We left Pittsburgh on the 10th of August and thought we'd just fly into Vegas, rent a car and hit the trailhead. Those plans didn't work so well and by the time we got into Lone Pine we were pretty tired and decided to stay a night at Ray's Den. I've stayed here multiple times before and really liked the location. The next morning we'd hit the trail early. My daughter Paige has never been out west and was in shock when she drove up to the Onion Valley trail head. Here words to me were "there's a road up there"?
RaeLakes (1 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrWe'd spend the next three days exloring the backcountry together in what was to be one of those times you'll alway remember.
The first day, Paige was in awe of the scenary. I used to tell her about my trips and she thought that there wouldn't be many people out but she soon realized that hiking was "Cool" and we ran into a plethora of people with so many differnt personalities it was unreal.
We made it over Kearsarge pass in 4hrs and made our way down to Charlotte Lake for our first night. We found a great site at the end of the lake about 50 yards from the Bear Boxes. I asked if she wanted me to put up the shelter and i got the "Hell No, I'm sleeping under the stars" So we spent our first night together talking about not only the hike but all about her upcoming departure to college and how much her "Dad" was going to miss her
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RaeLakes (2 of 134) by dan bogs, on Flickr
RaeLakes (7 of 134) by dan bogs, on Flickr
RaeLakes (10 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrThe next day was going to be a tough one. Glen Pass was going to be a butt kicker and I told her if she couldnt make it we could always just hang in the Kearsarge area for a few days. She surprised the hell out of me and althought was have some hip issues we made it to the top of Glen Pass.
We called this the "Sandy Area"
RaeLakes (22 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrLooking Down on Charlotte Lake
RaeLakes (24 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrHeading into the area when you can almost spot Glen Pass
RaeLakes (30 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrPack mules on their way up to Glen Pass
RaeLakes (31 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrAmost there
RaeLakes (92 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrThose dreadded switchbacks
RaeLakes (95 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrWe finally made it to the top of Glen Pass and were greeted by a large welcoming party of people. We stopped on top for lunch and to take in the views. I'm in awe of those who climb up this pass when its snow covered, especially those PCT'rs who came up here after the 2011 snow.
My hiking Buddy!
RaeLakes (33 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrThe view into Rae Lakes was just as I'd imagined it, BEAUTIFUL! Paige was speachless and was just silent for a moment when she looked over the pass and saw this:
RaeLakes (91 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrWe found a great site for the night that included front row seats to the Painted Lady, Fin Dome and amazing stars.
Took a nice swim after this Picture, COLD!
RaeLakes (45 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrTime lapse with the Painted Lady
RaeLakes (80 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrI think she likes this stuff!!
RaeLakes (51 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrOur room with a view
RaeLakes (58 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrThat night we discussed our plans for the next few days. I surprised her and let her know that I reserved a room for a few days in Vegas so we could "decompress" before heading back to Pittsburgh. I knew that I didn't want to press her too hard and thought it a good idea to head back and spend our last night in Kearsarge Lakes before heading out. Her leg was giving her some minor issues and I thought it best to start our journey back the next day. We awoke at 5am to start our journey out.
Glen Pass from the Rae Lakes side.
RaeLakes (39 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrWe made the pass in a few hours and Paige said "Lets do both passes today" We decided that we had enought time and could make Vegas by 8:30pm.
Heading Home - Charlotte Lake was to the right of this
RaeLakes (98 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrGetting closer to Kearsarge
RaeLakes (113 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrThis place is beautiful
RaeLakes (111 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrBack at the Trail Head
RaeLakes (117 of 134) by dan bogs, on FlickrAlong with my camera I bring my gopro. I was doing some video at Rae Lakes and Paige told me not to look at the videos until we got home. I had no clue as to why until I saw this
http://youtu.be/TuJWQoAz2Ho
We made it back to Pittsburgh safely with ALOT of good memories. I couldn't be prouder of my girl.
IMG_31051 by dan bogs, on Flickr
