Sierra Nevada Mountains
Summer vacation
Monday July 25, 2011: Pinecrest Lake
Happy campers at Pinecrest Lake
After a pleasant four-hour drive, which gave us time to
listen to two of the very informative
Pamela Gay
"Astronomy Now
Podcasts", we arrived at Pinecrest Lake in the stupendous Sierra Nevada
Mountains. The main part of the lake was filled to overflowing with happy
summer vacationers, all slathered in sunscreen and lounging under beach
umbrellas. Julia and I decided to leave the fun lovers behind and head out
on a four mile walk around the smooth, flush, aqua blue body of water. This
hike was a surprise.
The day's weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky,
cool air, and warming sunshine. As we walked for an hour away from the
crowed beachfront the feel became more and more one of isolation and
wilderness. The Sierras are brimming with gray granite outcrops and this
hike had us wandering through great monoliths of the stuff. It also had the
added advantage of the azure lake always being within sight, wildflowers in
bloom, and powerful cascades to inspire and attract us. Along our way we
located an ideal spot to take a swim in the cooling waters of the
picturesque pool. It was cold at first, but we soon became accustomed to the
fresh mountain melt water. What a terrific day this was.
Video
from Pinecrest Lake
Tuesday July 26, 2011: Trek of the Gargoyles
The elusive Snow Plant
We drove for half an hour from Pinecrest Lake, past
Strawberry, into the Stanislaus National Forest. After leaving the blacktop
and bumping down some dirt road we eventually arrived at the trailhead of
the "Trek of the Gargoyles". This is a three mile hike on the precipitous
edge of a massive granite and conglomerate escarpment. At 7,000 feet above,
the oxygen rich, sea level Julia and I found tackling even the relatively
small hills on this enchanting walk difficult. However, gasping for air was
definitely worth it, as this hike is most beautiful. Besides from being
filled with innumerable colorful wildflowers, towering rock pillars, tall
pines whispering in the breeze, and stocky sequoias; the view of the vast
Sierra Mountain range was astounding!
Gargoyles video
Wednesday July 27, 2011: Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir
Churning waters on the way
If you like craggy gray canyons contrasted against aqua
azure lakes, foaming frothy churning white rivers cutting through hardened
diamond-sparkling granite ravines, gnarly fractal red brown and gray giant
trees, then hiking in the high Sierras is for you. Julia and I spent four
hours of our very finite lives hiking from Kennedy Meadows to the Relief
Reservoir, traversing some very churned up dusty track. The trek took us up
into some of the most spectacular of the Sierra's high country with our
final reward, the view of snow speckled granite peaks surrounding a mammoth
and remote reservoir. It was time well spent from anyone's finite and
precious life.
Relief Reservoir
Thursday July 28, 2011: Ebett's Pass, Pacific Crest Trail, Mosquito Lake
When mineral crystals meet biological cells magic ensues.
It's the place where the richest life thrives, where microscopic biomass
creates the plushest soils, where millions of creatures form the foundation
of all life.
Life on the edge
The volcanic cauldron of mother Earth spews forth lava
that crystalizes and solidifies into granite, basalt, and all the rocks.
Wind, water, heat, and cold combined with the stored energy within the
rocks, slowly crack, split, splinter, and crumble them into smaller and
smaller bits. The minerals and chemicals from these rocks pool with water in
just the right order to form replicating cells. These cells, over eons of
time, evolve via variation and natural selection into every living thing we
see today.
However, in the realm where crystal and cell meet, life
is at its richest. Where granite boulders erode into sand and living
creatures decay into dust, this is the place where true magic is found.
Ebett's Pass
Friday July 29, 2011: Woodchuck Basin
The frozen summer
We hiked by far the most glorious walk of our whole trip
today. The Woodchuck Basin to Wheeler Lake trek was filled with mountain
vistas, wildflowers, and snow dappled hillsides. In fact, the snow became
much less spotted once we reached the ridgeline at 8,000 feet above the
magnificent Sierras. At our zenith we were blocked by vast barriers of ice
and snow, so we never made it to Wheeler Lake. However, what we encountered
along our way took our breath away. To see bald eagles drifting effortlessly
overhead, ospreys dive-bombing into azure lakes, life changing mountain
views, natural gardens beyond compare, then you, must take the time to
experience the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Pinecrest Lake