GOLDEN TROUT WILDERNESS WEEK

We were in the Southern Sierras last week, for the Golden Trout Workshop.  We took fabulous day hikes each day with very knowledgeable naturalists, Adam and Rebekah.  It was wonderful to be "unconnected" to any electronics; instead, we were deeply connected to nature!

 Camp is at 10,100 feet elevation.  We backpacked in 9 miles on Sunday, and carried in our sleeping bags, pads, clothing and essentials we needed for the week.  (It was only supposed to be a 3 mile backpack in to camp, but we started in on the wrong trail...)   But the extra miles were scenic, and we still got to camp by 6:00 pm.

Much more green than the last two times we were here.

Beautiful flowers - pinks and reds - on display.  Only a preview of the glory that awaits us. 

Average daily hike distance was perhaps 7 or 8 miles with the destination of a scenic lake or mesa.  We took several stops along the way to learn about animal tracks, the various pine trees, and the variety of flora and fauna of this area.

My four favorite flower shots are below.  (photo credit to my husband, Gerry Hans.)

Elephants Head. 

Not sure what this is, but it's a bright yellow that catches the eye. 

Alpine Phlox - definitely "Eye Candy!"

Larkspur (purple)  - love the yellow in the background too. 

My favorite day was Thursday, July 7th, when we hiked 12 1/2 miles. The trek was to New Army Pass and back.  It was an excellent trail, and we didn't have to do much boulder scrambling.  (Boulder scrambling is not my strong suit, as those who hike with me will vouch.)

I'm loving this view as we pass by Long Lake.  Minutes ago a coyote scampered by.  Then we caught a glimpse of a few deer.  We see several marmots throughout the day. 

I'm looking up toward New Army Pass, which is less than a mile away from this viewpoint. 

 Three variety of pine trees make their home in the Southern Sierras:  Lodgepole Pine, (at lower elevation, needles in groups of two),  Foxtail Pine and Limber Pine (at higher elevation, needles in groups of 5)  The Limber Pines have longer needles than the Foxtails.  The trees are  over 3,000 years old and quite beautiful.

Gerry at the base of a Lodgepole Pine as we hike to the peak known as Wooly Back.

Check out this gnarly wood.  Lovely textures and colors. 

Who would have thought a dead pine tree could be this beautiful? 

We discovered a sheep skull on Wooly Back. (quite appropriate.)  No wonder they named the area "Wooly Back."

This is perhaps a few years old...

It's heavier than I thought.  It feels like it weighs 10 pounds. 

Wooly-Back.....
and We'll Be Back!

Probably next year.... it's too good of a trip to miss.