Backpacking in the Sierra's...a great way to spend time

We have just got back from the big Labor Day weekend activities and are very tired. For the past two nights we have been in the Ansel Adams Wilderness backpacking and seeing some of the most beautiful scenery I have every seen. I know the blog that I posted about two weeks ago had a bunch of pictures of the sierras as well, but get ready for more.

On fri. we left at about 3:30pm just in time to hit all of the weekend traffic, but we knew that was going to be the case. We stopped for dinner in Groveland at the Iron Door Saloon. This is quite the place because it is the oldest liquor establishment in the entire state (since 1852). The place had character, but we did not get to stay for the live music because it was 0'dark thirty and we were still 30min. from our campsite.

The next day we had to get a permit and were not sure if all of the Quota spots were taken, well they weren’t and we got to go where we wanted. We left out of Agnew Meadows (near Mammoth CA) and took the river trail up to 1000 Island Lake (about a 8 mile hike). As you may be able to guess from the name it has a bunch of rocky outcroppings in the lake that make it very picturesque. A great night of sleep and an even better sunrise revealed a great view of Mt. Ritter over the lake.







Brenda admires the campsite the first night.


I have no idea what Brenda was doing after dinner when this pic was taken, but here it is.


Brenda awaiting a gourmet breakfast of oatmeal.


A cute couple picture.


Great view in the morning.


We then went along the JMT (John Muir Trail) past various other beautiful lakes and rivers and then arrived at our campsite at about 4pm and got to lounge around the Trinity lakes area (guess how many there were). Most of the lakes seem to be well named and easily viewed right off of the trail.


Nice view...and the mountains weren't bad either


Me with the "hills" behind me.


Garnet Lake with Ritter(on the right) and Banner(on the left) in the background.


Banner and Ritter through the trees


Me with the Minaret's in the background




Shadow Lake with Two Teats Mountain in the background.

Rosalie lake. You've see one sierra lake...you got to see them all.


Next to the water again. So cold but so nice.


After a lunch near the falls it was to nice to pass up a dip in the water. Brenda went in to, but no picture.


We then hiked down to Devils Postpile. It was a great morning and the peacefulness of the backcountry still fresh in our mind as we were arriving at the postpile. Rounding the corner we see signs telling visitors not to climb on the postpile (a National Monument), and what did we see? Of course we turn the corner and see a busload of “tourists from another country” doing exactly what the sign was prohibiting. Idiots. I know that the sign was in English, but their interpreter can read (I am assuming) and should tell them. Why must they come to our country and act like morons... making all of us Americans angry and insulted(Note: it is not always foreigners that act in this way, but I am in the business of making gross generalizations and what do you expect)? There is nothing like a quick reality check when you just get out of the backcountry, and then see a bunch of idiots to remind you why you need to go back into the backcountry.





No standing near the edge sign


Obviously near the edge and it is hard not to think that people tend to get what they deserve.


Always a good time breaking Federal laws

Here is Brenda doing her best "tourist" impression righ next to one of the many signs prohibitting walking on the Monument

The Postpile wiothout all of the "tourists".