsLW3UQURUMMHRbNo3uYCUeVK8hlCorPdh0CEIIdEkOb-og/s320/216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evolution Valley</td></tr>
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At the end of the valley we cross the creek and then start
the steep climb that will take us to Evolution Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have seen pictures of this lake in most of
the guide books about the JMT and are excited to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a tough trail, but the lure of the lake
calls us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we round a bend and the
water comes into view it brings tears to my eyes…it is that beautiful!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY_l0c6-MCn1u5-239gDJmHX4b51RuvG4EdditnT0A1Bgk7wnVzu2rv-iFvkcueW7gSR6lCV58rH6NIYQNAdytRZ7BD1IHn7_I7Hom2OBmnhq7mU1meGNJ4lGFSPCZ4Lm2av21wzptIE/s1600/224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY_l0c6-MCn1u5-239gDJmHX4b51RuvG4EdditnT0A1Bgk7wnVzu2rv-iFvkcueW7gSR6lCV58rH6NIYQNAdytRZ7BD1IHn7_I7Hom2OBmnhq7mU1meGNJ4lGFSPCZ4Lm2av21wzptIE/s320/224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evolution Lake</td></tr>
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But!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not
stopping since there are more hiking hours in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continue on around huge Evolution Lake,
with its towering peaks all around, then up to Sapphire Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set up camp at this high windy rocky area,
just 4 miles from Muir Pass.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at Sapphire Lake</td></tr>
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We hiked with Mary and Justin on and off today and are
camped near them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we work out a
plan to hike the next 5 passes most efficiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow may have to be a 20 mile day if we
plan to get over Mather Pass the following day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqvtUhha-7DY6fPDfPeyKm5Jw9FUzU83KyBipTAvpH8pkVPAHFNi-kXtZ0UdODvmfI-BBwcSocDtYf-4ILHHAuTGZry5bT3g0Hjnu9Lw4uSClWt5AGBpYOEczYhROu_nCVs1GX-6WK-s/s1600/240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqvtUhha-7DY6fPDfPeyKm5Jw9FUzU83KyBipTAvpH8pkVPAHFNi-kXtZ0UdODvmfI-BBwcSocDtYf-4ILHHAuTGZry5bT3g0Hjnu9Lw4uSClWt5AGBpYOEczYhROu_nCVs1GX-6WK-s/s320/240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Evening at Sapphire Lake is exquisite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are surrounded by great walls of stone and
high peaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The setting sun brings out
the deep color and texture in the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a very special place. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-30386132472084141192012-10-29T12:22:00.001-07:002012-11-02T14:59:13.988-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 10<br />
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<u>August 19, 2012 –Rose Marie Meadow to Piute Pass Junction<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8050 feet<br />
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We rose to more clouds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We tried to dry things out a little, but the weather would not
cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, we packed up wet and
headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed past high and
exposed Marie Lakes as we headed up Seldon Pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun came out at the pass and we spent
some time there drying our clothes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut0nLJVem0V1SJkfFBXQSue8lLHdJQJUvIPh8dTDK1TJUO3yYSojKgvBm3TGmGInuXAwICikaOmCheKJh5WTBRTL8x0tDnAgVDIZY8i9-IIP6il-v6rK7Pgv2zAww4XsSeytdvTOfK8A/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut0nLJVem0V1SJkfFBXQSue8lLHdJQJUvIPh8dTDK1TJUO3yYSojKgvBm3TGmGInuXAwICikaOmCheKJh5WTBRTL8x0tDnAgVDIZY8i9-IIP6il-v6rK7Pgv2zAww4XsSeytdvTOfK8A/s320/194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie Lakes and Seldon Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don at Heart Lake</td></tr>
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Then, we dropped down to Heart Lake and on to beautiful
Sally Keyes Lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail then
crossed Senger Creek and descending thousands of switchbacks to our second
cache at Muir Trail Ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ranch
turned out to be a cluster of very old buildings and a stable open only in the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a bell to ring when we
arrived at the gate to announce that we needed to pick up our cache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many other hikers were there sorting food on
old wooden tables under awnings to protect from sun and rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area was well organized with places to
sort garbage and recycling, plus catalogued bins for overbought food and
supplies to leave for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patt was
in charge of the operation with Jake, from London, England, assisting her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary and Justin, a young pediatrician and
professor from Bend were sorting food also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had met them at Rose Meadow the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out they have the same permit schedule
as we do, so we will see them along the way.</div>
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After reloading our packs we hefted our incredibly heavy
loads of food for the next nine days and headed up to a hiker camp at the
entrance to Kings Canyon National Park, where Piute Creek meets the San Joaquin
River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really great camping, clean and
dry, but crowded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to finish
drying our gear out and have a relaxing evening with NO RAIN!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-84595872486331712552012-10-24T19:45:00.001-07:002012-10-29T12:24:15.156-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 9<br />
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<u>August 18, 2012 –Quail Meadow to Rose Marie Meadow<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10,000 feet<br />
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In the beautiful calm of the early morning at Quail Meadows
we had no idea what lay in store for us this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We packed up and got on the trail knowing
that our first challenge was a 2000 foot climb of Bear Ridge with very little
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pacific Crest Trail has a
very friendly angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was cool and
shaded; we made the climb pretty easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Along the way we met a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had through hiked the PCT and felt we could make Seldon Pass and Sally Keys
Lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That really got us excited – we had
not planned to hike that far.</div>
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The trail was good and the hiking smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 12:30 we were soaking our feet in a
rushing stream, enjoying the sunshine with 8 miles hiked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We realized that Seldon Pass was within our
grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgkRI1HftQ9zIuBcWHMrwen8mw1JTvfWKAGKYXs9g1V4Hhkbw7i6r__bmjiA4dxiF7ai9IppgrxmVxT5eezLfYCsnnyLUi4U9UCJCHnN2akM5o0zLkdRT7H1lAFiEgA9u0yZKrE0g0eY/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgkRI1HftQ9zIuBcWHMrwen8mw1JTvfWKAGKYXs9g1V4Hhkbw7i6r__bmjiA4dxiF7ai9IppgrxmVxT5eezLfYCsnnyLUi4U9UCJCHnN2akM5o0zLkdRT7H1lAFiEgA9u0yZKrE0g0eY/s320/185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Creek</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KP4ivlKSyZhoDGiWJZPI-0f_KhFYoKKQSO_k-gHolmpmyjlmoinYIekxKyThtYGqFhoaLffWdyCPCtvBBzcxZdHvBCgQqWtedmR39vuWDPuUyMUgo72gCK1mCkz97QlZPG3uRO6MSpE/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KP4ivlKSyZhoDGiWJZPI-0f_KhFYoKKQSO_k-gHolmpmyjlmoinYIekxKyThtYGqFhoaLffWdyCPCtvBBzcxZdHvBCgQqWtedmR39vuWDPuUyMUgo72gCK1mCkz97QlZPG3uRO6MSpE/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KP4ivlKSyZhoDGiWJZPI-0f_KhFYoKKQSO_k-gHolmpmyjlmoinYIekxKyThtYGqFhoaLffWdyCPCtvBBzcxZdHvBCgQqWtedmR39vuWDPuUyMUgo72gCK1mCkz97QlZPG3uRO6MSpE/s200/187.JPG" width="200" /></a>At 1:49 we heard the first thunder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This had happened most days so we weren’t
alarmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We appreciated the coolness of
the clouds moving in and continued on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It began to rain just a little … we hiked on through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly the rain became stronger, so we
pulled off the trail to wait out the squall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We put on our Gortex jackets and pack covers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the rain began to let up we moved on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it really wasn’t abating!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thunder was rolling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew we were close to Rose Marie Meadows,
so we hiked up and hunkered down in a dry area under a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were pretty wet and the rain was pouring
down…we also were not as protected as we thought.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTPwZIuVTtu8Pg9Pzs0zmCs4NQwKsdozsQ4O8mOk4MC4izbJwU6diFCceEWFQZF6qO2z-1trbIuiUnyLf2wZWmc40wM1l8PPWdBJPhqrKOUi3IHheZ4TUjaDEpTcg0T4KF8qaP-aASzg/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTPwZIuVTtu8Pg9Pzs0zmCs4NQwKsdozsQ4O8mOk4MC4izbJwU6diFCceEWFQZF6qO2z-1trbIuiUnyLf2wZWmc40wM1l8PPWdBJPhqrKOUi3IHheZ4TUjaDEpTcg0T4KF8qaP-aASzg/s200/189.JPG" width="200" /></a>Lightning joined the thunder and it was
close!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried to find a safer place to
wait the storm out, but it was difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During our wandering around Don did locate a well drained campsite for
future consideration, but we needed a break in the weather to set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned to the original somewhat
protected area, choosing death by lightening over hypothermia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled out our tent fly and wrapped ourselves
in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we were completely
soaked to the skin, we began to warm up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After an hour we noticed a slight break in the storm and threw ourselves
into rain drill mode to set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As the storm increased once again we dove into our
tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us were
pre-hypothermic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We changed to dry
clothes and warmed up in our sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thunder and lightning continued to rage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We rolled our eyes, read, did crosswords and hoped the intense storm
would let up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally after another hour
we were able to crawl out of our tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don
made soup and hot chocolate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wandered
through the meadow to check on other campers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone was soaked, tents were swamped, but all were doing well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the worst storm we had ever seen on a
backpack trip and it felt good to be on the other side of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drying out would take some time…so much for
the “sunny Sierras”</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-68237404511862856562012-10-19T11:28:00.000-07:002012-10-19T11:28:52.270-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 8
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<u>August 17, 2012 –Lake Virginia to Quail Meadow</u></div>
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Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7750 feet</div>
<br />
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Earliest start yet since we wanted to get to Silver Pass before
the bad weather set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forecasts are
not good for the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sky
was cloudy when we woke, but cleared while we prepared to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sun was rising the remaining clouds
turned pink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lake Virginia was glowing
and the distant mountains were lighting up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was 6:20 a.m. A sunrise like that makes an early start easier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_xbywi6L_ZsOrzEAslm7xjb5vp5ZJwnXxHT_DHHI9K1plkDT8VcUgOTPbwNEbiZp7XU4zhA-AiqbwkdIqX_q55pAVbQlNWQF4KAkQC9LXsdxMf4LA8LzYQPbX4gA2bToyBh_J5N4jVM/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_xbywi6L_ZsOrzEAslm7xjb5vp5ZJwnXxHT_DHHI9K1plkDT8VcUgOTPbwNEbiZp7XU4zhA-AiqbwkdIqX_q55pAVbQlNWQF4KAkQC9LXsdxMf4LA8LzYQPbX4gA2bToyBh_J5N4jVM/s320/167.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We dropped down to Tully Hole, a beautiful meadow, and
continued to lose elevation until we crossed Fish Creek; then we began our
climb up to Silver Pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way we
met John and Lisa, joining them in the ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we neared the pass views opened up all around….mountains everywhere,
a bonus as we climbed.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGTg3zlwCp7hzt4xY2S4G4twgWN-U3d4V-TYT6BqJA5tJNOc4g88Edtj77StRCtj6PA67TQjiBuTDExIirSjLJFkgpbhdDVoDUmwVG_k9Fht3YJXjCYHQu19vGNxqeuw6V89XiNYfSUg/s1600/173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGTg3zlwCp7hzt4xY2S4G4twgWN-U3d4V-TYT6BqJA5tJNOc4g88Edtj77StRCtj6PA67TQjiBuTDExIirSjLJFkgpbhdDVoDUmwVG_k9Fht3YJXjCYHQu19vGNxqeuw6V89XiNYfSUg/s320/173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the pass we shared Snickers bars with John and Lisa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took our picture as we remembered Erik
and Lena’s (our son and daughter in law) tenth anniversary celebrated that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don could not help but share a reading from <u>Sunburnt
Country</u> as we sat and enjoyed the summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a social event!</div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We hiked down the pass through the wide rocky slopes that
surround Silver Pass Lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the
descent drops beside a magnificent wide rock waterfall with steep rocky
switchbacks for hundreds of feet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
bottom we soak our feet in the cold rushing water of Mono Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail follows the creek down to our lowest
elevation yet, 7750 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here there is
a camping area which we happily use since once again the rains are moving
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is getting tiresome!</div>
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The rain is brief, so we crawl out and make dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is early so we decide to walk the 1¼ mile
to Lake Edison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are curious since the
water level of the lake is said to be extremely low and the ferry to Vermillion
Resort, where many people stop for respite, is not running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we leave the camping area we find a note
from John and Lisa, they have hiked on toward Vermillion where they will spend
tomorrow night and pick up their cache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is good to get their note and contact information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we near Lake Edison we come upon John and
Lisa’s campsite and have a chance to say good bye in person around their
campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lake is down so low it is mostly rocks…and
this is a large lake!</div>
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Upon returning to our campsite Scott and Benjamin, a father
and son from Chicago, have built a little fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spend the rest of the evening talking mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have done the JMT before and can give us
lots of information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben is spending
next winter as a ski bum and might visit us.</div>
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It is a warm night and we fall asleep dry and happy.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-15146547179891235702012-10-09T08:25:00.001-07:002012-10-09T08:25:13.634-07:00John Muir Trail Day 7
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<u>August 16, 2012 – Crater Meadows to Lake Virginia<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10338 feet<br />
<br />
Early out from Crater Meadows, we hike a lovely forested
trail to Deer Creek, where we fill up our water bottles since the next 5 ½ miles
is dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elevation gain is gradual
which makes for quick hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point
a lone trail runner comes by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
racing to meet his girlfriend who is attempting to break the Whitney to
Yosemite “hiking” record of 3 days 15 hours!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He expects to meet up with her in the next few hours. We hike on pretty
excited to show our support for her effort as she passes us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyRSVi6_IeaNRrBuvRZ9U1mh4Ptm_yM70BrA9tbMHH4TlPlPfY2_gfoeXwgaanxDLPq3FY-f2PQ7lq1_Ycs1UN55BvQ5w_cSXHOkKD0a15fSqI7vO5Yig_tdaaiwfZYMeOqaH-ngz4aI/s1600/155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyRSVi6_IeaNRrBuvRZ9U1mh4Ptm_yM70BrA9tbMHH4TlPlPfY2_gfoeXwgaanxDLPq3FY-f2PQ7lq1_Ycs1UN55BvQ5w_cSXHOkKD0a15fSqI7vO5Yig_tdaaiwfZYMeOqaH-ngz4aI/s320/155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking feet below Purple Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At Duck Creek we get water, still waiting to see the
runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail heading off the JMT to
Duck Pass looks inviting; there is so much to see in the Sierras!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purple Lake is our next break, a perfect
place to soak our feet, but not great camping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We meet John and Lisa there, a couple from Florida also hiking the
JMT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been leap frogging each
other over the last 4 days.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqvEFQDppUUdV96jsuopAkkkIQIoEd1S4yCz58nVfMyt7okepxM6iB27rduASUKFJy_4roBxpj9ZUMfe1gA9Imrgs45eRRPC_ltR1wEsA8OH3CUuybIaodZfnOIKfUX1sOj_D480sBF4/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqvEFQDppUUdV96jsuopAkkkIQIoEd1S4yCz58nVfMyt7okepxM6iB27rduASUKFJy_4roBxpj9ZUMfe1gA9Imrgs45eRRPC_ltR1wEsA8OH3CUuybIaodZfnOIKfUX1sOj_D480sBF4/s320/117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzQcszsdUGxsuKd86cOdqfSsgBSMyDb74DdvkyL93XOShCK16Xm9MXdV0IryXFDSJw82RPKdbbRnK6BqduT0a2T-5_UJHhQn2-8zJMsHtlrCsNwXheCCRMtGZsxqZ2BkJFrVboHW0PxU/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzQcszsdUGxsuKd86cOdqfSsgBSMyDb74DdvkyL93XOShCK16Xm9MXdV0IryXFDSJw82RPKdbbRnK6BqduT0a2T-5_UJHhQn2-8zJMsHtlrCsNwXheCCRMtGZsxqZ2BkJFrVboHW0PxU/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzQcszsdUGxsuKd86cOdqfSsgBSMyDb74DdvkyL93XOShCK16Xm9MXdV0IryXFDSJw82RPKdbbRnK6BqduT0a2T-5_UJHhQn2-8zJMsHtlrCsNwXheCCRMtGZsxqZ2BkJFrVboHW0PxU/s320/154.JPG" width="320" /></a>We also encounter two pack trains of mules with the US
Forest Service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been working
to clear trails of downed timber due to the devastating wind storm of November
2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have received special
governmental permission to use chain saws in the wilderness during the early
season for this, but then had to go to cross cut saws later in the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The US Forest Service has worked closely with
the Pacific Crest Trail Association in this effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The damage has been noticeable during our
hike since the Red’s Meadow area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
been an incredible effort and the trail is now completely clear!<br />
<br />
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The lone runner returns along the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has not met up with his girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is worried, but believes she probably left
the trail at Vermilion Resort.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We head up the last two miles toward Lake Virginia as the
weather begins to cloud up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coolness
makes the climb easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we arrive at
high, exposed Lake Virginia the force of the storm has increased and we are
engulfed in thunder, lightning and rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We quickly move into “rain drill” mode, throw up the tent in a somewhat
protected area and dive in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After two
hours we crawl out as the skies are clearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By evening the views are exceptional with high mountains reflected in
Lake Virginia and receding clouds lit up as the sun sets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEH1-WY6h4fqz7sAHJu95nsSjEzkTp_3Rd_fWqGnaMzoULbyXGqm52GSX57q6RnrsiNn3TlKpNa4z2GCu6Q6PEM1Es5ERJ7Jv1E5unwX5KJUanHav3TqzhQiKBV_9lidhgDcxUAcKuMA/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEH1-WY6h4fqz7sAHJu95nsSjEzkTp_3Rd_fWqGnaMzoULbyXGqm52GSX57q6RnrsiNn3TlKpNa4z2GCu6Q6PEM1Es5ERJ7Jv1E5unwX5KJUanHav3TqzhQiKBV_9lidhgDcxUAcKuMA/s320/163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening light at Lake Virginia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-51383937403001003732012-09-28T15:13:00.001-07:002012-09-28T15:13:26.930-07:00John Muir Trail Day 6
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<u>August 15, 2012 –Rosalie Lake to Crater Meadows<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8500 feet<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiplWzP_BzvdL2edvCeE-VYkA1Ewn2qnNRV5Ks17YMkCBblhk-eETotNPpw1HXaKB-4Qjr8YfIWyJUIDAWfb1kepD7rY6Ly8xb90BobLACzqBokAjMn5OjEf9yMkrJmk4cPfS5j05xQVA/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiplWzP_BzvdL2edvCeE-VYkA1Ewn2qnNRV5Ks17YMkCBblhk-eETotNPpw1HXaKB-4Qjr8YfIWyJUIDAWfb1kepD7rY6Ly8xb90BobLACzqBokAjMn5OjEf9yMkrJmk4cPfS5j05xQVA/s320/114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Minerets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Left Rosalie at 7 am heading for Red's Meadow to pick up our
cache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail out was much prettier
than we expected as we gradually dropped in elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail rises to Lake Gladys then drops to
Trinity Lakes and Johnson Lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
John Muir Trail passes above Devil’s Post Pile National Monument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the day progressed it grew hotter and
dustier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 9 miles we arrived at
Red's Meadow at 11:45.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXfrpGr31BndbPHX_X_e0fJCA1xM4JnkFfTha0DA3UKN9cuBJB4FuxtG3KZKq6DW_pyIx-MSJFkF4ZGlqQ1jNSWYmcU4yCXwFZgXy6bgROLsEgWqvAct6dW6kGM3FHzEghyphenhyphenKIQYnQrYU/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXfrpGr31BndbPHX_X_e0fJCA1xM4JnkFfTha0DA3UKN9cuBJB4FuxtG3KZKq6DW_pyIx-MSJFkF4ZGlqQ1jNSWYmcU4yCXwFZgXy6bgROLsEgWqvAct6dW6kGM3FHzEghyphenhyphenKIQYnQrYU/s320/126.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cache</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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First stop was the store for cold drinks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we picked up our cache bucket and
repacked our food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We realized we
planned for too many trail snacks, so we made a huge donation to the “hiker
barrel” at the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The campground at
Red's costs $20 and there aren’t even showers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was early in the day to camp anyway, so we decided to head south.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TzBmovkuFU2uxWVG69C_FicotqxmEadM2by0sQkncwB-7xJIw2fcbcreIZgKLrHXri8Uf0trYxQhRj0FadKyLo9tc90VsoKqBF2ESarQGn8rEXsvS72vQU4UBBICt3OueaLXiQOrbp4/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TzBmovkuFU2uxWVG69C_FicotqxmEadM2by0sQkncwB-7xJIw2fcbcreIZgKLrHXri8Uf0trYxQhRj0FadKyLo9tc90VsoKqBF2ESarQGn8rEXsvS72vQU4UBBICt3OueaLXiQOrbp4/s200/127.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left for hikers in need</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbhKXaOqMXke1c3njRdOtQs136ldR6Hv0jJC-XBQHJ7kWgf76AeKnVwYtPmJ_wraLXa5QVHd3Py1EhsjE9YNiA1t-nsW-e8ZGH8mzct0C7fjs6_ZTG4VWlBpARV1CCbejKSSj_68t3eU/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbhKXaOqMXke1c3njRdOtQs136ldR6Hv0jJC-XBQHJ7kWgf76AeKnVwYtPmJ_wraLXa5QVHd3Py1EhsjE9YNiA1t-nsW-e8ZGH8mzct0C7fjs6_ZTG4VWlBpARV1CCbejKSSj_68t3eU/s320/130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Fire Burn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the heat of the day we set out across a recent burn with
no shade!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rainbow Fire destroyed a
lot of land south of Red’s Meadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
game was:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How far can Chris hike powered
by a huge ice cream sandwich purchased Reds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After we got our newly heavy packs on we entered the burned out forest
area, making decent progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 3 miles
we crossed a beautiful creek and found the campsite of our dreams!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were cooling our heals in the stream in no
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lovely spot shaded by tall
trees, much more comfortable than the campground at Red's Meadow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7mdSbwapy3UdY62ckAAiQHtvbuX4e0pCKjDkAJaFKjRCLp0msxVqIoOvKS5xDQ9UwasEfNGV18G8llLK3Q2zTUFE8-YJJS0y9VrMvo6IHGzPxdVJR4XFbPVjoLKfFSicM7b0kRIPEXQ/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7mdSbwapy3UdY62ckAAiQHtvbuX4e0pCKjDkAJaFKjRCLp0msxVqIoOvKS5xDQ9UwasEfNGV18G8llLK3Q2zTUFE8-YJJS0y9VrMvo6IHGzPxdVJR4XFbPVjoLKfFSicM7b0kRIPEXQ/s320/134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the evening we climbed the North Red Cone, a huge cinder
formation, and enjoyed great views of the mountains we had just hiked through
and peaks we would be visiting the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got down we found our camping area
population had grown by 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
merry noisy evening.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-20096496258241975812012-09-22T12:59:00.000-07:002012-09-23T17:42:19.344-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 5<br />
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<u>August 14, 2012 –Garnet Lake to Rosalie Lake<o:p></o:p></u></div>
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9250 feet<br />
<br />
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Each morning we wake up to sunny clear skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so hopeful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tent is sopping wet from yesterday’s
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drag it over to some sunny
rocks to dry out along with the rest of our gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laundry is drying also, so we relax and enjoy
one of the most beautiful lakes on earth! The altimeter did not change overnight, so maybe no rain
today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be nice, but we aren’t
so sure, so as our wet gear dries we plan our “rain drill” for setting up camp
in a downpour efficiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are now
ready for anything!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfemxvKO1owMLmSFfIBy73jOG0akhH5CpngImz8eWMf0M1OnEHVNwDBn6E3z0WD9BwMfAgZdf7O-c3XKrNGtDJi9zYfdeRxn9pb93_xkSr6JB-s6-xl4HDCHiRJ2KynuN0oHKrVqxZDhs/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfemxvKO1owMLmSFfIBy73jOG0akhH5CpngImz8eWMf0M1OnEHVNwDBn6E3z0WD9BwMfAgZdf7O-c3XKrNGtDJi9zYfdeRxn9pb93_xkSr6JB-s6-xl4HDCHiRJ2KynuN0oHKrVqxZDhs/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfemxvKO1owMLmSFfIBy73jOG0akhH5CpngImz8eWMf0M1OnEHVNwDBn6E3z0WD9BwMfAgZdf7O-c3XKrNGtDJi9zYfdeRxn9pb93_xkSr6JB-s6-xl4HDCHiRJ2KynuN0oHKrVqxZDhs/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a>We are beginning to pack up to leave when we hear a
voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man calls Hello!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From across the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells us he is with a group of painters
who came in on horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are painting
all week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says, “Come on over and
bring your VISA!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do head over and
meet the happy group of artists catered by Rebecca.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are set up very comfortably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have easels with little umbrellas to
shade the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delightful
people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exchange names, cards, blogs
and websites and say our goodbyes.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a3WZ2Oa6eU2IgpnqZyJxIcgtySkTxTQTTGwmdzribiED-eJdU0qJSUCj4WyTLlhM9MlzILZQePlSQwrdQTgO0uwJHTnqXbiGhyphenhyphenqUiVwBNL9osocqcdgN8lotpzUWkEOVUHKd6VcCPSA/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a3WZ2Oa6eU2IgpnqZyJxIcgtySkTxTQTTGwmdzribiED-eJdU0qJSUCj4WyTLlhM9MlzILZQePlSQwrdQTgO0uwJHTnqXbiGhyphenhyphenqUiVwBNL9osocqcdgN8lotpzUWkEOVUHKd6VcCPSA/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a3WZ2Oa6eU2IgpnqZyJxIcgtySkTxTQTTGwmdzribiED-eJdU0qJSUCj4WyTLlhM9MlzILZQePlSQwrdQTgO0uwJHTnqXbiGhyphenhyphenqUiVwBNL9osocqcdgN8lotpzUWkEOVUHKd6VcCPSA/s320/100.JPG" width="320" /></a>By now it is 11:30 and we head out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have 14 miles to do in two days, not sure
where we will end up as we hike up and out of Garnet Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This area is very popular and many people are
on the trail…even day hikers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We descend
from Garnet to Shadow Lake, then we climb back up over a ridge to Rosalie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we climb it clouds up and thunder rolls
through the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word on that
trail is that the bad weather is moving out…but it hasn’t yet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using our “rain drill”, although it is not
that wet, we set up camp and hunker down as the storms move through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is much calmer than the last two
nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it clears up we make dinner,
then take an evening hike to an awesome viewpoint…it feels great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the fading light we read aloud outside on
a rock gazing at lovely Lake Rosalie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpl7PYPh5PC0WPDrFBwCOWFmfVmzY_q7uq1utQVKaAzAJcuAoxmfjeLNtvOEA6cYVUA-cp9R8RJnzrL-M-1sxthm7Te1tlkXA-Sfp8VV2klskzzwdEcMn2xX-JiU5Fr9dUPEhZg6vRWJ4/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpl7PYPh5PC0WPDrFBwCOWFmfVmzY_q7uq1utQVKaAzAJcuAoxmfjeLNtvOEA6cYVUA-cp9R8RJnzrL-M-1sxthm7Te1tlkXA-Sfp8VV2klskzzwdEcMn2xX-JiU5Fr9dUPEhZg6vRWJ4/s320/110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-42654135101950742452012-09-15T20:39:00.002-07:002012-09-23T17:41:53.867-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 4<br />
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<u>August 13, 2012 –Rush Creek Fork to Garnet Lake<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9600 feet</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP50S-IIRvLBEs7LqQRinlGeC7MFsShGukwp63vRzG5Rylnl-qa7nKPVAfrRxBtAsysE23dfJkfMkQ5sL-GclQtr7lnr8RoXeYZJncyTWFVaEZtHFHKUmVxYmwd5nH6i1chxe8dDL8C6s/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP50S-IIRvLBEs7LqQRinlGeC7MFsShGukwp63vRzG5Rylnl-qa7nKPVAfrRxBtAsysE23dfJkfMkQ5sL-GclQtr7lnr8RoXeYZJncyTWFVaEZtHFHKUmVxYmwd5nH6i1chxe8dDL8C6s/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a>Got up to clear skies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took time to dry everything out in the warm sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bear barrels cooperated, Steripen did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our new water treatment system, a
magic wand of UV rays that cleaned water in less than 2 minutes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time to change batteries and when
resealing the unit the main screw would not catch to close it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up tightly duct taping it down….works
great, looks ugly! We have back up iodine, but don’t want to use it over a long
period of time.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd7ytRS8ti4KkPsl5RZzDwxQu8-qnYkqcFLLkFcpMLDrYWiTV3hc561LrADMDav9l50kobydn9T9FtBxVLFR3HHt7eUFFLk1i3eYlwPb70fQchQB15fi3Ovqn3ZzzkSKr_aOUYRzZkkE/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd7ytRS8ti4KkPsl5RZzDwxQu8-qnYkqcFLLkFcpMLDrYWiTV3hc561LrADMDav9l50kobydn9T9FtBxVLFR3HHt7eUFFLk1i3eYlwPb70fQchQB15fi3Ovqn3ZzzkSKr_aOUYRzZkkE/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banner Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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We headed out around 8:30, crossing the creek and then
climbing up to big broad Island Pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
knew Thousand Island Lake was just on the other side and it pulled us over like
a magnet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first view we stopped for
second breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banner Peak stood
proudly over the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Banner in the
Sky</u>, one of our favorite books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
continued to enjoy great vistas of the lake as we dropped down to the
shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ansel Adams photographed this
scene and made this area very popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V5Kc0B6jNHTk-yIk-NaN2jv5jxvjBIprL-OIh8pYokp8KuTgb6DOgmCqjQF04LP3LDbYdYPWCZbJYTOBlEFSCYJnkR7t8a0A5YRoMmaMe1GuqeMlBjNlFlyTesPPI7fASfVADwSTKao/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V5Kc0B6jNHTk-yIk-NaN2jv5jxvjBIprL-OIh8pYokp8KuTgb6DOgmCqjQF04LP3LDbYdYPWCZbJYTOBlEFSCYJnkR7t8a0A5YRoMmaMe1GuqeMlBjNlFlyTesPPI7fASfVADwSTKao/s320/079.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in Thousand Island Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We climbed up out of the lake basin and almost immediately dropped
down to beautiful Emerald Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then up
and over another ridge to Ruby Lake, nestled deep within rock walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A steep climb led us up and over the next
ridge to Garnet Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is another
perfect combination of lake and peaks, recognizable in many Sierra photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mt Ritter and Banner Peak tower over Garnet
Lake making a gorgeous combination.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8o4wzokfI2zJMSK-QaXc3ZqhBSbWG3UM6FLSRtcTKHEqUzqOa5jiSZe6WY47yTA3QiTd8dfxrqNTiGNiIIiRxE7DPANxtkz0Y9Tb2t-kJzyxyum4A9COfEQUkvabbcMFz1qXfeLw5Fg/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8o4wzokfI2zJMSK-QaXc3ZqhBSbWG3UM6FLSRtcTKHEqUzqOa5jiSZe6WY47yTA3QiTd8dfxrqNTiGNiIIiRxE7DPANxtkz0Y9Tb2t-kJzyxyum4A9COfEQUkvabbcMFz1qXfeLw5Fg/s320/084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ritter and Banner Peaks over Garnet Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Bdl8RNvHFTP_i3R1p7JldhDCs5RCC8wAFqaW6I-zDgsUF1CwlSknTDW1ZP6YnVWKRs74kBBl_ZTp3S-XvVfpCPuQFw3JS2rD7fGrPX2Z-40SERBb0S4Ds-0m0gq4IKT8Afgjd5cnF8g/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Bdl8RNvHFTP_i3R1p7JldhDCs5RCC8wAFqaW6I-zDgsUF1CwlSknTDW1ZP6YnVWKRs74kBBl_ZTp3S-XvVfpCPuQFw3JS2rD7fGrPX2Z-40SERBb0S4Ds-0m0gq4IKT8Afgjd5cnF8g/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Bdl8RNvHFTP_i3R1p7JldhDCs5RCC8wAFqaW6I-zDgsUF1CwlSknTDW1ZP6YnVWKRs74kBBl_ZTp3S-XvVfpCPuQFw3JS2rD7fGrPX2Z-40SERBb0S4Ds-0m0gq4IKT8Afgjd5cnF8g/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a>Clouds had been piling up and thunder was in the distance as
we arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew of great campsites
on the north shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked in and set
up camp next to our own private swimming pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took a quick dip in the fading sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we got settled huge thunderstorms
rolled through with wind, rain and lightning strikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were happily tucked in with maps, puzzles
and reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a protected area
to cook dinner as the rain let up and the sky turned orange with the
sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beautiful evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-35352747178147064662012-09-13T11:33:00.000-07:002012-09-23T17:41:26.369-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 3<br />
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<u>August 12, 2012 –Lyell Canyon to Rush Creek Fork<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>11<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9600 feet</div>
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Woke up to clear skies but a wet tent, so we spent a little
time drying out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was low fog
hanging over the river, our coldest morning yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To our shock the bear barrels opened pretty
easily this morning…we still have little faith!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were hiking by 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trail was pretty flat going up the canyon, then climbed like crazy to Donahue
Pass at 11074 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is our first
major Sierra pass and we are excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
rise from one bench to another as water cascades down via wild rushing streams
and gorgeous waterfalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like
the gateway to the Sierras!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSTMtMcvGBp8BYpNcVgYrEWQH0GSw6R440PKcrhOWAwo0ds8B4NiHq6huWje2tXc2H-jZsPHKtUr3wJGRl5yZyZIt4S2EQhwCbTN0zhcTuVHzfBMxOUwNIdFNojHaN5LBhw38pxGKtfE/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSTMtMcvGBp8BYpNcVgYrEWQH0GSw6R440PKcrhOWAwo0ds8B4NiHq6huWje2tXc2H-jZsPHKtUr3wJGRl5yZyZIt4S2EQhwCbTN0zhcTuVHzfBMxOUwNIdFNojHaN5LBhw38pxGKtfE/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyell Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIWSs3AWCFpAxk6oXJH8rirCCVnZCZXcMC0kN9xfmMYj8LhinpOkF0c1_MJUWLwCxMV4DJ22v9ozputtFdqtqbqL7-5eYCfsfT7FntZ8Sv_z1iLqQgQljbZ-mseppwpxma5fxsIA5N5I/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIWSs3AWCFpAxk6oXJH8rirCCVnZCZXcMC0kN9xfmMYj8LhinpOkF0c1_MJUWLwCxMV4DJ22v9ozputtFdqtqbqL7-5eYCfsfT7FntZ8Sv_z1iLqQgQljbZ-mseppwpxma5fxsIA5N5I/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></a>As thunder clouds gathered and the sky darkened, we kept up
a good pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reaching the pass at 12:30,
there was thunder all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly
dropped down through beautiful meadows of yellow and purple grasses, dotted
with the last of the wild flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
the rains came the colors deepened and the valley was glowing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0TmmlMtgdg7glAYhJ3J62B5bmySp7nk4fA_aBzZ2bpeqKq52t0JQmcxsv9mkmBXKOCHIIHx4r3o_l-AI5OWa4Un8zvR8OoaiQ2SEx-T3fuJvsN-3b4QbExnBBLl4D4Zm6dHs45G87NU/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0TmmlMtgdg7glAYhJ3J62B5bmySp7nk4fA_aBzZ2bpeqKq52t0JQmcxsv9mkmBXKOCHIIHx4r3o_l-AI5OWa4Un8zvR8OoaiQ2SEx-T3fuJvsN-3b4QbExnBBLl4D4Zm6dHs45G87NU/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0TmmlMtgdg7glAYhJ3J62B5bmySp7nk4fA_aBzZ2bpeqKq52t0JQmcxsv9mkmBXKOCHIIHx4r3o_l-AI5OWa4Un8zvR8OoaiQ2SEx-T3fuJvsN-3b4QbExnBBLl4D4Zm6dHs45G87NU/s320/061.JPG" width="320" /></a>We reached camp at 2:30 deciding to stop due to the
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We threw up the tent and fly,
got water and hunkered down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather created rest our
bodies needed after some grueling hiking days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our read aloud for the hike is <u>In a Sunburned Country</u> by Bill
Bryson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don cut the book into thirds and
placed the last two portions in each cache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, during the storm, we went to Australia!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writing is both interesting and
hilarious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between that, maps and the
New York Times Crosswords we were truly happy campers.<br />
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The rain began to let up a little so we crawled out of our
tent and found a sheltered area for cooking dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A brilliant rainbow appeared across the
valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a short walk as the
skies cleared, then hit the sack!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv079UaCRKQEzIoCggTzt8e-uor4z7E7HHyrCXVCHVrdLKEI09GbHcUrWYtGcRetWiE6ureKgvHNxvPVKIPMtUeDIsTqpY1lW0RsQCPF9lDRk5ffPADZzdBsRyu_cCws0ve-kG0iGdqGY/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv079UaCRKQEzIoCggTzt8e-uor4z7E7HHyrCXVCHVrdLKEI09GbHcUrWYtGcRetWiE6ureKgvHNxvPVKIPMtUeDIsTqpY1lW0RsQCPF9lDRk5ffPADZzdBsRyu_cCws0ve-kG0iGdqGY/s320/062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-14572837500511912752012-09-10T15:42:00.001-07:002012-09-23T17:40:45.728-07:00John Muir Trail - Day 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YM_umVIP9YekyWXqshdJOk7H-4WGzOj1EjUtEw_-VpxQrqwQYubRmqAV2MgSdZimDEVaNF0yNF0eJ7I8GmL1U8fGsK5IaudC4vB53dvNj_sx10gcRjplctbwDL5o4aSOl8J49_nICKo/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YM_umVIP9YekyWXqshdJOk7H-4WGzOj1EjUtEw_-VpxQrqwQYubRmqAV2MgSdZimDEVaNF0yNF0eJ7I8GmL1U8fGsK5IaudC4vB53dvNj_sx10gcRjplctbwDL5o4aSOl8J49_nICKo/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvG7gIZAxJDwT0nb1ovSpwPIOG_Zppd85Yq0ByOdFsupQPpDPHvHq_2mU6rE_Z6ir3pt3Kpa0MzDfxpDlnNmv6I_4I4IgjtvZiN-JNQswquFYk9hLr9GW-fDFVSu0lDgafpH4g33Nj-c/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvG7gIZAxJDwT0nb1ovSpwPIOG_Zppd85Yq0ByOdFsupQPpDPHvHq_2mU6rE_Z6ir3pt3Kpa0MzDfxpDlnNmv6I_4I4IgjtvZiN-JNQswquFYk9hLr9GW-fDFVSu0lDgafpH4g33Nj-c/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u>August 11, 2012U – Sunrise Ridge to Lyell Canyon<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>16<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8900 feet</div>
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Sunrise Ridge held to its name and gently awakened us at about
5:30 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This worked well, since we hit
the sack early last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
primed for an early start, but ran up against Big Bear Barrel issues!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could not open one of our bear
barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both tried; we pried with a
knife, one of us would hold the other would turn…nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, after much anxiety we got it open,
but we have to figure out why it sticks!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd4l3ICTd7-rNeu7pQ5wUhpzO783MKdmtDLWkkvs8A_CyZEZQMhylI2Bpeg_8vI_yqf4LH18pM29OEwFSpjGOlKKNKVFvDaKqko72afM3Anqun1vQsdCz5-1dOEUe1OzbY9gsU0oKh50/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd4l3ICTd7-rNeu7pQ5wUhpzO783MKdmtDLWkkvs8A_CyZEZQMhylI2Bpeg_8vI_yqf4LH18pM29OEwFSpjGOlKKNKVFvDaKqko72afM3Anqun1vQsdCz5-1dOEUe1OzbY9gsU0oKh50/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We got on the trail just before 7am hiking toward our first
of the ten passes on the JMT, Cathedral Pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We could feel the weariness in our bodies from the day before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After second breakfast we felt much
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hike down to Cathedral Lakes
was gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we hiked down into
Tuolumne Meadows more and more people were on the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were suddenly hit with civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>e enjoyed the restrooms at this eastern
access to Yosemite National Park, but felt crowded by all the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We located the JMT and hiked through the
meadows to the Lyell Canyon trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thunderheads were gathering and we could hear rumbling in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Light rain off and on with a
cool breeze made for a comfortable hike up the Lyell Fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was flat and easy up a tranquil canyon
through a wide meadow with a lovely river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we exited the no camping zone after a 16 mile day we quickly found
a great spot to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Far across the
valley we could see a herd of elk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We set our tent up with the fly since weather was questionable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our brainstorm solution on the bear barrel
issue was to wash out the barrels, especially the rings at the top and the
inside of the lid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grime from past
backpacks had accumulated and hopefully cleaning it off would smooth out the
lid movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, when we tried it
still stuck…so we greased the inside with sunscreen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That seemed to help, but the truth would be
told tomorrow when we attempted to open our bear barrels for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tucked in our tent for the night with
raindrops clattering down, we slept well!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-50930881333930644282012-09-06T14:32:00.000-07:002012-09-06T14:32:08.386-07:00John Muir Trail Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinceGAsSmwFcNe3hMM7s9IdVF2H1rAB-pXfmvNVkIJL9kmW3-vYZiHfNMM3Ix0uMUQIYYlUT_w6zEvmFizczxXPmRTQ9_0eN3T5laaaQQxqEEcbtgjC4pUXRo3fWgsXr0iiKmqHhTLlKQ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinceGAsSmwFcNe3hMM7s9IdVF2H1rAB-pXfmvNVkIJL9kmW3-vYZiHfNMM3Ix0uMUQIYYlUT_w6zEvmFizczxXPmRTQ9_0eN3T5laaaQQxqEEcbtgjC4pUXRo3fWgsXr0iiKmqHhTLlKQ/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernal Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>August 10, 2012 – </u>Yosemite Valley <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to a high ridge above Sierra Sunrise Camp<br />
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Mileage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Elevation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9600 feet</div>
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We leave the Backpacker Camp at 6:30 AM after a light
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about .8 mile to the
John Muir Trail Head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even at that early
hour the asphalted trail is teeming with Half Dome climbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a hot day and they want to
complete their 16 mile round trip early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We hop in line choosing the Mist Trail access – but alas no mist, the
drought has really effected this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls are gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Today we are trying a new breakfast plan:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>quick breakfast
bar with water in the early morning, so we can get on the trail, and then a “second
breakfast” of coffee and cereal with fruit and nuts a couple hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The important part of second breakfasts is
the venue – there must be a view and a beam of sunshine in which to sit and
enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our second breakfast happened
high above Yosemite Valley with open views, but this time in the shade!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day was already hot.</div>
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After 6 miles the JMT separates and we are on our own!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hiking up with crowds of crazy tourists
(one gentleman has 2 GI Joe's sticking out of his backpack) we are grateful for
the tranquility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we hike we meet
others heading down to Yosemite Valley and hear about water problems at Sunrise
Camp which is our destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
need to set up a dry camp tonight…which is not a problem as long as you are
prepared for it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YOOnA691I4YZ5wt1TOhPHcScfVZEn4v14l5FocwiOLNPEkICg0Qa6JU4QmkkRva4UYw7e03oTg4vBoKOvvCES2liO3nwJng_qR_U4kN8MJWGqOiQ8udgDgg9exa-D1arhmUqthkdX58/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YOOnA691I4YZ5wt1TOhPHcScfVZEn4v14l5FocwiOLNPEkICg0Qa6JU4QmkkRva4UYw7e03oTg4vBoKOvvCES2liO3nwJng_qR_U4kN8MJWGqOiQ8udgDgg9exa-D1arhmUqthkdX58/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today’s trek turns out to be our most challenging ever, with
a huge elevation gain of 5600 feet in very hot weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We manage to make it to the ridge above
Sunrise by 5:30 PM, face planting in the first campsite we come to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views to the east are grand!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavenly camping!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we set up camp we hear bagpipes in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunrise Sierra Camp, an
expensive back country camp that is totally posh and catered, is nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fly on our tent tonight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We happily eat dinner, clean up and roll into
bed to watch the sunset, read and finally fall asleep in our cozy tent.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-54602674607234776532012-09-04T15:56:00.000-07:002012-09-04T15:56:23.141-07:00JMT Yosemite Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>John Muir Trail
Journal – August 2012</u></b></div>
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“In the practice of contemplation, one comes eventually to
embrace an apophatic* anthropology, letting go of everything one might have
imagined as constituting the self –one’s thoughts, one’s desires, all ones
compulsive needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joined in the silence
of prayer to a God beyond knowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no
longer have to scramble to sustain a fragile ego, but discern instead the
source and ground of my being in the fierce landscape of God alone.”</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Belden Lane <u>The
Solace of Fierce Landscapes<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<u></u><br />
<u>August 9, 2012 – </u>Yosemite Valley elevation 4000 feet<br />
<br />
Don and I arrived at Yosemite Valley in the heat of the day
on the YART bus from Mammoth, California where we had left our car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checking in at the Wilderness Office we
experience a very personal introduction by a ranger to the challenges of our
hike; bears and bear canisters, waste disposal, water treatment, low water
areas, appropriate campsites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
head to the Backpackers Camp by the longest route possible as we try to
decipher Yosemite Valley Mapping 101.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
hot 1 ½ mile walk with the end result being a delightfully shaded area across a
creek, separated from the crowds and RV madness in the valley.<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
After we set up camp we venture out in the heat once again
to lovely Happy Isle, to locate our trailhead for the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temperatures are in the 90s and rising over
the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decide to go for an early
start to avoid heat of the day hiking at lower elevations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a display showing native plants of
the area and information on how the valley was shaped by the rock falling from
the high surrounding cliffs.<br />
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In camp we have befriended a young engaged couple from
Charleston, South Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talk
trail and gear, eager to see how other people approach this long trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our chat an official vehicle drives up
and four uniformed individuals leap out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The leader is holding an antenna high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He marches into the brush tracking a bear seen earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three others follow in a parade behind
with huge guns ready to drug the bear for removal to another area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exciting stuff!<br />
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Ready for dinner we wisely hop a Yosemite Shuttle – cool,
quite, air conditioned and head to the cafeteria at Yosemite Lodge for a great
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ice cream tops the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in camp we put all food and personal
creams into the bear locker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been
a long day and we are ready to rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is still very warm, we will sleep on top or our bags tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news is the higher we go the cooler
it will get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are ready to exit
Yosemite Valley!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we fall asleep, we
hear campers across the creek yelling at bears! <br />
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*negative theology – what God is not <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-76801484378651361012012-06-29T13:07:00.000-07:002012-06-29T13:07:50.952-07:00A Wolverine Named Peg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet Peg Stark! She is visiting High Camp December 2008. Sitting next to her is the "ghost" of Bill Stark. They are seated in their favorite spot in the High Camp lodge. Bill and Peg founded High Camp in the 70s. They are our beloved mentors as human beings and High Camp proprietors! <br />
<br />
Well we have befriended Jim Clark, a volunteer wildlife specialist. Jim has been heading up to Timothy Meadows during this past winter to photograph wolverines. We have been helping him with transportation and have been avidly following his wolverine quest. Jim did find a new wolverine in the meadows, photographed her, had her DNA tested and he got to name her! Jim asked Don and I what we thought should be the name of this wolverine. For us there was only one answer! PEG! Here is the blog post from the Conservation Northwest:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.conservationnw.org/news/scat/its-a-girl-say-hello-to-peg">http://www.conservationnw.org/news/scat/its-a-girl-say-hello-to-peg</a><br />
<br />
I just spoke with Peg and she was thrilled to have a wolverine named after her. She is 95 and her health is not good...but her deep spirit is still there! It was a bright spot in her day....and mine.<br />
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Chris</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-73244391733555308272012-06-13T17:34:00.002-07:002012-06-13T17:34:47.291-07:00June Newsletter!<a href="http://www.scottishlakes.com/Newsletters/june_news_12.html">http://www.scottishlakes.com/Newsletters/june_news_12.html</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-79036598408704902642012-06-12T13:38:00.001-07:002012-06-12T13:38:45.353-07:00Mud Wrestling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxq8kncEs7mvUiJXHg6F2xYnGqLZhvT-mGMKdEb6-oCO5xTY9fJNV3mz8TDDVVPkDrmwGBsdhOllAHUsHLcrg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Well this is the reason we aren't open daily in May and June! The snow melts and the road turns to quicksand in some places. This hole swallowed a Suburban last year. Later in the summer the area is totally dry. Leave it up to the Pisten Bully and James our mechanic to yank the truck out of the mud in a timely manner. All in a day's work!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-51932776902175078202012-04-30T12:13:00.001-07:002012-04-30T12:13:06.791-07:00Ultimate Monday!<br />
Well, it is Ultimate Monday for Don and I. High Camp is closed for a while. This morning we rest, relax and remember the great winter season we just completed. We had a ton of snow this year! The skiing was great. So many wonderful guests. We love it when regulars show up and always enjoy meeting our first timers. We had transportation issues, as usual, that we will work through and improve over the off season. Although, we know we will never be fully in control of this wild and wonderful back country experience.<br />
<br />
We do have some off season business this year. The Bainbridge Graduate Institute will once again celebrate their graduation at Scottish Lakes. There will be about 60 people coming in June! There is still snow and challenging transportation issues....but these hardy folk do not care. They love the back country experience.<br />
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We have decided to try a special off season weekend of skiing over Memorial Day. This is your last chance to ski the back country at High Camp this year. There will still be lots of snow and those awesome Spring soft, corn skiing conditions that make excellent skiers of us all. Here are the details.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong><u>Please consider joining us for a very special
upcoming weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s our first-ever
Second Season……<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Memorial
Day Weekend, May 25-28<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Long
sunny days, deep snowpack, corn snow <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Great
wilderness backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, or simply….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Enjoy
our unique mountain ambiance and amenities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Mountain
camaraderie, day lodge, hot tub, sauna, campfire circle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Traditional
Saturday night pot-luck<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Optional
Sunday tour to Ewing Basin and Larch Lake!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">The two
of us will be your personal hosts for the weekend</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Late
season rates; two night minimum, please<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Reserve:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>509-763-3044 or </span></b><a href="mailto:hicamp@scottishlakes.com"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">hicamp@scottishlakes.com</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Don and
Chris<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Batang; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-themecolor: text2;">High
Camp owners since 1994<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-55069238413616107372012-04-10T16:34:00.000-07:002012-04-10T16:34:32.808-07:00Easter at High Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHADSm__vXm2DD3NuCtt-0vX-IGm4oasK45-Ode6GNaqbgbOqWTsp6wGaFjTzVzQAwdKJmO8oudvNEFIYwODwGynpHd7u3w4OJiq-wJhKaTLBYd_R9wXJ06cIeCfyWQdFGmNuYqPatGjg/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHADSm__vXm2DD3NuCtt-0vX-IGm4oasK45-Ode6GNaqbgbOqWTsp6wGaFjTzVzQAwdKJmO8oudvNEFIYwODwGynpHd7u3w4OJiq-wJhKaTLBYd_R9wXJ06cIeCfyWQdFGmNuYqPatGjg/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Watching the egg hunt from atop the wood shed! These teenagers had stuffed 60 plastic eggs with candy and hid them outside of the lodge in the lower High Camp area. We had 16 kids at High Camp and when the time came to find the eggs there was a scramble. Everyone had a great time. The joy was in the hunt and making sure the little ones found eggs, too. Just too cute!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm39YxLIpnomZAZM-Pef48Yf1-ULEO1GDyUhBYVrQFdhxwRZu_UKjK8HgJmjFhsSekG0VTxzwSayHLe5Uhq5x2F9txN2HrpWkDOC_kiQMC99IJNyM-FXHbWdjCWW9F1yxcxAoc-EfFc20/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm39YxLIpnomZAZM-Pef48Yf1-ULEO1GDyUhBYVrQFdhxwRZu_UKjK8HgJmjFhsSekG0VTxzwSayHLe5Uhq5x2F9txN2HrpWkDOC_kiQMC99IJNyM-FXHbWdjCWW9F1yxcxAoc-EfFc20/s320/007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snow was deep! Good thing the eggs were colored.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_JyLnB5HjUrUpNSlfQ3haZaetqQlMCs1nXNhGIzjfpUoOWdJn24xs5KpgIZzWcT2T18P-UkSEFETYPhUJxE_RrB3jZs1PkFZ8EJoGy4SKQ1D5nmz1lo-n2bjMsH_OZNlHXelxvebtUo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_JyLnB5HjUrUpNSlfQ3haZaetqQlMCs1nXNhGIzjfpUoOWdJn24xs5KpgIZzWcT2T18P-UkSEFETYPhUJxE_RrB3jZs1PkFZ8EJoGy4SKQ1D5nmz1lo-n2bjMsH_OZNlHXelxvebtUo/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is all about making memories to last a lifetime!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-46622321517958591032012-04-04T18:56:00.000-07:002012-04-04T18:56:32.614-07:00High Camp Newsletter!<a href="http://www.scottishlakes.com/Newsletters/april_news_12.html">http://www.scottishlakes.com/Newsletters/april_news_12.html</a><br />
Enjoy the newsletter! We are buried in snow here! Spring is taking its sweet time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-28294135688010438012012-03-21T14:04:00.000-07:002012-03-21T14:04:09.749-07:00Lark Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVshU-rwZgQrU_cKfD0d_6iKu717hduuW_tJtqy_u8hVS9lUst7kiazGRHQcRPUUNK3S1MIycQ1fuvBRO_fVkRJyPThBCbTOdCM_csDg9taNGSKj9Sz1ToKIItiQYlaJkFRjMzInSRQc/s1600/P1010029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVshU-rwZgQrU_cKfD0d_6iKu717hduuW_tJtqy_u8hVS9lUst7kiazGRHQcRPUUNK3S1MIycQ1fuvBRO_fVkRJyPThBCbTOdCM_csDg9taNGSKj9Sz1ToKIItiQYlaJkFRjMzInSRQc/s320/P1010029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lark Trail is a beautiful open ski route out of High Camp. Beginning in the trees you rise up into an open clear cut with awesome views into the High Entiat Mountains. Skiing above the snowmobile road out of High Camp offers access to Staircase, Peg's Promenade, Bonnie Brae, Zipline, and Bail Out, with the trail meeting the snowmobile route again at Windy Corner. If you are exiting High Camp on your way to mid mountain this is a great option to the regular road route. Lark is a fun trail about one and one half miles in length.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-86284446893358475962012-03-14T11:16:00.001-07:002012-03-16T19:40:08.592-07:00Lake Julius / Loch Eileen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6T9UGp8gbv6vzf7VWxmtsU-OiaEXQRSCNjAFQzbpSBnJiL05gLYwV5eYdEUuE7dX1v5JzUYVaVQM3TyM5oA7ouc_2F455mKugv72FgqSAeutMCJCJEh66YDL6DrWpTEmzAXnFXE-B0M/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6T9UGp8gbv6vzf7VWxmtsU-OiaEXQRSCNjAFQzbpSBnJiL05gLYwV5eYdEUuE7dX1v5JzUYVaVQM3TyM5oA7ouc_2F455mKugv72FgqSAeutMCJCJEh66YDL6DrWpTEmzAXnFXE-B0M/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skiing into the back country on a clear sunny day we crossed Lake Julius. The view shows the High Meadows with Baldy the high point on the right, and Tamarack Point the peak on the left. As you ski this deep into the Chiwaukum Mountains you really feel the mystique of the wilderness. Below Baldy is the lake basin for Lock Eileen our destination today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONOpYDcMDiHQSLUMUe9lZe-ANSphFks4V0GPjzgid6xirEHTbJwxJtpcQk1H8DEjlgI2A0K3mIXotkyaAlxMMUQ9WgSemkeoxV9dY8NU8xZsGxu9FtgeS6kLY-ICZgpjK8s8k41Mf6PY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONOpYDcMDiHQSLUMUe9lZe-ANSphFks4V0GPjzgid6xirEHTbJwxJtpcQk1H8DEjlgI2A0K3mIXotkyaAlxMMUQ9WgSemkeoxV9dY8NU8xZsGxu9FtgeS6kLY-ICZgpjK8s8k41Mf6PY/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We climb 600 feet up the drainage to Loch Eileen. The sun and mountains are glorious. We are half way to the High Meadows, a future destination. The ski back to High Camp from here is less than 2 hours. A perfect half day tour from Scottish Lakes High Camp!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Chris</div><div align="right" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="right" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355671692405616775.post-40588393064834378592012-03-12T21:01:00.000-07:002012-03-12T21:01:31.785-07:00Marvelous Maddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeENl0gPfzVuQBtG3FkKoqaOo_aYYcLfG_ZrMmTRfE8Ma-TT9nFbjB7KdnhFUuYqsqyR_YxZr7o1PjWqLbI_RlB1oqNhHGpgNycD1WEyoRz6-9tnRFiZ2c7V07D-0kORFIKyG6iuBzxN0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeENl0gPfzVuQBtG3FkKoqaOo_aYYcLfG_ZrMmTRfE8Ma-TT9nFbjB7KdnhFUuYqsqyR_YxZr7o1PjWqLbI_RlB1oqNhHGpgNycD1WEyoRz6-9tnRFiZ2c7V07D-0kORFIKyG6iuBzxN0/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently Don and I had the pleasure of skiing with Maddy up to Loch Eileen. It was a beautiful day with perfect snow for skiing...but better than that we were with Maddy and the feeling was great. Maddy has been coming to High Camp since she was 4. She is now an adult and is on staff this season. Working with Maddy is great...playing with Maddy is even better. She has such a love for the great outdoors. She particularly has a deep love for High Camp and considers it her second home. We had a memorable day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g8tN2HG8rZCkklLulhlX1rNUsKr1r41omamgw7N_gCHsotMFyZXCcOJPq1plvAwgC5GI9LZBleKPju4YjRjQv0rD0bK1s_iHJ0eewRsV9XX6IyOBB9xjIcimR3IWVu-DopKRbLu7_9I/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g8tN2HG8rZCkklLulhlX1rNUsKr1r41omamgw7N_gCHsotMFyZXCcOJPq1plvAwgC5GI9LZBleKPju4YjRjQv0rD0bK1s_iHJ0eewRsV9XX6IyOBB9xjIcimR3IWVu-DopKRbLu7_9I/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5liJH3UR9HBnACqPoRWdkAA0Thy1avbpbWMnxYk1Vgd4YE6kJkyFIoxK6Jhbm6a8e1M6qDSiarGYBSrZ5Wp69e1mHkk0lmib_XY-hxrPMrOVuXfGHiFe1oEBbE1D6kyRUVDOi3JeUKo/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5liJH3UR9HBnACqPoRWdkAA0Thy1avbpbWMnxYk1Vgd4YE6kJkyFIoxK6Jhbm6a8e1M6qDSiarGYBSrZ5Wp69e1mHkk0lmib_XY-hxrPMrOVuXfGHiFe1oEBbE1D6kyRUVDOi3JeUKo/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maddy cares deeply about her work at Scottish Lakes and she really works hard! We sometimes refer to her as the "energizer bunny"! When our guests are leaving High Camp and they talk about they stay, Maddy's name comes up so often! She is a positive spirit wherever she is present.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Chris</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1