Heckel's Adventures

Rush Creek Trail head (Silver Lake) to Gem Lake A grueling, hot day of 90+ temperatures, no breeze, no water (not even for Daisy so she had to share ours) and just over 2000 ft up to Gem Lake.  Getting started on the trail, sage brush was unfortunately plentiful for a large portion of the day's hiking.  And away we go!  Official sign of the wilderness area boundary.  The first dammed lake was Agnew, the water was low despite the dam.  View looking back down to Agnew Lake on our climb up to Gem Lake.  First views of Gem Lake, we are eager to find camp to get water and take off our packs!  Near camp on a peninsula.  A view of the dam on Gem Lake from our camp.  Self portrait.  Boy was Daisy color coordinated!  And Daisy replies "oh dam!" The first night in the ultra-lite tent.  Oh boy was it nice carrying only 3 pounds 3 ounces for a little 3 man tent.

Gem Lake to Waugh Lake We had a nice rolling hike from Gem to Waugh, good to have an easier day after the grueling start.  A great dip of the feet in the stream before arriving at Waugh Lake, ooohhh, it felt so good!  Back on the trail with Jen (and Daisy).  First view of Waugh Lake, yes, this was the 3rd dam out of the first 3 lakes in the wilderness area!  Some persistent smoke from a wildfire on the west side of the Sierras.  Yup, Daisy was ready for bed, just the 2nd night with the UL tent and she knew where she wanted to be.  Waiting for sunset.  Daisy did leave the tent after all to watch sunset with us.  Here it comes!  There were numerous tree stumps surrounding the lake, likely from pre-dam days. And Daisy asked "time for bed?"

Waugh Lake to Thousand Island Lake We had a nice day hiking with moderate ascending and minimal descending.  Great rest breaks.  Stumbled upon a large group that at first we thought would be taking in the amazing view, but upon more inspection were found to be on their cell phones!  Panoramic in the morning at Waugh Lake.  Waugh Lake views.  Just over the pass and came upon "Ham and Eggs Lakes" at just over 10200 ft.  Daisy photo bombed our self portrait attempt at either Ham or Eggs, not sure which would be which of the 2.  Not sure what the plant is.  First view of Thousand Island Lake with Mt. Ritter in the background.  Daisy settled in next to some people on the amazing overlook.  Yup, they are all on their phones or checking for signal.  Still a little haze in the air from the nearby wildfire.  Daisy was pooped!  Used the telephoto lens to capture her.  She wasn't going anywhere a...

Thousand Island Lake to Clark Lakes This was our earliest arrival into camp, so we walked around a bit looking for some photo ops.  Daisy tried to disturb every opportunity that included some small flying specimens!  Daisy was camera shy I guess here.  Calm water and the skies cleared of the smoke from the nearby wildfire, made for a great view!  I don't think there was anyplace better to have breakfast!  Fireweed by the lakeside.  Daisy is ready to hike and leave the beautiful 1,000 island lake in the rear view mirror.  This is a huge fungus!  Wish there were something else in the pic for perspective.  Another look back.  Near camp now at Clark Lakes, loved the contrast against the blue sky.    Daisy Belle enjoying her backcountry experience.  More flowers. View of Clark Lake from across the lake, this is the view more of the stock parties enjoy.

We initially ascended 200 ft to a small pond as we left Clark Lakes, then descended a long 2900 ft to return to the trail head at Rush Creek.  We are nearly at the highest altitude for the day as we approach this small lake/pond.  Looking back, we reflect on some great views of the Sierras.  We are now descending, Daisy and Jen lead the way!  This tree has been sculpted by the wind in this canyon. And wer're back!