Part 2 - Exploring Hidden Lakes

In preparation for this backpacking and camping trip, we discovered there is an abundance of places to explore outside the world famous Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. One day we hope to visit them but they require advanced planning and reservations. Unfortunately, a week after our visit, the El Portal wildfire is now blazing through the Yosemite area.

We were fortunate to find an open campsite at this 10,000 ft lake. The host informed us some careless campers left a bag of bread out a few days earlier and we should be prepared for a roaming bear visit - not good. Lesson 1 - Always use bear boxes in bear country! Despite the warning, the only invaders to our camp were chipmunks.

 

 Ranger Buttons and Fireweed are a couple of the beautiful wildflowers growing at higher elevations.

Being a birdwatcher, it's always exciting to see a new bird. The Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch surprised me when he flew across our path. He was a "life bird" for me. These birds live in alpine meadows or the arctic tundra.

 

 Hiking around these pristine lakes and meadows filled with blooming flowers is a humbling experience. It is a reminder to "tread lightly" and "leave no trace" to help ensure that these treasures of nature will continue to exist despite the visits we all make to these inspiring places.

 The lakes we explored are found in the Hoover Wilderness. The Wilderness Act of 1964 is celebrating its 50th anniversary this September. Over 109 million acres have been designated for preservation and protection across the US since its inception. This amount of land represents 5 percent of the entire US. Over half of the protected area is located in Alaska. We all benefit from those who had the foresight and determination to set aside land to be protected as wild and scenic.

Part 1 - Backpacking in the Sierras

 

 

Backpacking in bear country is a new adventure for us. It all started with camping at Horseshoe Meadow for a night before loading everything we would need into our backpacks. Horseshoe Meadow is a common entry point for those who plan on hiking up Mt Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental U.S. Our destination was a lot less strenuous!

 

 The next morning our hike began. Despite the drought across California, thankfully, there are still creeks to cross and waterfalls to savor in the Sierra mountains.

 Along a riparian part of the trail, we stopped to listen to the flute like song of the Swainson's Thrush.

It may not be colorful but it is a captivating singer!

 

 

After 4 1/2 miles of hiking through the John Muir Wilderness, we reached our destination - Cottonwood Lakes Basin. The spectacular views were ever changing depending on the time of day and whether a storm was approaching.

 This pristine mountain creek was the spot where we went everyday to refill our water bottles. Water needs to be boiled or filtrated before you can drink it. Depending on a filtration system was another new experience for us. Fortunately, it worked well. No problems!

 

 

Our tent site, high on a hill away from the lake, was surrounded with families of Yellow-bellied Marmots. From their boulder perches, they woke us early in the morning with their loud chirps and they were the last sound we heard as the sun set behind the mountains.

Day hikes are great but when you can spend the night in the wilderness, your chances of seeing wildlife greatly increase. This herd of Mule deer silently appeared across the lake one evening before the sun completely disappeared behind the mountains.

 The Golden-mantled squirrel which looks like a chipmunk, made a brief appearance before vanishing behind the boulder.

 

We discovered that the Clark's Nutcracker not only devours seeds from the Whitebark Pine Tree but he will steal a peanut butter sandwich from an unobservant hiker when given a chance.

 

 

Our final morning, the blue skies were replaced with dark storm clouds. Thunder, lightning and sleet followed. Although it was nerve wracking being on a mountain top with a powerful storm overhead, it was great to see the rain. The clouds lingered over the mountains including Mt Whitney as we drove to our next camping destination.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July from the main street in Idyllwild!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watching the parade with a 2 year old that loves anything with wheels is pretty exciting especially since the parade was full of them!

 

 

Idyllwild is a town full of people who love animals especially dogs. Mayor Max is a pretty special dog going to events and representing the dogs and cats that need a home.

Unlike Mayor Max, Idyllbeast is a rare sighting in town.

Even though our 2 year old buddy doesn't eat candy, we were a magnet for the givers of treats. Lucky for the adults who benefited by his cute presence.

 

 

 

The great part of a small town parade is seeing your friends carrying banners, riding bikes, driving fire trucks, riding horses, running with a rescue team and passing out goodies.

 

As the parade ended, the grey clouds gathered......

and precious raindrops started to fall! Yahoo!!!

Happy 4th of July!