Re: TR: The Art of Backpacking in the Rain (Lamarck > Evolution Basin > Davis Lakes)
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:48 pm
What a great trip report. This would be a great report even without those wonderful fish, but the fish are frosting on the cake. By the way, speaking of rain, Dawn always says that she brings the rain with her when she backpacks with me and the memories of taking shelter in deluges began with our first father-daughter trip in 2017. This year, however, was different for us, because rain fell on us only during one night, when we were already in our tent at Branigan Lake one night, All other trips have been remarkably free of rain and I suppose the lack of the usual thunderstorms has been reflected in the number of cloud-free images of the Sierra on Sentinel over month or so preceding this more typical cycle. The moisture that hit you took at an additional day and change to get up to Ebbetts Pass where it fell only as a refreshing rain/hailstorm within minutes of the car while Lee and I headed for home.
Anyhow, the account and the photos are really magical, even some of the "standard" views. Something about entering Seki over Lamarck Col has always been special to me. Nothing says "Welcome to Kings Canyon NP" more than that view when you crest out at the top of Lamarck Col. The Lamarck Col area inspired one couple to name their son after the area. Judy and I met the little guy (then 7) crossing Lamarck Col in 1996 and he remains the strongest 7-year-old hiker I've ever seen (even including Dawn). Judy and I contemplated naming our kids after this region too. In addition to this region, we have special affection for the interior which also lies on the old Mt Goddard 15' quadrangle. Davis Lake is at the heart of "Goddard country" and my only visit to the lake came with Judy in 1994 on our memorable trip (with very poor fishing results, actually) that we called "Ring Around the Goddard". Well, as you can tell, Judy and I opted for more "conventional" names for Dawn and Lee, but this area remains our favorite. Thanks again for a great report and reminding me of why that will always be my favorite part of the High Sierra.
PS love the Day zero camp, too, which brings back fond memories for me and Dawn (approximate area of Day zero camp for us in 2020 prior to our Pine Creek-Italy-etc. trip).
Anyhow, the account and the photos are really magical, even some of the "standard" views. Something about entering Seki over Lamarck Col has always been special to me. Nothing says "Welcome to Kings Canyon NP" more than that view when you crest out at the top of Lamarck Col. The Lamarck Col area inspired one couple to name their son after the area. Judy and I met the little guy (then 7) crossing Lamarck Col in 1996 and he remains the strongest 7-year-old hiker I've ever seen (even including Dawn). Judy and I contemplated naming our kids after this region too. In addition to this region, we have special affection for the interior which also lies on the old Mt Goddard 15' quadrangle. Davis Lake is at the heart of "Goddard country" and my only visit to the lake came with Judy in 1994 on our memorable trip (with very poor fishing results, actually) that we called "Ring Around the Goddard". Well, as you can tell, Judy and I opted for more "conventional" names for Dawn and Lee, but this area remains our favorite. Thanks again for a great report and reminding me of why that will always be my favorite part of the High Sierra.
PS love the Day zero camp, too, which brings back fond memories for me and Dawn (approximate area of Day zero camp for us in 2020 prior to our Pine Creek-Italy-etc. trip).