The map of what we ended up doing
I got to Lodgepole about 1:30 PM on Sunday and picked up the permit. Warren was supposed to be there around noon or so and if we didn't see each other, we would meet somewhere between Wolverton and Pear late that afternoon or evening. I didn't see his car at the trail head, but then I wasn't sure I would have recognized it if it had been right in front of me. One thing to remember about us is that Warren is a 62 year old retired teacher in great shape that out hikes my ass without trying even on my best day. He gets out a lot, and it shows. Myself, a 60 year old fat, out of shape person that never hikes as much as he should to even come close to keeping in shape. I hike because I enjoy it, not caring how long it takes me to get there.
Alpen glow on trees and rocks before getting to Pear Lake
Got to Pear just at it got dark, and got up to site #2, hoping Warren would be there, as we had stayed at site #1 last Septmber, and thought that would be the first place he would head trying to meet up if he was there. No such luck, so I pitched the tent and made dinner of sirloin burgers with cheese and onion slices that hit the spot to perfection. After dinner I went over to the bear box to put things away and noticed a light below me by the lake outlet. It was Warren finally pulling in at almost 11 PM. He had gotten a late start from home and did most of the hike to Pear in the dark.
Monday morning at our Pear Lake camp site(Warrens Pic)
Pear Lake with Alta Peak in background(Warrens Pic)
Last September we went up through this. which wasn't bad------
But this time we went left around the highpoint on the right sky line and it was MUCH easier.
We didn't know it at the time this was taken, but we would eventually end up coming down this drainage.
We ended up going up the right hand side of these slabs, and they were as steep as they look with a full pack on.
Anyone that has been from Pear Lake up to Moose knows what this is.
Me looking out over Moose Lake at one of the best views in the Sierras, the Great Western Divide.(Warrens Pic)
One of the finest views in the Sierras. What would the cost be to have this the view looking out your backdoor or kitchen window. Couldn't
put a price on it if you had to.
After checking out numerous places, we decided on here for Monday nights camp. By this time I was one worn out old ----er. (Warrens Pic)
Moon coming up over Moose. While not totally full, it was damn close. The reflection off the lake once it got later was something to behold,
like diamonds sparkling. (Warrens Pic)
Warren always calls me a hobo camper because I like to spread my stuff out when I get to our destination. I just think of it as liking to be able to see what i have with me. What do you guys think? LOL (Warren's pic)
Don't let appearances fool you. He may be 62, but he can hike your ass into the ground, trust me. LOL
Starting Tuesday morning we were on new territory for the both of us. Had a blast dropping down the outlet of Moose Lake to an area that had lots of water. Took a little while to figure out the best way down, but once we decided on a way, it was made more fun with having full packs on. The incredible views seemed never ending.
This used to be my youngest sons favorite band, so I take the bandanna along on trips to show him where he could be if he had the interest.
Just freaking incredible stuff. You can't see it, but the drainage drops off down towards Table Meadow in front of me, and the fun part of the tripis aboout to begin. Open downhill cross country, what more can you ask for?(Warrens Pic)
Down below Table Meadow. Will be going back, hopefully in the opposite direction next time.
Yours truly at our last night camp site. We were just below a saddle that was above the Pear Lake Ranger Hut. Perfect placement for out last nights camp site.
Westward view Wednesday morning, before heading off to the cars.
Warren heading down to the Pear Lake Ranger Hut on last day of the trip. Felt like once we were back on a trail, the trip was closer to being over.
i just want to say that I realize to most of you on this board, this trip may seem pretty tame, but it was one i enjoyed to the point I will never forget it. Sometimes it isn't about how hard or easy a trip is, or how steep or flat it was, but just the total experience. Enjoy your hikes, because one never knows which one will be their last. Peace.
And if I'm not mistaken, that's an Osprey Volt pack, a great one indeed!
