R06 TR: Emigrant Wilderness, Lewis Lakes (Nov 12-13 2016)

[pakoR]

Overnight trip to Lewis Lakes in Emigrant Wilderness, out of Kennedy Meadow. The temperature at 0800 on Saturday morning was 37F as we drove to the TH. We left the parking lot at 0900 intending to reach the middle of the Lewis Lakes before sunset (@1700), but only managed to get within a half mile of the lake with an hour left of sunlight. We set up camp on granite slabs and enjoyed great views of the peaks, some of them covered with a dusting of snow.

The moon, at 94% full, was visible about an hour after the sun began to fall below the horizon. It was out until 0530, lighting up the granite landscape like a floodlight. It is a surreal experience to wake up in the middle of the night thinking it's daylight, and watching the stars in the sky. During the day, the temperature fluctuated around the mid-60s, and at night it dipped below freezing at 8800'. Fortunately, there was minimal wind.

On Sunday morning, we scrambled a half mile and 100' up the granite slabs to the middle of the Lewis Lakes. Amazing views of the lake, and the valley below.

Enjoy the photos!

Kennedy Creek, confluence of Kennedy Creek & Summit Creek


Relief Reservoir


Granite blocks along the trail


Night sky, view north


Stargazing, view south


middle of the Lewis Lakes at sunrise


lower of the Lewis Lakes, view north from middle Lewis Lake


middle of the Lewis Lakes


Western Juniper





lone tree changing colors along Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River

[cslaght]

Absolutely love the night photos, looking like broad daylight indeed! Great trip thanks!