We love the Rae Lakes Basin, and the Loop Trail that leads through it. Yes, it's crowded with others like us, but that's fine, because it's also an easy place to enter remote country to the south and west. My interest is building for this summer's trip back into that magic mountain country, and so I've been pouring over maps, and HST posts. Recently my digging has led me to a set of old photos from one of our favorite family trips to Rae Lakes. The boys were 6 and 9 years old then (18 & 21 today), and this is the trip where they were turned into confirmed fishermen. We largely have Dragon Lake to thank for that. I was there to climb Dragon Peak, but fun with my sons took over. Fishing with ecstatic kids is a fine trade-off for climbing alone, and sure enough-- that mountain is still there, and I may get to climb it this summer.
We homeschooled our kids, and on this trip the Sierra wildlife made the science lessons easy. Baby Deer, Brook Trout, Pikas, Bear sign, Garter Snakes, and cool insects, and even this big Mountain Kingsnake all showed up to give us lesson material.
We started late summer at the Bubb's Creek TH, above Cedar Grove, in King's Canyon N.P. We did the Rae Lakes Loop counter-clockwise, and made the upper Rae Lake our basecamp. The boys had been hiking even before they were born, since Lizzie never let a pregnancy stop her, and once they were out, we quickly figured out all manner of baby carrying packs, and diaper systems early on. Luckily, both boys were great walkers, and back then Lizzie and I were fit enough to throw whoever was tired up for shoulder rides.
I thought I would slip in this short Trip Report as an off season diversion. I apologize for the lack of Dogs; the boys will have to do.
These boys here are actually seasoned veterans, with many Sierra trips under their little belts. (along with a few hundred miles in The Rockies; The Alps; the Scottish Highlands; Arctic Norway; and the Southern Alps of New Zealand,.. Homeschooling allowed us to take them everywhere!
The whole crew minus photographer.
We camped the first night at Junction Meadow, an easy 10 miles in. We were hoping to see Bears and maybe a Rattlesnake on the way, but missed them. We did see a lot of nice deer though.
On the climb up from Vidette Meadow one of my favorite views appears-- East Vidette Mountain seen through foxtail pines.
On Glen Pass with Mount Clarence King in the center, and Cotter on the left.
Our fishing began well enough at the upper Rae Lake, with the colorful "Painted Lady" leaning over the lake.
The boys love spin-casting, because of the constant activity. Someday we hope they graduate to flies, though we have yet to ourselves.
Some small, some nice 8 inchers.
Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.
