Are we there yet?
We experienced a visual treat while backpacking California’s Lost Coast Trail. Over thirty minutes of viewing bliss. When compressed into less than twenty seconds it is sheer wonder. Click here to see the time lapse sunset at Kinsey Creek.
I know, it’s sad that it’s taken me this far into the year to go on a trip. But that’s just the way this year has worked out.
Trip was with Jon B. and we went to Desolation Valley on 8/27. Trailhead was Wrights Lake. Walked up to Grouse Lake and made camp at Hemlock Lake. Moved on Saturday to Island Lake. We encountered a brief snow flurry on the way down from Hemlock Lake at 8,200′ elevation at 10 a.m.
Walk to Island Lake was leisurely but very windy and cold. Didn’t make it to freezing but it sure felt like it. Weather wasn’t conducive to doing much so, it was nap time until dinner. Found a spot below a rock outcropping and had dinner. Cleaned up and then went to sleep.
Walk out next morning was better. The wind had died down but it still was chilly. Lo cal lunch of salami, cheese, and Ritz crackers at 11:00. Yes, a bit early but trail lunch tastes 100 times better on the trail rather than back in the parking lot. Plus the view was much better, too. At the car about 1:00p.m. and home by 3:00p.m. Desolation Valley is a great resource for northern California. Quota system keeps overnight campers spread out and at a more than tolerable number.
