8/28/09
Off to May Lake HSC
We awoke around 6 am, washed (no showers at Glen Aulin) and prepared for the call to morning hot drinks at 7 am. As the call came, we took the opportunity to chat with some of the other guests. We found that most were only visiting a couple of the camps, some were staying multiple nights at one camp, and that one couple were backpacking to each camp, taking part only in the meals. The pair of backpackers, Ron a nuclear physicist and his wife Beverly from Long Island would complete the journey as we would, counter clockwise through all the camps and eventually back to Tuolumne Meadows. We would not hike with them, but we would cross their paths many times in the next week. We started our ascent to May Lake at 8:40 am. We had learned that we would be traveling 8 miles from 7,800 feet to 9,270 feet at May Lake. This day should test our ability to maintain a steady pace without burning out before reaching our destination.
Off to May Lake HSC
We awoke around 6 am, washed (no showers at Glen Aulin) and prepared for the call to morning hot drinks at 7 am. As the call came, we took the opportunity to chat with some of the other guests. We found that most were only visiting a couple of the camps, some were staying multiple nights at one camp, and that one couple were backpacking to each camp, taking part only in the meals. The pair of backpackers, Ron a nuclear physicist and his wife Beverly from Long Island would complete the journey as we would, counter clockwise through all the camps and eventually back to Tuolumne Meadows. We would not hike with them, but we would cross their paths many times in the next week. We started our ascent to May Lake at 8:40 am. We had learned that we would be traveling 8 miles from 7,800 feet to 9,270 feet at May Lake. This day should test our ability to maintain a steady pace without burning out before reaching our destination.
The trail to May Lake passes this little jewel before you really start climbing.
I would rather walk on granite than concrete any time.
Gaining the elevation needed to find May Lake.
She is still right on my heels!
Arriving at May Lake HSC
May Lake is the first camp you will encounter perched on the shore of a High Sierra lake if hiking counter clockwise from Tuolumne Meadows. The trail to May Lake passes many beautiful spots, McGee Lake, Polly Dome and Tuolumne Peak to name a few. We arrived in camp after a steep climb, skirting the lake around 3 pm. All of the cabins face the lake. Mt Hoffman at 10,850 feet, bordering the lake on the northwest provides a magnificent backdrop. For those with energy to spare, or an extra day in camp, a side trip provides unmatched views if you are willing to scurry up a scant trail leading to a boulder scramble, taking you to the top of Mt Hoffman.
We marveled at the flush toilets, washed off the trail dust in hot showers, and took a short catnap. Dinner this evening was excellent, including the usual soup, salad, fresh baked bread, chicken and veggies, all followed by the much-anticipated desert. Table time also allowed us to chat with folks we had leap frogged with along the trail with during the day. Kathryn, Steve, Jill, Becky and Rose were all from California. Most had traveled together in the past, they were all friends. We shared past and present experiences, all looking forward to next leg of the trip. We had now blended into an informal group of nine, all moving in the same direction toward Sunrise, the next High Sierra Camp. We slept well.
May Lake tent cabins near the lakes edge.
Just happy to be here.
Mt Hoffman mirrored in May Lake.
Not a ripple on the water!
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