A WEEK IN THE SOUTHERN SIERRAS

Gerry and I spent the past week at the Golden Trout Wilderness Camp, in the John Muir Wilderness area, west of Lone Pine.  What a fabulous week it was!  Camp is at 10,100 feet elevation.  We backpacked in 3 miles, and carried in our sleeping bags, pads, clothing and essentials we needed for the week.  Then we used our day packs for the daily hikes, led by the renowned naturalists, Mike Prather and Louis Bevier. 

From the get-go, with an "Oh Wow" sunset on the first night,

I love mother nature

to the day we left camp, it was fabulous.

Welcome to Golden Trout

Our "home" for 6 snights.

We hiked each and every day.  Average distance was perhaps 7 or 8 miles with the destination of a scenic lake or mesa.  We made many stops along the way to learn about the environment, to take pictures of a flower or a tree or a butterfly or bird, and to simply rest. 

From above

Rock formations provide an interesting view at top of the mesa

Naturalist Mike and Gerry celebrate the top of the mesa.

We are fortunate; even in this time of drought native plants still bloom.

Mountain heather

penstemon

                             

Six days with no cellular, no internet, no radio or TV...it was a pleasure to disconnect from electronic devices and connect with nature.

Cottonwood Lake

Jenny Lake

We're back home now, and grateful for our time well spent in the Sierras.  We met wonderful people.  It was a week of walks and talks, and great food, too.

The Cabin, where we gathered for meals and conversations

Outside the cabin, where we ate gourmet dinners al fresco.

I have the feeling, "We'll be Back...."