Benson Lake Loop
July 31 - August 5, 2007
Summary: After years of putting it off, Harry and I finally completed the 50+ mile Benson Lake loop in northern Yosemite National Park. It was a 6 day nightmare! OK, it wasn't really that bad, but this trip sure kicked our asses! We assumed this trip would be a cake walk compared to the trails we've backpacked in the Southern Sierra, especially considering we would spend most of this trip below timberline. We went in overly confident and out of shape. By day one, we had blisters on our feet. By day two we were utterly exhausted. Days three and four were a struggle! Day five was a back breaking 15+ miles over two passes. Ahhhh, day six brought us relief from the trail and back to the Jolly Cone in Bridgeport!!! The trip definitely had its moments though. The beach at Benson was bigger than I had imagined. The Sawtooth Ridge was spectacular enough as to rival the east face of Mt Whitney. Some of the swimming holes we encountered were better than any we had ever encountered before on a backpack trip. Through all the suffering, we managed to have some fun. Next year though, we plan to stick to the Southern Sierra. Oh yeah, and we plan to get back in shape. Even at 25, we can no longer just "hike ourselves into shape" a couple weeks before a 50 mile trip! Those days are long gone!
