For each morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
From Kerr Bear’s refridgerator
Squaw Lake to Red’s Meadow
21 miles
Hiking on Fourth of July…
Time to reflect on all that I so richly am thankful for…
Here are some highlights…
-a country that has preserved so much land to roam freely in nature
-individuals and organizations that are dedicated to this purpose
-friends to enjoy the freedom to explore the outdoors
-family that I can share this love of getting out in nature
Today I made a few fun decisions while walking, walking, and more walking that I would like to share.
My morning started at 5:30 am. Just about a mile down the trail I spotted a rake beside the trail neatly propped on a tree. The dirt surrounding was carefully raked. No signs of hikers, trail maintenance, campsite, nothing. So you can guess what I did. Yep, raked a bit then hiked on. This so brought back memories of hiking the the Great Divide Basin last summer. At one of the precious water sources out in the middle of nowhere was a bocci ball set. Crazy. Right?
The hike then headed down from Squaw Lake to Tully Hole, up to stunning Virginia and Purple Lakes, then up and over round and about to Red’s Meadow Resort. I met many a hiker with feet problems due to the heat, boots, and BIG packs.
Just before Red’s I had service and received the very funny and cheery photo below of my grandkids celebrating 4th of July. I missed them and just knew I needed to take them on a short overnight backpack or camping trip. Who wouldn’t, right?
So I am now in Mammoth staying at a very good hiker friend’s nice condo and meeting up with Dan and grandkids. Thank you Kerr Bear for opening up your home.
So I will be participating in lots of shenanigans in the next week, then heading to Crater Lake, Oregon to hike 300 miles or so on the PCT. The snow surely will have melted by then!!!
Life is just one surprise after another!
I find raking to be soothing. Your grandkids are darling. Made me smile.
The male cones on that pine are red?! interesting. What pine is that? I don’t know your pines I’m afraid.
Interesting is right. That is why I took the pic. Not sure. Does anyone know?
Those Lake photos always just kill me! In a good way of course. I do so love my water features. -Got your zen thing going with that rake. Did you make any circles in the dirt?
I think lakes always look better before sunrise. No circles, just straight lines.