Sierra Nevada Adventure
Part 4: Trail Lakes to Little Lakes Valley: July 24 - 25, 2006.
We battled our way through the mosquitos and thunderstorms until we eventually made it back to camp at Trail Lakes. With more thunderstorms building, I decided to head up the creek next to our camp for some photos while Nicole rested in the tent. I got about 200 ft up the hill and came across a beautiful series of cascades. My time was limited as nearby thunderstorms intensified. I wish I was able to stay longer, but I can't complain. I got some incredible stream shots over a span of about 20 minutes, and then I ran all the way back to the tent with only moments to spare before Mother Nature unleashed the furry!
Backcountry bouquet I made for Nicole using the abundant trailside wildflowers.
The lower of the two Trail Lakes.
Here are some more of those stream shots I wrote about earlier.
A gorgeous cascading stream surrounded by wildflowers and green grass. I really needed more time to set up my shots, but the lightning was getting a little too close for comfort. I just ran from one shot to the next, with only seconds of set up time at each spot.
One of my favorite shots.
Another favorite!
One last picture and then it was time to jet. It was either stay and get fried by lightning, or live to shoot another day. I chose to live!
Nicole and I approach Summit Lake and Mono Pass (12,045 ft) early in the morning on our last day.
The final push to the pass.
Summit Lake and Mono Pass (12,045 ft).
We made it over and with oxygen to spare! Much easier the second time around.
We begin our descent from Mono Pass.
Nicole in the Himalayas? Andes? Nope... that's the Sierra Nevada in late July!
One foot in front of the other.
Nicole checks out the view of the high country above Ruby Lake.
Ruby Lake (11,121 ft).
Nicole filters water during lunch at the outlet of Ruby Lake.
A trailside pond reflects Bear Creek Spire.
Nicole descending into Little Lakes Valley.
Trees! We finally drop below timberline after hours of hiking in the rocky high country.
The wildflowers were phenomenol everywhere we went this year in the Sierra.
The trail was lined with wildflowers for nearly every mile of the trip.
Nicole makes her descent towards the trailhead.
