Walking Trip In The High Sierra
June 25, 1966-July 10, 1966

7:50 p.m. July 6. Kids just went to bed. I’m sitting against a large rock facing a big campfire in an exquisite setting. We are on a gravelly scrub pine studded peninsula in Lake Marie. (10,600') The setting sun lights the mountains of the Mono Divide to the North (Mt. Hilgard is just off to the North of the lake). Snow fields glitter on Mt. Senger. Evening bird calls audible over the rush of the wind. (White granite rocks shield us from the wind; the temp is just right.) Easy to see why they named this range, Sierra Nevada - everywhere above the timberline it sparkles in the light, amplifying all the movement of light and shadow, glowing with life long after the sun has set. Rock, sun, wind - these are the governors of the high mountains; sparkling snow, blue and white water fashion the character of thts desolate but vital region. Old Aristotle would have recognized his elements here.

We have covered lots of ground since the 4th. Up and out early the 5th. Descended into Evolution Meadow (mosquito-ridden as predicted; 9,200'; 5.0 mi from Evolution Lake via McClure Mdw.) and down into Goddard Canyon by 11:20 (8.5 mi from Evolution Lake, 8,450'). Lunched by the S. Fork (San Joaquin R),napped and onward. R leading all the way. By 2:00 had passed Piute Canyon bridge (5.3 mi. 8,000') and begun the trek through the forest toward Blaney Meadow. The heat was oppressive after the cool of the high country. Considerably petered out by 3:00, although we'd been going strong 'till then. Made camp near a little rivulet on the slopes above Blaney Meadow (7,900', 7.0 mi) at 4:00. Hot and tired ( we'd covered an estimated 17 miles)we didn't do much more than splash in the water for an hour or so. Then supper (chili, biscuits) and bed.

Today hiked up to the Sallie Keyes Lakes (about 6 mi from last nite’s camp; 19.8 mi from Evolution Lake, 62½ mi from road end, 10,200'). Lunched there. The two lakes, again in a high country atmosphere, most enjoyable. Pure blue, wooded and framed by large glacial moraines, full of surface-feeding trout - these lakes looked like gems set in the granite as we ascended above them after lunch. We climbed past Heart Lake (10,490') and up and over Seldon Pass (10,872'; not a rugged climb but wild and interesting) We were at the pass by 1:00. Below us we saw large Marie Lake spread out over a big basin while beyond we had a fine view of the Mono and Bear Creek country.

Tomorrow will take a long downhill trek through the valley of Bear Creek to Quail Meadow on the Mono Creek. Don’t know the exact distance (14.4 mi from Marie L, 17.2 from Sallie Keyes Lakes, 79 mi. from rd. end),but est 14 mi. Will be late and tired so no entry planned.

Spent the afternoon washing, loafing, fishing. No fish. Large supper (bean pot beans, biscuits, pudding ) and rearranged menus. All are in good health and spirits ( except for miscellaneous chapped lips and hands, bites and abrasions, and lots of ground in dirt.) Clothes are not holding up, Neither are my feet. Blisters and athletes foot, etc. Supplies are doing fine except cigarettes. If I hadn't lost two in Chasm Lake Id be even with plan, but forgot any for next Sun.