TR Emigrant

[The hermit]

I drove up to kennedy meadows thurs.night(7/25). Got there about midnight.after an uncomfortable night in the back of my truck I hit the trail about 8. Right away I knew I was in trouble with so little acclimation time. The views kept my spirits soaring nonetheless. Frequent breaks helped me to keep climbing up the trail. When I stopped for lunch a couple guys passed by and gave me some great info on a potential route.(I mentioned how great this web site is). About 6 or 7miles in I left the trail at some posts that said no camping. I followed the creek up towards lewis lakes. Since I forgot my gps i missed the lowest lake. I didn't mind since that area was mosquito habitat. As I continued up I was reassured I was on the right track when I saw lower lewis lake below. The headwall below middle Lewis lake was challenging but not above class 2-3 with a little patient route finding. Arriving at the lake I was ecstatic (exhausted). A cup of miso soup and a cold beverage revived me enough to really enjoy the evening alpenglow. One of the most challenging and rewarding days ever. If I had acclimated properly I would have been fine. To be continued ...

[SweetSierra]

I was ecstatic (exhausted). ...

I love this. So very true for so many first days of my trips. If a day is tough, I tell myself what it will feel like when I get to a destination that is home for the night. It's a great feeling to take off the pack, sit on the ground, eat, and look at the mountains and sky.
I look forward to the rest of your story!

[balzaccom]

That's a great area. We were up at Ridge and Iceland lakes last year.

Got any photos?

[The hermit]

A few notes on day one. First off a big thanks to those who posted reports on the area.They inspired my trip.also I got several quick responses to my question about thunderstorm activity, that really helped w/ planning, thanks! As I got close to the trailhead evidence of a recent storm was abundant, great timing! On the trail the only water available was at grouse creek and summit creek(great place for a dip). As the day progressed the clouds were building, adding to a sense of urgency. Nothing came of it. And I was grateful when I dove into the mildly refreshing waters of lewis lake.
I awoke to blur skies on day two. The plan was to either follow the creek up to upper lewis or contour up and around to sardella lake..

[The hermit]

Just lost a detailed post on the rest of day two. Dumbphone! I'll continue another day. Stay tuned.

[The hermit]

I can't bear to rewrite an account ofmy climb up lewis creek. Lets just say it was steep. And at the lcrux I pulled my pack up w/ a rope.when i got to upper lewis lake I couldn't wait to dive in.a quick hop brought me to sardella. Great spot for an extended break for lunch and swimming. I forced myself to continue towards ridge lake. This was the longest distance of the day. Maybe a mile. Ridge lake was beautiful. The water was refreshing but not cold. After chatting with one of the guys camping there I moved on towards iceland lake. I contoured too far west and came upon the most lovely tarn. I found some great campsites. I had heard about great campsites down at iceland lake but a party was obviously already there. No need to descend 200 feet. Great night for some alpinglow and adult snowcones. To be continued ...