6/29/20; mile: 924; elevation: 10,226 ft.
With another easy day ahead of me, I took my time in the morning, including two cuppa joe. The thing about today was it seemed the wind drove away the warmth. It just never got really warm.
The hike was relatively easy, staying at a high elevation following the contours of the west slopes over the valley. There were some viewpoints where you could see (and hear) waterfalls from the other side, but mostly this was in the trees. Until 1000 Island Lake, that is. This is quite a spot, especially considering how close it is to a trailhead (Reds Meadow and Agnew Meadow). Which also means it’s popular…during a normal year. Which isn’t to say it was empty like what I’ve experienced earlier, but certainly not overcrowded. I took a long break above the lake facing west and just couldn’t get over the contrasts of the mountains, snow, water and clouds. Like something out of a painting.
Next stop, Island Pass. I didn’t want to cross over the next pass for two reasons. One, its in Yosemite and I was afraid of more crowded camping spots; two, this side of the mountain still had cell reception. So off the trail I go and find a secluded spot early in the day.
After setting up, I watch the clouds build over the western mountains. They look ominous. And even without wind, it’s cold. The clouds grow, start to block out the western sun, then cover my area. But it’s also eerily quiet. The calm before the storm? No birds, no insects, no hikers. Just quiet. When some wind finally arrives, it’s just too cold out. That’s it, time to retreat. Soon enough a light rain falls which turns to a sleet of some sort. Kinda like little balls of styrofoam. None of this lasts long, the clouds depart and I get a chance to go outside a little more before really checking out.
With all of this down time and internet availability, I update some blog posts and finally hit the hay. Tomorrow we enter Yosemite. After climbing a tall pass, of course.
Savior out.
Great pics!