Donuts, breakfast of champions! Then we packed-up and hit the trail.
Spirits were high as we got ready to head out on the Cottonwood Lakes trail. Aidan's pack ended-up weighing-in at about 8lbs, and I ended-up at around 40lbs. A…
Aidan quickly fell in love with creek crossing, and there were plenty of chances to practice.
No matter how many squirrels we saw, Aidan was equally fascinated every time.
Aidan's first meadow view. Fortunately the meadows were still quite green in late August even in this dry year.
Entering the John Muir Wilderness. Aidan got a quick lesson about the importance of John Muir!
Another chance for some balance practice.
And more lush meadows.
First view of Mt. Langley in the distance, one of the iconic California 14'ers. Our destination for the night would be at the base of that peak. It still seemed…
As we were sitting having a snack break, along comes my friend George and his wife Jodi! What an incredibly random encounter! While I know they like to backpack…
Taking a quick break at the top of a long climb from 10,400' up to over 11,000'. Aidan powered through the climb no problem. We decided not to take the offshoot…
Aidan motoring along as we approach Lake 2.
Cirque Peak looming over Lake 2.
Mt. Langley is starting to look close, and the terrain is definitely starting to have the classic feel of the Sierras.
An unnamed lake on the way to Lake 3 with Mt. Langley in the background. Yes, that's what the color of the water really looked like. Unquestionably the most…
Leaving the purple lake.
We made it to Lake 3. Aidan takes a break as he looks at the last ridge we have to climb to make it to Lakes 4 and 5 for the night.
At the North end of Lake 3 ready to make our final ascent of the day.
Aidan surveying Lake 3 as we climb the switchbacks.
Last look at Lake 3 before we head over the ridge.