High Sierra Topix

Thank you Tom_H. You have reinforced my strong dislike of fires in the High Sierra. Smoky, dirty, takes away your sense of the night sounds and serenity and appreciation for the stars.

I know this is a month later, but it's never too late to discourage fires when you're backpacking in the mountains.

mountainpegasus wrote:Your trip to Aloha Lake sounds like it was somewhat miserable haha.

It would be miserable for someone who was not prepared for it. Once you have experience, know what to expect, and are prepared for it, it can become a great adventure. You surely do not see the great hordes of people that you do once the snow is gone. In fact, there is a stillness and serenity to be experienced in winter and spring snowpacking. And the physical demands (if you are prepared for them) are often a big reminder of what's important in life and what's simply superfluous.

An update, we ended up going to sequoia national park, took the middle fork trail along the Kaweah river to bear paw meadow up to almost 8,000ft at the end of April. It was incredible!