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We did the clockwise loop up from O'Shaughnessy Dam to Vernon Lake. With a 20-40 chance of rain or thunderstorms forecasted throughout the trip, we were prepared to get a little wet. Fortunately for us - unfortunately for CA and the Sierra - the dark clouds and thunder in the distance both evenings passed us by. I was especially relieved, as we realized 11 miles in the wilderness that my hiking partner forgot our tent poles.
The drought conditions are a bit depressing. There was no water between the dam and Laurel Lake. The seasonal streams and the unnamed pond before Laurel Lake trail junction were bone-dry. Beehive was dry. And crossing Tiltill Valley was a cinch without all the water.
Thanks for coming back and taking the time to post this TR and pictures!
Valeofoakland wrote:
I was especially relieved, as we realized 11 miles in the wilderness that my hiking partner forgot our tent poles.
Fortunate that you were only going out for 2 nights, a longer several day trip and the both of you would have had a 22 mile day
but no mileage to show for it. Any wildflowers at all in Beehive area? Is the Vernon to Tiltill already dry, no water source either?
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member:http://reconn.org
This is blue on the map. #DROUGHT 
Storm clouds as we approach Vernon Lake
Above Tiltill
Rattlesnake in Tiltill Valley
Crossing Tiltill Valley
Hetch Hetchy from Rancheria Falls
A lizard friend
