Hiked up on Thursday to Dry Lake from North Fork TH. Dry Lake is very Dry indeed, but Lodgepole Spring still has water. Ranger Dan estimates a few more weeks of water before the trickle dries up completely. Yes, the ranger is there every week checking permits, chatting, and being a wonderful person. On Friday I set out for a real challenge yet: a loop from Dry Lake via san G, bagging three more peaks, and via Dollar Lake and South Fork Meadows back to my hammock at Dry Lake. The hike up to San G went well; temps were good, and the cloud cover was welcome. The trail is high up, of course, but fairly gradual, and gorgeous. Paid my respect at the plane wreck, and made it to the top under 3 hours. After a snack I went on to a brief off-trail scramble to Jepson Peak, reconnected with the trail and then off-trail again to Little Charlton and Charlton Peak. Got some drizzle, which felt quite refreshing. The hike to Dollar lake saddle was new to me and has some great views, but below that it got hot and muggy. Dollar lake has water. The last two miles up from the fork to my hammock was a bit of a slog. About 16 miles round trip, most above 10k ft, and that completes my practice for the High Sierras later this month, and it completes the extended six-pack list. On Saturday I only had to hike down to the trailhead, which took just 2 hours. Three days off the grid, I can sure recommend it!
AZ Winter 20% off early-bird rate ends in
:
:
:
Responses