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

Brrr! Camped on top of a high (11,000') ridge on the W edge of the Fourth Recess of Mono Creek. Same place we camped with Sharpe's last Labor Day weekend. Apparently no one has been here since. Found relics of our last visit still in place. Graded heap of firewood, grill we'd found at Fourth Recess Lake, a big chunk of quartz, the cardboard from the sewing packet DeWayne used on his pants.

Just above the ridge is Mono Pass (8 mi from Second Recess, 12,000'). The wind has howled at gale force up from the Mono Valley ever since we got here. We've everything we own on us. The kids just went to bed (8:00). My seat in front of the fire might as well be 50' away. The cross wind takes all the warmth. Otherwise a beautiful spot. M. & I just watched the sunset and later alpine glow;-little pink clouds are scudding across the sky and jagged peaks all around us are outlined sharply against the bright sky.

Last night after supper we hiked up the Second Recess. Had a good time. Then messed around the fire for a while and to bed. Rained during the night; we didn't get very wet.

Had oats (no milk, 1/8 ration of sugar) and Swiss Miss (Kids only, 2 pkgs) for breakfast. Made good time in pleasant trip here - but all were hungry by 9:00 am. Light lunch only whetted appetites. Were wanting supper by 2:00. Fixed camp, M. took nap, R. and I had a session on map reading and walked over to the edge of the nearest precipice to see the Recess. Had Beef Stroganoff, biscuits and applesauce at 5:00. (Could eat more now). All had a hot water wash in the gale (Uppers only) and hair combed, Cleaned packs and generally made ready to go out tomorrow. We're all ready.

Worried about snow in Mono Pass. We haven't seen much evidence of travel on the trail. A couple passed camp this evening and said it was passable.