Backpacking Galleries

High Sierra Trail 4th time 8/09 : Amazing trail, favorite in the Sierra. 75 miles/7 days with Greg and Bex. Get there! Celebrated my 40th Birthday in Lone Pine afterward with some great friends!

High Sierra Trail 4th time 8/09

Amazing trail, favorite in the Sierra. 75 miles/7 days with Greg and B ...

Updated: Aug 26, 2009 9:58pm PST

Island Lake Backpack with the Press Family 7/09 :

Island Lake Backpack with the Press Family 7/09

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 1:11pm PST

Lyell Canyon Backpack with the girls 7/09 :

Lyell Canyon Backpack with the girls 7/09

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 9:21am PST

Hetch Hetchy/Jack Main Canyon Backpack 6/09 :

Hetch Hetchy/Jack Main Canyon Backpack 6/09

Updated: Aug 21, 2009 10:02am PST

Grouse Ridge Backpack June 6th/7th 09' :

Grouse Ridge Backpack June 6th/7th 09'

Updated: Jul 13, 2009 5:42pm PST

Cache Creek Backpack 5/09 :

Cache Creek Backpack 5/09

Updated: Jun 08, 2009 7:48pm PST

4th Annual Lost Coast Backpack 4/09 :

4th Annual Lost Coast Backpack 4/09

Updated: May 12, 2009 9:52am PST

3rd Grand Canyon/Clear Creek Backpack 3/09 : John, Theresa, Sarah, Barbara, David and I headed into the Grand Canyon, 3rd annual trip into Clear Creek. David ended up breaking his ankle but we still managed to enjoy ourselves. 6 days with a stop in Vegas on the way home.

3rd Grand Canyon/Clear Creek Backpack 3/09

John, Theresa, Sarah, Barbara, David and I headed into the Grand Canyo ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2009 6:42am PST

Carson Pass Adventures, First Week of 3/09' : Headed to Kirkwood Tuesday during the big storm, skied some awesome powder. Then headed back on the weekend for some snowshoe backpacking with NCH to Lake Winnemucca. Contrast in weather, but both awesome adventures.

Carson Pass Adventures, First Week of 3/09'

Headed to Kirkwood Tuesday during the big storm, skied some awesome po ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2009 9:51pm PST

Angel Island Campout 1/09' :

Angel Island Campout 1/09'

Updated: Jan 23, 2009 8:41am PST

2nd annual Post Thanksgiving Pt. Reyes Backpack 11/08 : A group of us from Nor Cal Hikers headed out on our second annual post Thanksgiving/burn to point Reyes, 2 nights at Wildcat camp. Great fun as usual, a couple hikes to Alamere, some headed to Arch Rock.

2nd annual Post Thanksgiving Pt. Reyes Backpack 11/08

A group of us from Nor Cal Hikers headed out on our second annual post ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 2:37pm PST

Lyell Canyon Backpack 9/08 : Backpack into Lyell Canyon with friends from NorCal Hikers. Didn't have time to go through these so they are unedited, hopefully I'll get time to go through and dump the one's that are repetative and not worthy soon.

Lyell Canyon Backpack 9/08

Backpack into Lyell Canyon with friends from NorCal Hikers. Didn't hav ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2008 7:22pm PST

Benson Lake Loop 9/08 : Hiked 50 miles in 4 days with David, Bex and John. Started and ended out of Twin Lakes out of Bridgeport. Gorgeous scenery, great lollypop loop, highly recommended. Words to describe this trip, wind, hunger, fish, broken reel, beer, beautiful lakes, no people, 20 mile day!

Benson Lake Loop 9/08

Hiked 50 miles in 4 days with David, Bex and John. Started and ended o ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 5:16pm PST

High Sierra Trail/Mineral King Loop 8/08 : 60 mile loop from Wolverton along the High Sierra Trail south down the Kern, up and over Franklin Pass and out Mineral King. Hiked with Bex, Pavla, David, Steve and Ray. Precipice is still my favorite Lake in the Sierra, Rattlesnakes still make my heart race, hotsprings are still the bomb and yes, there are bears in SEKI, just ask Steve ;)

High Sierra Trail/Mineral King Loop 8/08

60 mile loop from Wolverton along the High Sierra Trail south down the ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2008 12:39pm PST

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Backpack 7/08 : Forgot my camera, doh! These are pics that my friends took. Here's links to their albums with more photos that they took.. Bex's here http://www.calipidder.com/gallery/gallery2/v/Yosemite/grandcanyonofthetuolumne/ Barbara's here. http://harthiker.smugmug.com/gallery/5348317_U5RyF

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Backpack 7/08

Forgot my camera, doh! These are pics that my friends took. Here's lin ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2008 9:26pm PST

Tuolumne to Yosemite Valley Backpack 6/08 : Tay, Barbara and I hiked From Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, 3 days/24 miles. Camped at upper Cathedral Lake and Sunrise creek/Forsythe trail junction. Thunderstorm first day ignited tons of fires throughout California making for smokey vistas the 2nd and 3rd day. Caught a cutthroat trout in Sunrise Creek. Beautiful trail, hope to do it again someday.

Tuolumne to Yosemite Valley Backpack 6/08

Tay, Barbara and I hiked From Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, 3 d ...

Updated: Jul 08, 2008 12:01pm PST

3rd Annual Lost Coast Backpack 5/08 : 15 of us from NorCal Hiking split up and hiked opposite along the Lost Coast, swapping car keys the second night. 25 miles, 4 days, lots of beach hiking. A day of rain, a day of wind, a day of fog and a day of sun. Always a pleasure to hike this incredible trail.

3rd Annual Lost Coast Backpack 5/08

15 of us from NorCal Hiking split up and hiked opposite along the Lost ...

Updated: May 28, 2008 9:26pm PST

Ventana Wilderness Backpack 4/08' : Steve, Pavla, Barbara and I from NorthCAhiking headed into Pine Valley for an overnighter. We visited Jack and saw an incredibly beautiful waterfall after a difficult scramble. Jack is full of stories, if you're ever in the area stop by and chat with him (and bring some bacon and eggs) ;) we also saw a ton of wildflowers, a 4 foot long Garter snake, a bunny, deer and a cool lizard. We ate at Phils Fish House in Moss Landing on the way home, funky but oh so good!

Ventana Wilderness Backpack 4/08'

Steve, Pavla, Barbara and I from NorthCAhiking headed into Pine Valley ...

Updated: Apr 29, 2008 8:59am PST

Grand Canyon/Clear Creek Backpack 3/08 : Dave, David, Bex, John and I hiked out to Clear Creek in the GC for six days(same hike I hit last year), around 60 miles. Day 1 South Kaibab to Bright Angel Camp, 7 miles with a couple trips to Phantom ranch. Day two Bright Angel Camp to Clear Creek, 9 miles. Day 3 dayhike down to the Colorado through Clear Creek Canyon 10 miles. Day 4 dayhike up Clear Creek Canyon to Cheyava Falls 10 miles. Day 5 back to Bright Angel Camp and a stew dinner at Phantom Ranch, 9 miles. Day 6, hike out on the Bright Angel trail, 10 miles, 5,000 foot elevation gain 4 hours 11 minutes. Phew, I'm tired just thinking about it ;). Great trip, even the 30 hours in the car were managable. Topped it all off with a night in Vegas with good food and lots of lights. These pictures are from Dave's camera and mine. I only had 1 gig with me so there's less than usual. Bex's photos at www.calipidder.com

Grand Canyon/Clear Creek Backpack 3/08

Dave, David, Bex, John and I hiked out to Clear Creek in the GC for si ...

Updated: Apr 07, 2008 6:00pm PST

Dewey Point Snowshoe Backpack 2/08 : Beautiful weekend with NorCal Hikers Pavla, Bex, David and Greg. 4 1/2 miles to the point from Badger Pass ski resort. Gorgeous sunset again. Lots of people but plenty of room to spread out.

Dewey Point Snowshoe Backpack 2/08

Beautiful weekend with NorCal Hikers Pavla, Bex, David and Greg. 4 1/2 ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 8:57pm PST

Pt. Reyes Backpack 11/07 :

Pt. Reyes Backpack 11/07

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:13pm PST

Lost Coast Backpack 10/07 :

Lost Coast Backpack 10/07

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:15pm PST

High Sierra Trail Backpack (2nd time) 9/07 : John from the UK and I hiked this 75 mile trail. Bears, hotsprings, huge trout, most beautiful lake in the Sierra etc, etc. Hiked it in 7 days.

High Sierra Trail Backpack (2nd time) 9/07

John from the UK and I hiked this 75 mile trail. Bears, hotsprings, hu ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:25pm PST

South Lake/Bishop Pass to North Lake/Piute Pass Backpack 8/07 : We hiked this classic almost loop from South Lake to North Lake, 55 miles/5 days. 1st night western most Lake in Dusy Basin. 9 Miles 2nd night Wanda Lake. 12 Miles 3rd night South Fork San Jouquin River 13 miles 4th night Lower Golden Trout Lake 13 miles 5th day out to North Lake 8 miles

South Lake/Bishop Pass to North Lake/Piute Pass Backpack 8/07

We hiked this classic almost loop from South Lake to North Lake, 55 mi ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:29pm PST

Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows Backpack 7/07 : 70 miles/7days mostly along the PCT from Highway 108 to Highway 120. Hiked with Theresa, Sam and Rob from TrailTalk and Nor Cal Hiking. It was a great adventure, one I will never forget. I didn't have time to edit these(except for omitting the lame ones), so they are straight out of the camera.

Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows Backpack 7/07

70 miles/7days mostly along the PCT from Highway 108 to Highway 120. H ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:36pm PST

Yosemite High Passes Loop Backpack 7/07' : Southern Yosemite Loop, 46 miles/4 days. Hiked with Pavla from NCH, met Dave, Bex and Steve first night as they hiked opposite us starting at an earlier date. Mosquitos were horrific, views were splendid. Quartz mountain Trailhead, long bumpy ride. 1st night Breeze Lake, 9 miles 2nd night unnamed lake below isberg Pass 12 miles 3rd night Upper Ottoway Lake 11 miles last day 13 miles to Quartz mtn trailhead

Yosemite High Passes Loop Backpack 7/07'

Southern Yosemite Loop, 46 miles/4 days. Hiked with Pavla from NCH, me ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:40pm PST

Desolation Backpack 5/07 :

Desolation Backpack 5/07

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:42pm PST

2nd Annual Lost Coast Backpack 4/07 : 25 mile backpack from Mattole T/H to Shelter Cove with Nor Cal Hikers. Just as great the second time around. Look for 3rd annual next spring!

2nd Annual Lost Coast Backpack 4/07

25 mile backpack from Mattole T/H to Shelter Cove with Nor Cal Hikers. ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:44pm PST

Dave's Grand Canyon Backpack Pics 4/07 : Dave and Taylors Pics from the 25 mile Tonto Trail. Grand Canyon 07'

Dave's Grand Canyon Backpack Pics 4/07

Dave and Taylors Pics from the 25 mile Tonto Trail. Grand Canyon 07'

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:48pm PST

Grand Canyon Backpack Hermit to Bright Angel 4/07 : Hiked the Hermit Trail to the Bright Angel Trail along the tonto, four nights with John, Hans, Michelle and Kristin. Finally got these posted, sorry it took so long guys. They are unedited and not captioned.

Grand Canyon Backpack Hermit to Bright Angel 4/07

Hiked the Hermit Trail to the Bright Angel Trail along the tonto, four ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:55pm PST

Grand Canyon backpack 5th,6th,7th day 3/07 : Finally posted these, they are unedited and uncaptioned.

Grand Canyon backpack 5th,6th,7th day 3/07

Finally posted these, they are unedited and uncaptioned.

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 9:59pm PST

Grand Canyon Backpack 4th Day 3/07 : Day 4, Clear Creek CG along Clear Creek to Cheyava Falls (dry). 8 miles of canyon hiking.

Grand Canyon Backpack 4th Day 3/07

Day 4, Clear Creek CG along Clear Creek to Cheyava Falls (dry). 8 mile ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2007 1:55pm PST

Grand Canyon Backpack 3rd day 3/07 : Day 3, dayhike down Clear Creek to the Colorado River. 10 miles off trail RT. Click here for day 4 http://paigefalk.smugmug.com/gallery/2588915#136892804

Grand Canyon Backpack 3rd day 3/07

Day 3, dayhike down Clear Creek to the Colorado River. 10 miles off tr ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 10:01pm PST

Grand Canyon Backpack 2nd Day 3/07 : Day 2, Bright Angel CG to Clear Creek. 9 miles. Click here for day 3 http://paigefalk.smugmug.com/gallery/2584665#136196569

Grand Canyon Backpack 2nd Day 3/07

Day 2, Bright Angel CG to Clear Creek. 9 miles. Click here for day 3 h ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2007 10:38am PST

Grand Canyon Backpack 1st Day 3/07 : 6 of us from TrailTalk backpacked some trails in the Grand Canyon. This is day 1, South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Camp, 7 miles, 4,500 feet descent. Click here for day 2 http://paigefalk.smugmug.com/gallery/2581237#135991251

Grand Canyon Backpack 1st Day 3/07

6 of us from TrailTalk backpacked some trails in the Grand Canyon. Thi ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 10:02pm PST

Pt. Reyes Backpack 11/06' : Wildcat camp backpack with Maria and Barbara. 6.5 mile hike in. Gorgeous sunset. Relaxing yet quick overnighter with two great ladies. Had the best spot in camp, probably one of the most beautiful backpack campsite spots in the world.

Pt. Reyes Backpack 11/06'

Wildcat camp backpack with Maria and Barbara. 6.5 mile hike in. Gorgeo ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2006 5:05pm PST

Ventana Wilderness Backpack 11/06' : 3 day, 29 mile backpack with Dave, Theresa and Peter. Total elevation gain 10,500 feet, loss 10,500 feet. Pine Valley Trail to Hiding Camp, 9 miles. Hiding Camp to Double Cone day hike, 11 miles. Hiding Camp back to cars via Pine Ridge 9 miles. We visited Jack English's cabin and chit chatted on the way in and out, interesting man with a lot to say. Lots of bushwacking, area in serious need of trail maintance. Beautiful weather, great company, awesome scenery, butt kicking hike, what more could we ask for?

Ventana Wilderness Backpack 11/06'

3 day, 29 mile backpack with Dave, Theresa and Peter. Total elevation ...

Updated: Nov 26, 2006 11:06pm PST

Yosemite-Lyell Canyon/Cathedral Lakes Backpack 10/06' : Theresa, Kristin, Candace and I headed out on a backpack out of Tuolumne Meadows. Got some snow and temps in the teens but we were prepared for cold (except that I forgot my sleeping pad). We hiked and stayed in Lyell Canyon Friday night, hiked out to the cars to get an extra pad the Kristin had in her car (thanks Kristin!) then hiked to Cathedral Lakes. I hiked out the next day while the girls continued on to Sunrise Lakes.

Yosemite-Lyell Canyon/Cathedral Lakes Backpack 10/06'

Theresa, Kristin, Candace and I headed out on a backpack out of Tuolum ...

Updated: Nov 26, 2006 11:08pm PST

Long Lake/Langley Backpack 9/06 : A group of us from NorcalHikers backpacked into Long Lake and did various hikes from there. Cirque was bagged by some, Langley was bagged by some and Cottonwood Lakes was explored by some. Beautiful high Sierra country.

Long Lake/Langley Backpack 9/06

A group of us from NorcalHikers backpacked into Long Lake and did vari ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 10:05pm PST

JMT-Kearsage Pass to Muir Trail Ranch Backpack 8/06 : 80 miles/8 days with John, Rebecca and Taylor. We hiked over Kearsarge, Glen, Pinchot, Mather and Muir Passes. We camped at Kearsarge Lakes, Wood Creek, Lake Margorie, Palisade Lake, Big Pete Meadow, Evolution Lake and Piute Creek. We are joined by Dave, Theresa, Steve and David for our last night out of Piute, they hike in from Florence Lake to bring us beer and food! John got altitude sickness and had to turn back the 3rd day. I also got sick on the 5th day but had to continue to meet the others. Overall good trip but don't ever want to get sick on the trail again.

JMT-Kearsage Pass to Muir Trail Ranch Backpack 8/06

80 miles/8 days with John, Rebecca and Taylor. We hiked over Kearsarge ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 10:09pm PST

Sunrise Lakes Backpack 7/06 : Hailey and I headed out on a backpack in Yosemite, we weren't able to get the permit we wanted but enjoyed our trip anyway. We enjoyed the relative cool and some rain in the mountains while Ca experienced record temps. We hiked 4 miles to Sunrise Lakes.

Sunrise Lakes Backpack 7/06

Hailey and I headed out on a backpack in Yosemite, we weren't able to ...

Updated: Jul 24, 2006 3:20pm PST

Penner Lake Backpack 6/06 : Ten of us from Nor Cal Hiking headed into Penner Lake out of Carr Lake T/H off highway 80. Three miles each way, an easy hike. There was still some snow around parts, we enjoyesd it with out Margaritas. The temps got into the 90's, the skeeters weren't too bad and we enjoyed a great sunset with some large rain drops.

Penner Lake Backpack 6/06

Ten of us from Nor Cal Hiking headed into Penner Lake out of Carr Lake ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 7:38am PST

Lost Coast Backpack 5/06 : Two groups of Nor Cal Hikers hiked the Lost Coast Trail, hiking opposite between Shelter Cove and Matole, 25 miles. Hiking Northbound were Dave, Steve, Hans, Frank and I. Hiking Southbound were Theresa, Ron, Jim, John, Kevin, Jim, Charlie and Charlie's dog Clifford. We met in the middle and spent some time together. Beautiful rugged coast with the Sobo hikers enjoying the wind on their backs and the Nobo hikers enjoying the sun on their backs. We spent 3 nights, can be done in two. The captions and the pics tell the story.

Lost Coast Backpack 5/06

Two groups of Nor Cal Hikers hiked the Lost Coast Trail, hiking opposi ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:15am PST

Eagle Lake Snowshoe/Backpack 4/06 : Steve, Frank, Dave and I headed out for an overnight to Eagle Lake out of Emerald Bay/Tahoe. We were treated with solitude and fresh snow and also enjoyed excellent food/company. The captions below each picture tell the story.

Eagle Lake Snowshoe/Backpack 4/06

Steve, Frank, Dave and I headed out for an overnight to Eagle Lake out ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:17am PST

Grand Canyon Backpack#1 3/06 : Twelve of us mostly from Trailtalk headed down the Bright Angel trail along the Tonto and up the Hermit Trail. Snowed and rained while we were down there treating us with some spetacular views. We got close to Condor and spent some time at the river. Spectacular trip! Make sure you check out album #2 also, it has some unforgettable shots, IMO! :)

Grand Canyon Backpack#1 3/06

Twelve of us mostly from Trailtalk headed down the Bright Angel trail ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:19am PST

Grand Canyon Backpack #2 3/06 : Album number 2 of 2.

Grand Canyon Backpack #2 3/06

Album number 2 of 2.

Updated: Mar 12, 2006 12:41pm PST

Glacier Point Winter Backpack Feb 06' : A group of us from Nor Cal Hikers headed into Ostrander Rocks off of Glacier Point Road on a sunny/perfect weather weekend. We enjoyed good company, good food and some good old fashioned exercise!

Glacier Point Winter Backpack Feb 06'

A group of us from Nor Cal Hikers headed into Ostrander Rocks off of G ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:42am PST

Henry Coe Backpack Jan. 06' : Nine of us from Nor Cal Hikers, Steve N, Bex, David, Jason, Jeffrey, Kristin, Carol, Dave and I headed out on a weekend backpacking trip to Kelly Lake, 6 of us continued on to Los Cruzeros for the second night. We had a 5,700 foot gain and loss on our loop of a bit over 20 miles with our first days weather being mostly rain. I think I am the only one who actually enjoyed hiking and camping in the rain ;)

Henry Coe Backpack Jan. 06'

Nine of us from Nor Cal Hikers, Steve N, Bex, David, Jason, Jeffrey, K ...

Updated: Jan 18, 2006 5:25pm PST

Round Top Lake, Mokelumne Wilderness Backpack/Snowshoe Nov 12-13th 05' : Nor Cal Hikers Maria, Ron, Theresa, David, Rebecca, Kristin, Cindy and I head into Mokelumne Wilderness for a short 2 1/2 mile hike (mostly in snow) to Round Top Lake, our original destination was Fourth of July Lake but the amount of snow with 1/2 of us lacking snowshoes kept us at beautiful Round Top Lake. Great adventure, thanks guys!

Round Top Lake, Mokelumne Wilderness Backpack/Snowshoe Nov 12-13th 05'

Nor Cal Hikers Maria, Ron, Theresa, David, Rebecca, Kristin, Cindy and ...

Updated: Feb 22, 2006 1:02pm PST

Pt Reyes Backpack 11/05 : Dave, Taylor and I backpacked to Wildcat Camp in Pt Reyes. We camped with Jeffrey, Maria, Karen and Harry and day hiked to Alamere falls. Enjoyed a shared meal with our backpacking buddies and some pretty chilly weather. Spent two nights listening to the waves crash ashore. Beautiful spot.

Pt Reyes Backpack 11/05

Dave, Taylor and I backpacked to Wildcat Camp in Pt Reyes. We camped w ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2005 10:54pm PST

Ten Lakes, Yosemite 10/05 : A group of us from Nor Cal Hiking headed up to Ten Lakes for a last hoorah before Tioga road is closed to overnight parking for the season. 12.6 miles roundtrip, 1 night. Thanks Frank, Marci, Jeffrey, Jason, Duane, Jeff, Patrick, Shosh, and Cindy. Dave and I enjoyed your company.

Ten Lakes, Yosemite 10/05

A group of us from Nor Cal Hiking headed up to Ten Lakes for a last ho ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:44am PST

John Muir Trail 2005 Days 1-10 : Taylor, John (from the UK) and I are joined on the first day of our JMT hike by some from the Nor Cal Hiking group. We hiked from Tuolumne Meadows to Kuna Creek, 9 miles. Mosquitos and views galore. Day 2, Lyell Canyon to Base of Island Pass, 9 miles. Up and over our first pass, Donohue. John feels the altitude, drags a bit and doesn't feel like eating. Taylor also feels it and crashes on top of the pass, a bit of food and water get her going again. Day 3, Island Pass to Rosalie Lake, 10 miles. Gorgeous Ritter Range, Banner Peak, Thousand Island lake. Day 4, Rosalie Lake to Reds Meadow (AKA Food!) 10 miles. Reds Meadow has hot showers, a cafe and a store. We stayed at thier backpackers campground and were joined by several other backpackers hiking the JMT. It was nice to hear their stories. My trekking poles malfunctioned the 3rd day out, Owen from the Bay Area had the same pair and showed me how to fix them, thanks Owen! Taylor was happy to talk to her Dad on the payphone although it made her homesick. Today she wrote "My Mom told me to take it a day at a time and that's what I will do!" John was unable to call England and wished he had bought a phone card. Day 5, Reds Meadow to Duck Creek, 12 miles. We encounter hordes of Deer Fly at Deer(fly) Creek and have to erect the tent to enjoy lunch. Today is the day my knee starts to pain me, the downhill is especially excruciating. I hobble into camp defeated. Hoping for a brighter day tomorrow. We have started drinking the water straight out of the streams. Taylor doesn't like the taste of the tablets so I take a chance in the "safe" looking streams, we drank like this for the rest of the trip with no ill affects. Day 6, Duck Creek to Squaw Lake, 10 miles. Swimming in Lake Virginia then down, down, down to Tully Hole then up, up, up to Squaw Lake, above tree line we are rewarded with a beautiful sunset. Met 3 nice men from Marin County, troop leaders on a trip of their own, two hiking the JMT, one joining for part. They give Taylor inspiration and kudos for the next few days. This evening, Taylor has a hard time, the bugs and exposure are getting to her as is the freeze dried food, she craves Top Ramon and Cheez-It's for the rest of the trip. Day 7, Squaw Lake to Vermillion Valley Resort (AKA More Food!) 10 miles to the boat shuttle, 20 more minutes and we are at a nice restaurant with excellent food, loads of people too. Our hike consisted of another pass (Silver) This is the first pass we have to scramble a bit to avoid the ice and snow, not too bad but a bit out of breath when we get to the top. It rained today, significantly for the first time. Taylor writes "I'm a little frightened by the thunder" Rebecca told us about the troop leader and a scout who had been killed by lightning the day we left, Taylor was worried whenever there was lightening since. We were able to take showers, wash our clothes and eat and eat and eat. :) Taylor also wrote "We met a nice couple from England today, turns out they only live 20 minutes from John, it truly is a small world." Indeed. Day 8 and 9, We take a layover day at Vermillion Valley Resort, hoping to heal the knee a bit and tank up on some more food. V V R has a great restaurant although if you go, plan on spending a good amount of money, it's not cheap! We spend day 9 hiking from V V R to a spot along Bear Creek. The famous switchbacks up Bear Ridge live up to their name, taking their toll on us all. We hike around 8 miles today. We arrive in camp just in time to pitch our tent before three hours of rain, thunder and lightening strike. Tay and I rest, read and play cards while waiting it out. It breaks just in time for our evening tea and dinner. Gotta love those afternoon thunder showers, everything smells soooo good. Day 10, We hike from Bear Creek to Marie lakes, 5 miles. These lakes are so beautiful we can't pass them up, not to mention we are rather tired today so 5 miles will have to suffice. The group from the Bay area is camped here also, nice people. We are rewarded for our labor with one of the best sunsets of the trip, gotta love that alpine glow. Look for albums 11-20, click on Nature above then on other albums!

John Muir Trail 2005 Days 1-10

Taylor, John (from the UK) and I are joined on the first day of our JM ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:46am PST

John Muir Trail 2005 Day 11-20 : Day 11 Marie Lakes to Muir Trail Ranch, 8 miles. To where a resupply bucket awaits. I had packed a couple of surprises in the bucket, a beer, soda, a tub of frosting, fresh shirts and socks. The other backpackers were drolling over our stuff. Asked us what we put the frosting on, I said "A spoon"! Fine service at MTR, although one of the guests was a bit snobish and wouldn't lead me to the spring water after the owner told me to fill er up. "The spring water is for the paying guests". I thought Taylor was going to explode after that one. Lots of company at Muir Trail Ranch's campsites, there was a hot spring but didn't feel like crossing the fast San Joaquin nor did we feel like hiking up river to the "log crossing". This was my least favorite spot, they really cram em in here, couldn't wait to leave although there weren't any mosquitos. I'll pass this area by next time I go through it's worth the extra days of food from VVR as far as I'm concerned. Actually if you don't want to see very many people at all you're best to have a friend resupply you, all the resupply points are esentially "crowded". Day 12 Muir Trail Ranch to Piute Canyon, 7 miles. We start our push over Piute Pass, the next three days were some of the most scenic of the trip. My knee is handling the scaled down miles pretty well, looks like I can continue hiking for the whole three weeks. Another short Thunder storm roles in in the afternoon, just enough to water the plants :) Day 13 Piute Creek to below Piute Pass, 7 miles. This area has become one of my favorite areas in the Sierra, I can't wait to go back and explore one day. Although I would avoid Hutchinson Meadow any time of the summer, the mosquitos were the worst I've ever seen. I am so glad we decided to exit out of Piute, it is a very magical place with fewer people. Day 14 Over Piute Pass down to North Lake Campground, 6.5 miles and our meeting place with Dave and Bob. I wouldn't want to hike up this Pass from the East side, whew! We can't wait to see Dave and Bob, but have to wait almost 6 hours at the campground, excruciating, we are hungry and eager. Plus we aren't sure if they even got our message to meet us here. We start hitchhiking to town, but they arrive within minutes. We stay at a roach motel in town and eat until we can't eat any more. Good to bathe and sleep on a real bed. Day 15 Onion Valley up and over Kearsage Pass to Kearsage lakes, 6.5 miles. Dave and Bob are on the trail with us now! Daves pack is over 55 #'s so he lags a bit (must be that six pack, guitar and fishing rig) :) The altitude is affecting them also, while Tay, John and I are acclimated to the max. Pretty spot with a lot of people, it's a popular trailhead because it starts at a high elevation and gets you into the Sierra fairly easily. We meet a group of people doing a challenge, they all have hiked the Kearsage Pinnacles. There is a fire somewhere, causing a lot of smoke to billow up through the canyon, hope it's not where we are going. Day 16 Kearsage Lakes to below Forester Pass, 8.5 miles. We struggle to figure out where to camp this day, seems there aren't many options. Ask a couple hikers and they tell of a good place to camp at around the 11,200 foot level. We hike on, stop for lunch, Dave and Tay take a swin, brrrr. We bump into a Parks Service Employee who is out to check on a bluff charging bear and to test the new Ursacs (a device that's supposed to keep your food safe from bears) He had missed the turn off to Center Basin (seems the signs down as we missed it also) We ended up finding a nice spot, luckily for us as we were stuck there for two days, a snow storm rolled in and dumped 4 inches of snow on Forester Pass. After a few arguments with the guys we finally decided to stay put and tackle the pass when the weather clears. Few people pushed on, those that did we heard were cold, wet and miserable, but made it safely. Oh yeah, today's my Birthday! :) Day 17 Stuck below Forester Pass, snow, rain, hail keep us here another day. The guys go a bit stir crazy, I enjoy the down day. Told the Park Service Employee about some torn open bear bags we found hanging in a tree nearby, found a ton of wrappers and bear scat with wrappers in it right below the bags, seems whoever's lame attempt at hanging their food didn't work, then they just left the mess. The Parks guy took some video footage and cleaned up the mess, I think he was greatful for some bear activity to go back with, he had struck out so far especially since he had missed his original destination. Day 18 Finally up and over Forester we hike to Wright Creek, 11 miles. Today was one of the most scenic, Forester is beautiful especailly made so by the added snow, and the area between Forester and Tyndell begs for more exploration. We talk to a ranger out of Tyndell, she teels us of a bear that is breaking into Bearvaults. Darn, I just bought one and borrowed another from a friend, hope we don't get hit. She also tells us of a great campsite where we can have a fire toniight, first fire since Bob and Dave joined us, Wright Creek here we come. Day 19 Wrights Creek to Guitar Lake, 8.5 miles. We leave our large/comfy camp and step into familiar country. From Wallace Creek on we are joined by the High Sierra Trail which we hiked last year. It's all new to Tay and John though and they continue to take it all in. Bob, Dave and Tay take a quick dip in Guitar Lake, it makes Taylor breathless yet she jumps in again! Wow, she sure didn't get my water genes, I didn't swim once this whole trip, she went in at least 6 times. Day 20 Our last day on the trail. Guitar Lake to Whitney Portal 17 miles for most, 12 for me, I decide not to summit and pound my knee into submission. Besides I've summitted three times before, the glamour kind of wears off and I always feel like crud on top, pounding headache and nasty mood, can't wait to get off the top. I skipped down to the Portal and had a real meal while the rest went for it. No one had a headache or felt the altitude on the summit and they made it down two hours behind me. I cried when I got to the end, I wasn't sure if I was happy or sad. We were truly so lucky to be out in the wilderness for this long of a period. I hope you enjoyed looking and I also hope it insipres you to get out and explore these beautiful areas.

John Muir Trail 2005 Day 11-20

Day 11 Marie Lakes to Muir Trail Ranch, 8 miles. To where a resupply ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:49am PST

Mt. Lassen Snowshoe/Backpack 3/05 :

Mt. Lassen Snowshoe/Backpack 3/05

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:50am PST

Yosemite, Dewey Point Snowshoe/Backpack 1/05 :

Yosemite, Dewey Point Snowshoe/Backpack 1/05

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:52am PST

Cathedral Lakes Backpack 9/04 : Taylor and I backpacked 3 miles to Lower Cathedral Lake in Yosemite, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, it was really cold though, lower 20's.

Cathedral Lakes Backpack 9/04

Taylor and I backpacked 3 miles to Lower Cathedral Lake in Yosemite, w ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2008 9:19am PST

High Sierra Trail Backpack 8/04 : Six of us, Dave, Hans, Bob, Mike, Brian and I hiked the High Sierra Trail, around 80 miles in 8 days. Heck of a hike, highly recommended, the only downfall is the shuttling of cars between trailheads, it's a 6 hour drive each way.

High Sierra Trail Backpack 8/04

Six of us, Dave, Hans, Bob, Mike, Brian and I hiked the High Sierra Tr ...

Updated: Feb 29, 2008 8:54am PST