Sierra Reflections 2015

“Do you think I’ll need my gloves?” 

“No doubt,” I said to Lori as we prepared to make the trek up the Mountain from Bishop, CA, on route 168, to the Bishop Pass trailhead at South Lake (elevation 9,620 ft).

Bishop Pass Trailhead

It was cold late October weather. 36 degrees when we parked the truck and stepped into the brisk, fresh Sierra mountain air. The golden yellow fall colors of trembling Aspens surrounded us. We never passed a single car driving the 20 miles from downtown Bishop past Parchers Resort (closed for the season) to our roadside parking.

My first thought - where is everyone? Wonder if the trailhead is closed for the season? Nah, can’t be. The parking lot was gated . . . why?

“Last time I was here we couldn't find a place to park. There were bicyclists, people trout fishing Bishop Creek, and the resort was teeming with activity - this year no one. Weird!”

Undaunted, we layered our clothes, strapped on our day-packs, adjusted our hiking poles, and started up the mountain. Immediately we both gasped from the high elevation and lack of oxygen. Compared to a 40 pound wilderness backpack our day-packs were very light but the combination of the thin, cold air and climbing without acclamation to the elevation, breathing was tough.

This was our first day-hike in the Eastern Sierras this trip. The bustle of civilization had completely vanished. Not a soul in sight. The peaceful calming effect of the wind, an occasional chipmunk barking, and periodically a Stellar Jay were the only sounds besides our footfalls. Each deep breath a sensation of fresh, crisp, pine scented air. I wanted Lori to experience hiking the Wilderness trail Brendan and I had traveled less than two years before. We entered the trail at South Lake with a goal to reach an area on the Topo map identified as Timberlake Tarns.

The Bishop Pass trail rises in a series of granite benches. The trail is well maintained. Under the shade of dark clouds there was a thin layer of frost on the trees and a dusting of snow blanketing the ground. The clouds low hanging over the peaks to the east. A cold wind blowing in from the North. The climb was steady, slow going, with a series of switchbacks.

“We might get more snow. Too cold to rain.” I said. 

At 10,800 foot elevation we came upon the disk of a golden brown meadow with a succession of pristine mountain lakes (Hurd, Long, and Bull lakes). The view was spectacular. We found a spot protected from the wind, and enjoyed a snack.

“Do you feel like going further?” 

“I’m good, let’s try it,” said Lori.

We hoisted our packs and moved on. With the sun hidden behind the inky clouds for most of the day the temperatures remained cold. Surprisingly we were comfortable dressed in layers. Soon tired out, we turned round at the end of Long Lake. According to our FitBit tracker we had hiked (from the truck) close to five miles. So, we headed back.

As we approached the trail head entrance we were met by a Ranger who said, “Sorry folks, the parking lot was just paved. Would you take this side trail to Parchers Resort?”

“I’m not sure we could make it that far, we’ve already gone seven miles. Our truck is parked just down the road from the entrance.” I said.

“Ok,” said the Ranger. “Let me show you how to get around the parking lot without walking through it.”

“That would be great.”

We stumbled our way around the freshly paved lot to the road, thanked the Ranger, and headed for the truck.

That afternoon, we savored a cold beer and a delicious burger. Back to our hotel, a hot shower and a warm bed. Something we could have never done Wilderness camping.

Today, as I reflect on this years Sierra adventure I’m reminded, once again, of what John Muir so eloquently stated, “Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”