Today is a perfect day for a perfect day.
~Unconditional Love
Above Twin Lakes to Lower Palisade Lake
16 miles
I personally think I am camped at the most beautiful place on Earth. I did ford a stream to get to the location. It is private and on a small peninsula sitting right under the Palisade Crest that includes most of the mountains over 14000 feet in California. I was able to take a swim and wash my hair and clothes. Tomorrow another storm is predicted so I am ready.
I love the Sierras. I cannot believe the beauty and diversity. I don’t think a body could ever tire of it. I did begin
to think of this magical place as a land of snow and water, because of last June’s PCT crossing with Silly Chili and Dan. I am so thankful to be back. It is hard not to compare in my mind the two trips. Two of my most terrifying moments were crossing streams that do not even exist now. I couldn’t find them. In my opinion whether a hiker is doing the JMT in the snow or not it is one bad Momma to hike. It is unlike the PCT that usually follows the crest on high ridges. This trail goes straight down 3,000 feet then goes up 3,000 feet. There is no relief. For example tomorrow I will be hiking down from 11,000 feet to 8,000, then back up to 11,000. It is intense.
Today I was able to hike and visit with a group that are doing a trip from Onion Valley to Bishop Pass. I even nabbed some Gouda cheese and salami on the way up Mather Pass.
You and your tent blend in perfectly with the grey granite mountains. I think the owl’s clover in your photo and Lemmon’s paintbrush that I have seen up high are the same thing. Possibly also called prairie-fire. Great photos!
Looks like you are having some fun. I love the flower photos in you posts. I’m glad to see there are still flowers out there. I hope I see some in a few weeks when I’m up in the Emigrant Wilderness.
Emigrant is beautiful. Hope you have a great trip.