"Wilderness is not only a haven for native plants and animals but it is also a refuge from society. Its a place to go to hear the wind and little else, see the stars and the galaxies, smell the pine trees, feel the cold water, touch the sky and the ground at the same time."
~John Muir
After a rather sleepless night (the full moon shone on my tent like a floodlight!) I pack up my gear & hit the trail. I do not see another soul until I reach Gem Lake.
Leaving Alger Lakes.
I was really amazed at how many wildflowers there were along the trail, especially considering the low snow pack this season. I have no idea what this flower is, but I loved the Dr Suessy look of it.
:)
I paused often to check them out, though regretfully did not take many photos of them. I love how tiny & precious this group was.
The high point of the days hike took me through a stand of downed trees...
and then gently back down into tree line as I approached Gem Lake. In the distance, I get my first glimpse of Banner Peak- in the Ritter Range...
and a lovely view of Gem Lake, where I would later stop for lunch as well as fill up on water.
It's also where I would change out of my hiking shoes, & into my Chacos. (I had developed a couple of nice blisters from the inserts I had put in the shoes... I was tempted to show them to you... but figured I'd save you from the gross-out factor) I have nothing but good things to say about Chacos- my feet always feel so much better in them than boots & they have come with me on just about every backpacking trip I have ever done. They are surprisingly stable with an awesome Vibram hiking sole. As it turns out, I would finish the hike in these, as my hiking shoes which were secured to my pack turned out to be not so secure... at some point during one of my many breaks they seem to have jumped off my pack. Dang it!
Trail signs- I love them almost as much as I love maps!
Hiking along Waugh Lake for a few miles,
I meet & cross Rush Creek.
10 or so miles later, I reach my next camp. My campsite for night 2 was just perfect, really~ nestled in the trees just off the main trail... and not far beyond that, a perfect little creek for purifying water. Once again, I am tired from the days hike, but thankful my legs are still capable of carrying me over mountains & through valleys... I am always struck with a profound gratitude when I am out in the backcountry.
:)
7 comments:
So beautiful, Becks! I love the Dr. Suessy flowers :-)
Sounds like you are having fun in spite of the blisters. I will try to look up the flowers. The first ones should be easy to find.
Love those sandals!
And, once again, I am thankful that you go out and do things I can only imagine, and then you report back with pictures!
Becky, I am in awe of you and the things that you do. Your photos leave me with longing to be outdoors and lately there is always something that keeps me from there. Are you looking forward to school starting. I'm ready, well kind of. A little nervous with this new class. It's HTML and as much as I think I use the right side of my brain, this will be a test. Well as they say, one step in front of the other.
LOVE your header photo! Becky, your photos are just stunning. Thank you for sharing them for I will NEVER be able to hike like that and see that beautiful scenery! I, too, love that "Dr. Seusy" flower! Ha ha!
Hi Becky, I thought of you last evening when I saw the CA fires on the news. I have a feeling you are back in NM. So many fires again in the West and so many acres gone to ash. Your hike is inspiring, especially since you're doing it solo. Such grand vistas and cozy campsites. I've done plenty of solo hikes but no camping by myself. Here the late wildflowers are very sparse, probably because of the dry spring. So glad you had such a relaxing vacation in the wild!
Hey hey, love the new header shot. and all of these are fantastic. you hiked this alone? If that's the case, you have more courage than I, though I would love to be able to say I did it. Love the Muir quote too. happy week to you Becks.
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