High Sierra Topix

Saturday, 11 April 2009 (day 1 of 2)
Peak 6661 and Russell Peak

PHOTOS: http://snownymph.smugmug.com/gallery/78 ... 4447_6Leig" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had planned to do Chuckwalla Peak, but when I woke up the wind was blowing hard. I drove to Indian Wells Canyon to do my planned Sunday hike instead. Weather was perfect, light breeze and warm out. My goal was to see wildflowers since I've been spending weekends in Mammoth for the past 3 months. I had a lot of energy and felt great, and ended up doing 4,293' el gain in 6.5 mi. The most gain I had done since surgery was about 1,500', so this was a big day for me. :-) It was beautiful day!!!!

Sunday, 12 April 2009 (day 2 of 2)
Chuckwalla Peak, Southern Sierra

PHOTOS: http://snownymph.smugmug.com/gallery/78 ... 3356_fxRJ6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I camped at Indian Wells Canyon, then drove south to Chuckwalla Peak in the morning. The Highlander couldn't get up the road so I had to back down a one lane dirt road on a ridge, turn around and park. From were I parked I had to descend, then hike up to where I would have parked. The road was steep with marbles, so I had to be careful. I stopped for lizards, flowers and even a tiny snake. Very cool! The flowers were almost gone, not like last year at this time. I took my time getting to Chuckwalla, then stayed up there for over an hour. It didn't take long to get back. It was 75 degrees with a light breeze. What a difference a day makes!


Little guy


Cool lizard



Arnica

Bluebells?

Pincushion

Beautiful photos....and I thought that snake was a bit bigger until I noticed the end of your hiking stick.

Ah, springtime in the desert!