This is part 4 of the “Why We Hike” Series
It was late October and a week after the glorious HST to Pine Creek trip, we were once again at a familiar trailhead in Sequoia National Park. I think the previous trip had us feeling pretty cocky because on this trip we KNEW that the weather wasn’t going to cooperate. We expected cold drizzle and possibly rain and/or snow. Our gear wasn’t much better but our attitudes sure were.
Following the Wolverton trail as we did the week before, we turned north in the Alta wetlands instead of south. Following the ridgeline above the Tokopah Valley all the way to the “Watchtower”, we stopped at the imposing formation that had a shear 2000’ drop to the valley below. We were lucky enough to get someone to snap a photo of us before we continued on.
Heading east, the first lake we passed was Heather Lake, I imagine that in the summer months that a LOT of day hikers make their way out here but at this time of year, in this weather, it is beautiful but forsaken.
After crossing over a ridge, we pass above Aster Lake.
There are primate “facilities” at the trail leading into Emerald Lake that we took advantage of. It started to drizzle, it was already getting a little chilly and our destination was due north, but first we had to ascend a ridge line. Jackets and pack covers came out.
Our turn north takes us around Aster Lake for another look down, if this were further into the wilderness, I would have opted to camp there. But being this close to the Lodgepole ranger station made camping in non-designated camping areas a poor decision.
After circumventing a sloping ridge, we finally ascended to Pear Lake. There were a couple of guys there who had already set up tents but that still left plenty of places for us to choose from. We got them to take a photo of us.
As we contemplate where to pitch the tent, I notice the weather deteriorating quickly. Pear Lake was completely exposed to the north, without even tree cover for protection so I suggested to Kelly that we descend back down to Emerald Lake which at least had good tree cover. We bid farewell to the guys at Pear Lake and headed back down.
Setting up was uneventful and the drizzle even let up during the time we made and ate dinner. However, late that night a storm hit hard. The rain came down while the wind ripped at the rainfly. Our little Northface Tadpole held up without a hitch and by morning the rain and wind had passed.
Now with winter closing in, we figure that this would be our last trip to the Sierras until spring but that was okay, we managed to squeeze in a few good trips at the end of the season. On the way back to the trail head we were already planning for next year where I reluctantly enlisted in a bold plan to hike 1000 miles in 2008. Mostly throughout the months between May and October we would hike almost every weekend putting in 15 or more miles per day. It was ambitious, it was stupid, and it was definitely us.