Another Season in the Sierra

As summer turns to fall, David and I have been reminiscing about the summer and how lucky were are to get to spend so much time in such a special place. It is so neat to live out here and watch the seasons change, especially in the high country where the summer is so fleeting. It is already getting chilly and the leaves of the trees are changing colors in the mountains. Since we haven't really put any pictures of the summer up yet, here are some photos of where we've been throughout the last few months.

Late spring runoff.

Backpacking for David's work. Fox poo, here we come!

Stone tool on ridgeline we were surveying for fox poo.

Dosy Basin, at the campsite and time to make dinner! 

David and Marty in Lundy Canyon/

On a backpack over Mono Pass, we saw these red and white mountains in the distance. Turns out they are called the Red and White Mountains. We immediately decided to go there soon.  A couple weekends later we took a long (20 mile) day hike to McGee Pass in the Red and White Mountains. We were rewarded with incredible views and a dinner of Thai food back in Mammoth. 

View of Red and White Mountains from Mono Pass.

Almost to McGee Pass, Red and White Mountains.

The different kinds and color of rock is super cool. 

The Rim Fire this summer has been pretty crazy. It is the largest fire ever in Yosemite and one of the largest in California. It will impact natural and cultural resources in much of the northwest section of the Park. Historically, low-intensity fires occurred every 10-20 years in this area. However, 150 years of fire suppression has caused really heavy fuel loading.

View of the Rim Fire from Tuolumne.

Over Labor Day weekend, we headed to King's Canyon National Park for a two night, three day backpack around the Rae Lakes loop, which was amazingly beautiful. It is similar to Yosemite, but more rugged and less people. I had never been backpacking in King's Canyon before, so it was a real treat.

David is excited to make dinner. 

Waterfall at Bubb's Creek.