Sierras 2004: Northern Yosemite Border

We circle Smedberg lake and pick up the PCT. We follow this down into Benson Lakethen back out the other side over Seavey Pass, under the slopes of Piute Mtn. Back down into Kerrick Canyon. Here we leave the trail and hike up a basin east of Price Pk. At the top of the basin we turn left and cross the north ridge. This brings us to another set of unnamed lakes.

There were a few snow flurries as we crossed the ridge and dark clouds around us. I elect to set up the tent and Tyler elects to sleep in it with me.

Our camp at Smedberg Lake.

Trail walking.

We left the trail and climbed up this basin east of Price Peak

Crossing the ridge, view to the west where I was heading.

Tyler checking out his route out.

Camp 4

Next morning is cold. 1 inch long ice crystals have grown on the mud flats around our lake. When I walk on them they fall over, pushing my feet 1 inch to the side.

Tyler has to hike out today to meet his mother in The Valley tomorrow. He makes some brief sketches from the map. He only need hit the trail in the next valley over then take the correct turns at junctions. I've enjoyed hiking with him. He's quiet like me, mellow, and very competent.

I look forward to solo hiking with excitement and some apprehension. There is no one out here and winter is going to start any day now. I give Tyler a detailed description of my intended route. I hope that should hurt myself and be incapable of walking out the Park will spring for a helicopter to over fly the route and pick me up.

I head northwest, crossing Thompson Canyon, a region of lakes, then Stubblefield Canyon. On the map Stubblefield looked interesting, possibly granite sides a floor. The reality is not so good. I continue out the west side, doing the hardest bushwhacking on the trip. Higher the going eases. I camp on a ridge above Tilden Lake near a small lake. I have spectacular views.

Tyler sketching his route

Lake 8896T, just below our camp.

Route for the day. Just beyond the trees in the foreground is Thompson Canyon. Beyond that the treed area leads to a low pass on the left in the middle distance. That's Stubblefield Canyon - it is hard to see. Beyond the skyline is Tilden creek.

A meadow and granite wall in the treed area. I love when I come across interesting features like this and know that there are probably very few other people who have seen this.

The low pass in to Stubblefield canyon. If you come this way staying left as you descend will be best.

Stubblefield canyon. I was hoping for smooth granite floors. Instead it was somewhat rubbly so I decide to not camp here.

My exit out of Stubblefield. Easier going if I hiked further down valley but probably longer over all.

Exit route was boulders surrounded by this brush.

Once I decide where I'll camp and get my pack off I'm suddenly very lonely. Oh - just me out here. It's a big place.

I take care of my self by carefully setting up my camp. I clear the ground, pitch the tent well, lay out my sleeping bag and gear in an inviting way. I cook myself a good warm dinner. Focusing on what I'm doing and doing it with care makes me feel less alone.

From my sleeping bag I watch the sun set over a far ridge. 20 minutes after sunset there is a brilliant line of blue-orange light above the ridge, blending in the smoothest gradient to the darkest, darkest blue above me, then stars.

But then the wind comes up. I'm right on the edge of the ridge and have no protection. I close the tent door and listen to the wind swoop around me. It sounds like a host of daemons swooping through the air, frequently coming to rattle my tent. I consider moving camp in the dark. Just dropping 200 ft off the ridge would probably help a lot. But then I notice that the daemon visitations become less frequent. I put in my ear plugs so the tent flapping won't bother me. This works well and I sleep well, but I'm not completely comfortable using ear plugs as they may mask other, more important sounds. I'm afraid that the first I know of the bear in camp will be it's breath on my cheek.

My careful ridge top camp.

View from camp.