Friday, May 21, 2010

Sierra Hiking



After a day or so of sitting around the campground sucking up the natural beauty of the Sierras from afar we decided it was time to get up close and personal. 
 
Our first adveture was to Sabrina Lake (pronounced  - sa brine′ ah) for a hike along the lake shore.  Sabrina Lake is at about 10,000 feet and was just starting to open up.  The lake level was very low in anticipation of the spring snow melt.

Having used up all that energy we refreshed ourselves with some of the Sabrina Cafe's coffee and their famous Chocolate Brownie Pie.
Red Headed Woodpecker on Aspen
The next morning we were up with the birds for a trip  to another 10,000 foot lake, but this time we would have to hike to it.  The hike to Grassy Lake would be difficult because the snow pack was still significant above around 8,500 feet but we were well prepared and decided to give it a shot.

Mountain Bluebird
  The lower section of the trail was more or less flat and clear of snow.  The aspens were on the verge of budding and a general feel of spring was in the air.
Looking into the John Muir Wilderness area
 As expected we hit snow as soon as we started to ascend, but along with the snow came spectacular views of the Eastern Sierras and The John Muir Wilderness.  John Muir is a federally protected wilderness area, free of roads, verhicles, and construction of any type.
 
 We donned our gaiters, crampons, and trekking poles and pushed on, finally making it to the lake after about 3½ hours.
It was well worth it.

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