Off to Sunrise HSC
The hike to Sunrise was much anticipated. We would travel eight miles, dropping abruptly from 9,270 feet at May Lake to around 8,200 feet at Tenaya Lake only to climb abruptly back up to Sunrise Camp at 9,400 feet. We would have views of Tenaya Lake, Tresidder Peak, Sunrise Mt. and the Sunrise Lakes along the way. Up hill and down hill is what High Sierra hiking and backpacking is all about. Everyone develops his or her own style and pace. Ann and I try to maintain a pace that we can sustain for hours with few short breaks. We stay in our aerobic zone, always able to supply enough oxygen to sustain the effort, not to suffer the lactic acid burns that accompany restarting after repeated stops. We move slowly enough to take in the sights and at the same time cover the miles necessary to reach the goal. This works for us. Everyone who backpacks must discover what works for them and stick to it. It is the classic tortoise and the hare. This said, the climb to Sunrise required a few trips to that little well in the mind that replenishes, refreshes and reassures your purpose. This hike would help prepare us for the last uphill leg of the High Sierra Loop.
Ann starting out around 830 in the morning.
Heading down to Tenaya Lake before we can head up to Sunrise.
Don't come any closer, find your own rock!
One of the Sunrise Lakes, none visable from the actual Sunrise Camp.
Arriving at Sunrise HSC
Sunrise is not one of those camps that you can see from any distance. It just kind of pops out of the forest as you descend on Long Meadow, sitting at the eastern base of the mountain forming the western boundary of the meadow. There are few sights comparable. Flat lush green for miles interrupted by wandering streams, something from a 60's poster. The edge of the camp facing the meadow is almost one continuous granite boulder, affording many perches to absorb the beauty. This camp is the most scattered of the five camps. It has hot showers and composting toilets. Tent cabins are staggered along the trail as you approach the main dining and cooking facility. The afternoon and evening light is spectacular. Due to the limited space, this evening we will share a six-person tent cabin with two other couples. We shower and enjoy the afternoon views as we wait for the call to hot drinks. Dinner this evening is a surprise; steak was not really anticipated by this first time visitor to the camps. What a meal! Following a wonderful soup and fresh salad, the steak was presented on a bed of polenta and fresh vegetables. Conversation was lively, life was good. We learned one of our cabin mate couples, Jonathan and Robyn would be departing the next day and that the other couple, Bob and Brenda would be continuing the journey on an identical schedule. Candles were snuffed and all drifted off, only to be occasionally interrupted by the heavy snoring of tired hikers.
Looking north to our path in the morning.
Nothing like a High Sierra meadow.
New friends, all happy after a great steak dinner. Rose, Ann, Katheryn, Becky and Jill.
The other end of the table, Steve and Rose liked the steak too.
Becky displays the desert before it disappears.
No comments:
Post a Comment