The hike from Mike’s campsite took him through Evolution Valley to the start of some serious switchbacks and then above timberline. He kept trail notes during his hike:
8:15 AM―Leave camp. Follow creek through granite & woods.
9:00―Panoramic view, Evolution Valley. Mountains, meadow, creek & reflections.
9:15―Ranger cabin.
10:00―Break―view of “The Hermit.”
10:30―Annoying stream crossing, then “No Fires Above This Elevation” sign. Thereafter switchbacks begin in earnest.
11:35―Evolution Lake! Hard to believe I made it, after all those months staring at the topo map above my desk at work. Sit by lake for lunch, and then take a short walk to the lake outlet, Evolution Valley far below. Small trout visible―fish jumping in lake. Low battery indicator coming on intermittently on digital camera. Go ahead and change batteries.
Ech! Now I gotta hike all the way back! . . . Ech!
12:25 PM―Leave Evolution Lake.
1:20―Stream crossing. Not so bad this time.
2:20―Ranger cabin.
3:15―Camp.
Photos: Evolution Lake—Sierra Nevada, 2004; Streambed—Sierra Nevada, 2004; Mike & Evolution Lake—Sierra Nevada, 2004
3 comments:
You're very brave. ;-)
Thanks, but, alas, no.
But, I AM cautious. That's one reason I frequent fairly well-used trails (such as the John Muir Trail.)
BTW, an account of last year's backpack can be found here.
Well, at least you had your friends along to keep you company last year........mooo!
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