Sierra Reflections 2011

Wrapped in the cozy warmth of a down bag I’m jolted awake from a deep slumber - nature calls. The silence is shattered by the rustle of my sleeping bag. The sweet aroma of the mountain fills the air, and that ever-present biting crisp air on your cheeks! The zipper moans as you free yourself, then the struggle to find your wool sweater, pants, and shoes to stumble into the brisk morning air. Another zipper whines as you crawl to escape the protection of your mountain shelter. Quietly . . . do not disturb is the invisible sign worn by your fellow campers.

Photo: Robert Weldon

Darkness surrounds you, it's early morning, late summer. It’s tranquil, except for the soft gurgle of the trout stream that lulled you to sleep the night before. Finally - clear weather, the rains have stopped; millions of stars twinkle like tiny sparkling diamonds against a pitch-black sky. Orion, the hunter is clearly visible in the eastern sky; careful inspection you can see the nebula glow. It's day three of my first wilderness-backpacking trip in the High Sierra Mountains’ (elevation 10,500 feet) 20 miles south west of Bishop California camped at Dingleberry Lake.

Will it rain today? We need to break camp. There is no rush, time on the mountain passes at a glacial pace. Has it really only been three days? The deluge of rain, sleet, and snow on the high peaks is but a memory now. However this morning, it's cold, crisp, and clear. Scanning the pristine heavens the clarity suggests another beautiful day in the Sierra Mountains.

Robert emerges from hibernation; his tent frozen, shaking off the cold he says in a whisper, “Lets' shoot the sunrise on these peaks that surround the campsite.” As Brendan sleeps, we make our way to the lakes edge, setup the camera and tripod, then sit back and experience the magic of the mountains as the morning sun rises on the peaks. Softly the blackness fades away and the very tip of the mountains begin to glow. What a glorious experience.

This morning is the culmination of an adventure that began Friday, September 9, 2011 with an invitation to join Robert Weldon and Brendan Laurs on a late summer wilderness expedition. My response was immediate, “Yes I’m in!” I was ready . . . well I thought so. Just a few months before with the anticipation of such a trip I had purchased a backpack. As we began to collect our gear for the trip, I proudly pulled my new backpack from the garage, Brendan’s immediate response, “Not with that tiny pack, we need to share food, cooking gear, tent, and supplies. We’ll stop in Bishop, you can rent a pack.”

Simultaneous thoughts begun to whirl through my mind; anticipation, confusion, apprehension, what will we need to pack, how much will we carry? Three days, will I be able to pack the necessary load and keep up? With a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Robert says, “No problem, its easy - you’ll see.” So, with that assurance we set off. The truck is packed to the hilt with equipment, food, and supplies for our weekend adventure in the Sierras’.

Yes, this was a glimpse of my first wildness adventure – upon reflection I’m filled with an inner peace and feeling of accomplishment. An experience I’ll treasure for a lifetime.

So, the next time you’re presented with the opportunity to backpack the Sierra’s, with seasoned travelers don’t hesitate, say, “yes I’m in!” You too will be exhilarated by the experience.

“We don’t remember days, we remember moments.” - Cesare Pavese

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