Sierrapalooza II 2004  

Trip Report - July 10 to 16, 2004

Trip Report - Part 2

Photo Galleries & Links

**SUMMARY: On to Evolution Lake through Muir Pass. The long day spawned unseen sights such as Muir Hut, Evolution Valley, and a strobing camp fire.**

An early start was recommended and just about everyone packed out of Wedding Ring Lake, before too late. The scenery grew barren compared to the lush meadows, but that didn't decrease the love of the continuous beauty that everyone reflected upon. Patches of snow were present again and there was rumor that one of the trekkers grabbed a trash bag and slid down a hollowed, holey patch with onlookers collecting photographic evidence.

After stopping briefly at Helen Lake, the front group continued onto Muir Hut and lollygagged with the homeless traveling sheep inside. Before long, the entire group had made it up to the stone hut and once again a small band of scramblers including Hodgeman, Geologyguy, Cubfan, and TrailAngel gained extra elevation, along the south side of Muir Pass, in hopes of catching a glimpse of Ionian Basin from a nearby saddle. When the scramblers reached their comfort level, on top of one of the visible ridges from the Hut, Ionian Basin was still out of sight, yet broader views were gained and Hodgeman reached another new personal best.

Group pictures were snapped in front of the hut, before we all began our long descent to Evolution Lake. The group started to spread across the empty vastness, of the basins North of Muir Pass, and soon smaller groups split from the trekking herd and rested at altering points along the way. Finally, after more breathtaking lakes, flowers, peaks, and falls, and aching feet, backs, and shoulders, the outlet of Evolution Lake was reached.

Tents were set, baths taken, water filtered, and dinner began with the number one question of "what's for dinner?". As the sun fell lower into the Western sky, some climbed to the top of the rocks overlooking Evolution Valley and snapped shots of the orange sky. When the sun had completely disappeared for the night, a few TTers decided to join Naviguesser in his norm and sleep under the stars, but not before joining the group in the kitchen, for an evening lit by the glorious glow of the orange LED strobe, provided by Rockman. A disappointing glow stick dud was happily replaced by the flashing LED as our 100% legal camp fire.

**SUMMARY: On to Darwin Canyon. The beginning of off trail confusion, crystal clear tarns, fish to feed the starving mass, and humorous question and answers around the redesigned LED/poncho campfire.**

For some, the morning at Evolution Lake began with a short climb to watch the sun rise (Gonzo and Ladyhiker). For others, the usual cup of tea or coffee, some solid calories, and packing. There wasn't much to today's hike as far as distance, just a bit of elevation gain into the outlet of Darwin Canyon. As we dipped down into Evolution Valley, along the John Muir Trail, the descent was cut short when the group found the off-trail path heading back up through magnificent water falls. The usual speed demons, Rockman, Math the webmaster, Geologyguy, Cubfan, Hodgeman, and wind walker floated up the ascent, while the "flower smellers" for the day (Wannabp, Landscaper, Naviguesser, and trail angel) crept up.

Confusion set in, as the small groups neared the first lake to Darwin Canyon. "To take the high trail or not to take the high trail, that is the question!". Rockman, fittingly so, chose to skirt the south side of the lake, rock hoping, and geology guy was the only group member who took the low trail around the north side of the lake after some friendly trekker advice. All the others, despite radioed advice, took the high trail which eventually led back down into the outlet of the second Darwin Canyon lake (where we camped that night). The high trail made for a beautiful "look where you've been, look where you're going", view down the basin and canyon.

Camping locations were somewhat sparse, but everyone found their place to bed down for the night and then took to the lakes. Some fished, some watched, many nutritionally profited from a very exciting and plentiful evening of fishing. JVZ, Rockman, Phil, and Phil'sSon all dipped their lures into the lakes, and all of them pulled in a number of colorful fish. Phil and Phil'sSon were the only two that held onto many of their catch, so the group could later enjoy them after they were cleaned and fried.

During the span of dinner, WindWalker was spotted sitting on a rock high above the group to the North. He was happily enjoying the sunshine when Rockman decided to join him with a temping offer to climb up the rest of the North face. Noticing their elevated progress, TrailAngel quickly grabbed her water and scrabbled up the rocks in hopes to catch the crazy climbers, before they got too far up the mountain face. After encountering some scree, rocks, and grassy tufts the three made it to the ridge line and stepped out to check on the rest of the group below. Cheering was heard from the miniaturized group below, and the small band of three celebrated with photos. The three explored the ridge and flat basin-like area and eventually decided to hop rocks down another route further up Darwin Canyon.

The sky was beginning to dim when the climbers returned and soon a new electronic fire place was started. This time however, more lights, more color, and a sheer orange poncho combined to make the campfire. As half the groups faces standing closest to the fake flames glowed orange, a couple of group questions were asked and around we went. The first question that made it all the way around the glowing ring was "what was your worst summer job?". Many answers were pretty horrific and some were just plain dull (trail angel's included). The biggest rise from the crowd came when Rockman answered the question, that his worst summer job (but enjoyable) was dressing up as Mr. Chuck E. Cheese himself at one of the Chuck E. Cheese pizza franchises. Geologyguy was not far behind on the group scale, with his summer job as a human sized, cartoon cacti. The next question was "what is the stupidest injury you've ever incurred?". Once again, some answers made your toes curl because they were so painful, but others were hilarious stories resulting in minor injuries. One that was brought up more than once (not just within our camp LED ring), was Ladyhiker's famous arm brake in the Grand Canyon (we love your gabbing and laughing Ladyhiker, you go girl!).

After question and answer, thoughts and realizations of the next days strenuous hike beckoned us to our sleeping bags, for one last night in the backcountry.

**SUMMARY: Out to North Lake via Lamarck Col. A day filled with boulders, pungent yellow flowers, lengthy radio trail directions, dreams of hot showers, and drinks by the Creekside on Phil's birthday.**

All were up and packing before the sun hit our campsite on Day 6. Everyone was mentally prepping for the unknown ascent they were about to embark upon, when they reached the last lake in Darwin Canyon, just before stepping up toward Lamarck Col. With backpack belts strapped tight and light (well, some :) the TTers spread out again and settled into their personal pace, along the North side of the blue lakes. The real challenge began when we tilted our heads up toward the Col, took a deep breath, and began the ascent in every which way... up rocks, weathered granite, and switch-backs. Just as the TTers neared the top of the Col, they were welcomed by pungent yellow flowers that seemed to be radioactively bright.

With the trail about one-third complete and downhill, the TTers who had radios or were lucky enough to be next to a trekker with a radio, listened as Phil took the stage as a one-man show and gaily sang himself a birthday jingle (no admission required). As the smaller tail groups were happily guided down by Hodgeman's directions, they learned that leaders Gonzo and Rockman had blazed their own trail straight down to Grassy Lake (good luck boys! - there was rumor that Gonzo got a little lost!).

Trekking through high spires revealed more breathtaking views of the valley below, including North Lake and the parking lot containing our dusty vehicles. Some with aching feet and tired backs, some forgetting the pain seeing that the goal was within sight, and some still basking in the beauty of the Sierra, all were ready for that hot shower back at the hotel. As clouds continued to grow darker, billowing around the mountain peaks and thunder rolled down the valley, small groups of SierrapaloozaII eventually began to stumble into the campground, just before the last trek down the dirt road to the cars. As we exited the Wilderness, we were given a fond farewell with wildflowers that were out-of-this-world. Color everywhere, purple, white, yellow, orange, red.... all co-existing in a heavenly array of natural beauty. These colorful moments were soon distracted by the one and only bastard bug - mosquitoes! So, the TTers pressed on through and soon everyone was heading down the mountain road to Bishop, by early evening.

Back at the hotel, showers were long and extremely enjoyable. A nice cold beer was sipped on at the Creekside, while stories of this last days trek were shared by the Creekside group, which grew in size as more clean, happy trekkers were gathering, before heading to dinner. At around 7:30 the group began to saunter down Hwy #395 toward BBQ Bills to enjoy ribs, chicken, steak, and salad, and Phil received his second birthday song of the day (this time a group effort!). Phil generously passed around his piece of birthday cheese cake for all to enjoy (some more than others... yes, I'm talking about the three cheese cake junkies; Ladyhiker, JVZ, and TrailAngel, who Phil caught devouring his cheese cake as the group exited the joint).

After dinner, rubbing full tummies, the group walked across the highway to a photo gallery, where we were all inspired by the captured beauty, and reminiscent of the trip we had just completed. The evening wound down by the Creekside at the Best Western, with drinks, laughter, and heavy eye lids. The group discussed next years destination and joked about past trip follies. SierrapaloozaII was coming to an end, but photos to follow would recover memories of an amazing trip and there will be many more to come!

As a 'newbie' to TT and Sierrapalooza, I just wanted to thank you all, for a very welcoming first trip. All of you know that the Sierra's have a majestic beauty that is not matched by many other places in the Nation, and is forever being conserved and created and enjoyed by nature lovers like us. What you might not realize is how amazing you all are. It was an absolute pleasure to smile with you all and as sappy as it sounds, you all are permanently molded into my mind and heart. 'Til next time! ......... TrailAngel