High Sierra Topix

Finally another issue of Sierra-Trails. See it here:
http://www.sierra-trails.com/minaret/cover1v8.htm
The new issue feature is "A Backpack Cross-Country Traverse of the Minarets", or simply "The Minarets". There are 82 pages and 222 pictures. It will take you on a grand backpack (not a climbers) traverse close to the very teeth of the Minarets and also show several different ways to get back to the trailheads. See why The Minarets should have remained a part of Yosemite, at least as a natural wonder to rival all others in the National Parks.

Thought I would put this here in the main traffic before putting it in the Sierra-Trails section.

Well, now you've done it! I am in full depression mode until August which is my vacation and the first opportunity to get into the mountains! Two new lakes on my "must see" list...Ashley Lake and western Beck Lake. Especially Ashley Lake, that looks like one cool place. It is amazing to see the work you put into these Doyle. I will go through and read more of it when I get a chance.

Doyle,
That is one of the best photo journals I have seen/read. Great job !!

Excellent issue as always Doyle. Minaret Lake has been on my list of to-do's for quite some time, and now more than ever do I want to go.

The Other Tom wrote:That is one of the best photo journals I have seen/read. Great job !!

Thank you all!: and yes, it is a LOT of work doing a story that size. Next issue will be a shorter trip and story.

Doyle,

Just to pile on a bit with the other comments.....

I really enjoyed reading your latest edition. The words and images really bring your trip to life. As an aside, a co-worker and I were just discussing the very areas you traveled - very timely!

Another great edition of Sierra Trails!

Shawn wrote: I really enjoyed reading your latest edition...Another great edition of Sierra Trails!

Thanks! Yes, in many ways an overlooked area with built in access buffers. The cross country is excellent...and now I wonder about the west side and how that looks, like north of Iron Lake...another destination I have never seen pictures of...

Another winner, Doyle! I tend to overlook the east side of the Ritter Range because some of those lakes (1000 Island, e.g.) are so overused...but it looks like with a little effort, you really can get away from the crowds.

Hey Doyle great article! Ashley Lake has been my favorite since the
first longer Minaret trip I took into that region.
The only one that compares is Iron Lake which I visited by going over
Beck Lakes Pass and followed Iron Creek down to the southern branch
and up to the lake.
The glacier on the southern end kind of reminds me of the glacier
at Ashley.
The reflection of Iron Mt at sunset especially with some alpenglo is
unforgetable!
There was a storm the day I arrived but passed by late afternoon
which lucky for me gave some great color at sunset!
Shellenbarger Lake was okay but the lakes under Ritter Pass
were nicer. I used McDonald Pass from Iron Creek where I then
continued on towards Twin Island Lakes.