High Sierra Topix

Went up to Mokelumne Wilderness (Grouse Lake, Snow Canyon) and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. Generally much clearer in the morning, getting smokier over the course of the day. One spectacular sunset, but no good light from it. I shot mostly wildflowers and localized landscapes, but even managed to get a few reasonably decent distance shots.

Just got back from the Warners.

Weather was perfect. Warm and sunny, not hot. Not a trace of smoke in the air. Didn't see another soul on the East Creek Trail.

does anyone have info on the Tuolumne area? I'm heading out later this week hoping the air is okay and there will still be some views from Conness or North Peak.

Alpenbro wrote:does anyone have info on the Tuolumne area? I'm heading out later this week hoping the air is okay and there will still be some views from Conness or North Peak.

Late last week the skies were real smoky in TM and the west side of the park. It has been clouding up during the last few days and the skies have been a little bluer. I am heading into the valley today and then back up to TM tomorrow so will know more then but it looks like it is still hazy.

I spent the last few days in Ansel Adams Wilderness and TM --- one day had significant haze/smoke, but the rest of the time it was very clear. Vista points were a little muddled due to the fires, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. A lot depends on which way the wind is blowing. It certainly is a great improvement on what you'll experience in the Sacramento Valley!

Smoky in the Lone Pine area. This is the first weekend I could barely see the mountains. Cough was pretty bad this weekend. My throat was sore last night (better today), and I start coughing if I take a deep breath, laugh or say more than one sentence. Been sucking on Riccola drops, which seems to help.

Does anyone have an update for thousand island lake area? I plan on going to that area this weekend.

I am just back from a bit south of there, coming out of a trip down Fish Creek at Reds Meadow. It was getting pretty clear by yesterday (7/14), but distant views to the west were rather yucky. It's good enough to go IMO if photography is not the main objective.

Mike

Pear Lake area was pretty hazy going in on Saturday. The Rain Sunday afternoon (5 hours worth) seemed to have cleared it up some.

Going up Pine creek pass was fairly smoky on the 11th, coming back on the 15th was mostly clear. High-country/french canyon was not seriously effected during the time I was there.