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| Little Lakes Valley |
“Merde! It’s only been five miles. My legs are dog-tired from carrying this backpack.” was the comment I mumbled inaudibly while hiking yesterday to begin the full regiment of training for this year's Sierra adventure.
Lori led the way for my first full backpack training exercise, “We need to get you out more these next few weeks; your trip is less than one month away.”
“Wow, you’re right. How is it that all that work I’ve done, bicycling and hiking, is not enough? This getting older is a bitch!”
We were hiking the Calavera Hills Nature Preserve in Carlsbad. I wanted to climb close to home to try out the new backpack. Granted, the 513-ft. Mount Calavera is not really a mountain at all but rather a 22 million-year-old volcanic plug—a mass of volcanic rock that solidified in its vent and feeding system millions of years ago. It is an excellent training area.
This year, our intrepid team will explore Little Lakes Valley, nestled in the Inyo National Forest near Bishop, CA., our high Sierra adventure. With a starting elevation of 10,200,' we are excited that the trail system is easily accessible to a great cirque of peaks and two major passes into the backcountry that can all be done in a day. An excellent opportunity to find the perfect spot, establish a base camp, photograph a sunset, and catch a few trout for dinner.
I remember preparing for the first trip. The anticipation, confusion, and apprehension, what will we need to pack, how much will we carry? In three days, will I be able to pack the necessary load and keep up? With a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Robert said, “No problem, it's easy - you’ll see.”
Now that I have five trips under my belt let me assure you that it is NOT easy. A trip to the high Sierras takes planning, discipline, persistence, and a commitment to training. However, I will say this - it is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have in this lifetime. You will experience nature on a grand scale that no camera can capture; exquisite solitude, exhilarating experiences, magnificent panoramas, and the delight of discovery, yet contrast with the harsh reality of survival.
John Muir said it best, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
Those who have yet to have the incredible opportunity to explore the Sierras may enjoy reading about our previous adventures; Sierra Refections - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, October 2018, Sept. 2022, October 2022, and 2023; just click the link for the year.
Now, if you will, please excuse me. I’m heeding my wife’s timeless words of wisdom.
“You need to get out more; your trip is less than one month away.”
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