Trip Report -Ionian Basin
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:00 am
Quick report on a trip from a few weeks ago (July 12-18).
Day 1: Maxson Trailhead to Flemming Lake
Hit the trail with three people at around 8:30AM made Flemming Lake after a long day on the trail. Bugs were not an issue.
Day 2: Flemming Lake to Goddard Canyon
One member of the group decided to head back to the trailhead due to breathing issues. He is experienced, had medication, and wasn't under duress so we allowed him the head back unaccompanied. This took a little time for him to arrange a pickup (sat phone) at the trailhead so we were behind schedule a bit. Stopped at Hell For Sure Lake for a break, noticed my pack was ripping along the hipbelt and main compartment. I was able to sew the pack up using fishing line an a hook from a fly for a needle. We continued over the pass and up Goddard Canyon, my goal was Martha Lake, but we only made it to the campsite near where the two trails up Goddard Canyon come together. Bugs not bad.
Day 3: Goddard Canyon to Lake 11951
Nice day on the trail. Big change in scenery once you head over the pass into the Ionian Basin. No bugs. Brief afternoon storm.
Day 4: Lake 11951 to Lake 11592
Short day on the trail. Saw two people far off in the distance at Lake 11827. Made Lake 11592 by 10:30am, hung out and rested the remainder of the day... got pounded by a storm from about 3pm until late in the night.
Day 5: Lake 11592 to Colby Meadow area (Evo Valley)
Dried out once the sun crested Mt. Solomans, then headed over Wanda Pass and made the mistake of heading along the south shore of Wanda Lake. We hiked in light rain and hail the whole day after reaching Wanda Lake.We could have probably hit the JMT quicker had we taken the east side of Wanda Lake towards the trail. Found a camp site and hung out under some trees. The sun came out and we were able to dry our clothing before nightfall.
Day 6: Colby Meadow to 1.5ish miles shy of Florence Lake
Long day on the trail. I had developed blisters on both heals the previous day but was able to patch them up. I told my hiking partner that I was willing to take the pain to get as many miles in as we could that day. Slept good that night.
Day 7: To Florence Lake out via ferry
Favorite photos from the trip. I think it might be time for a camera upgrade.
Day 1: Maxson Trailhead to Flemming Lake
Hit the trail with three people at around 8:30AM made Flemming Lake after a long day on the trail. Bugs were not an issue.
Day 2: Flemming Lake to Goddard Canyon
One member of the group decided to head back to the trailhead due to breathing issues. He is experienced, had medication, and wasn't under duress so we allowed him the head back unaccompanied. This took a little time for him to arrange a pickup (sat phone) at the trailhead so we were behind schedule a bit. Stopped at Hell For Sure Lake for a break, noticed my pack was ripping along the hipbelt and main compartment. I was able to sew the pack up using fishing line an a hook from a fly for a needle. We continued over the pass and up Goddard Canyon, my goal was Martha Lake, but we only made it to the campsite near where the two trails up Goddard Canyon come together. Bugs not bad.
Day 3: Goddard Canyon to Lake 11951
Nice day on the trail. Big change in scenery once you head over the pass into the Ionian Basin. No bugs. Brief afternoon storm.
Day 4: Lake 11951 to Lake 11592
Short day on the trail. Saw two people far off in the distance at Lake 11827. Made Lake 11592 by 10:30am, hung out and rested the remainder of the day... got pounded by a storm from about 3pm until late in the night.
Day 5: Lake 11592 to Colby Meadow area (Evo Valley)
Dried out once the sun crested Mt. Solomans, then headed over Wanda Pass and made the mistake of heading along the south shore of Wanda Lake. We hiked in light rain and hail the whole day after reaching Wanda Lake.We could have probably hit the JMT quicker had we taken the east side of Wanda Lake towards the trail. Found a camp site and hung out under some trees. The sun came out and we were able to dry our clothing before nightfall.
Day 6: Colby Meadow to 1.5ish miles shy of Florence Lake
Long day on the trail. I had developed blisters on both heals the previous day but was able to patch them up. I told my hiking partner that I was willing to take the pain to get as many miles in as we could that day. Slept good that night.
Day 7: To Florence Lake out via ferry
Favorite photos from the trip. I think it might be time for a camera upgrade.