High Sierra Topix

I drink from just about anything that's not standing and gross and I don't treat it unless I'm in a cow pasture like in the Emigrant. I have never been sick. I prefer springs and snow melt. I like the spring on the Cathedral Lakes trail and always take a ceremonious drink out of the one on the JMT near Happy Isles. I provide treatment options for clients but like having nothing between me and my communion cup full of Sierra water.

My favorite is ice cold water from a little trickling stream coming out from under a permanent snowfield at something like 13000 feet.

Least favorite would be some popular lake on a hot, still afternoon in the middle of the summer.

In the "olden days" people used to go and stay near Springs and Spas to "take the water" in Europe, as a medicinal treatment... The rushing pure water of Sierra streams, creeks and clear rivers feels alive and pure and is magnificent to soak self in and to drink. Some lakes last year (low snow year) late season had slimy algae green stuff, but running water seemed to be fine. We use steripen as it does not affect the taste.