8/30/09
Off to Merced Lake HSC
Today's hike was just as anticipated the last but for a different reason, other then changes in scenery, it would be mostly down hill, but ten miles in length. We would depart the 9,400 foot elevation of Sunrise traveling north in the opposite direction of our destination. We would continue north, turning east prior to reaching Columbia Finger and make our way up through the pass between Columbia Finger and the peak just to it's south. From here we would make a slow and steady decent south to Merced Lake at 7,150 feet. We would travel down the granite slab canyon confining Cathedral Fork stream and then follow Echo Creek from where Cathedral Fork converges. We would follow Echo Creek until it converges with the Merced River and then follow the Merced River to the shores of Merced Lake. At this elevation, in this geography, a good deal of the time the creeks are running through sold granite flues that have been carved over thousands of years. The water is crystal clear and very cold. The views are like few others on this planet. We stopped for lunch about half way to our destination. We refilled our camelback bladders and soaked our feet just down stream of a bridged water crossing. The lower elevation and the bright midday sun reflecting off the granite made for a very warm afternoon.
Off to Merced Lake HSC
Today's hike was just as anticipated the last but for a different reason, other then changes in scenery, it would be mostly down hill, but ten miles in length. We would depart the 9,400 foot elevation of Sunrise traveling north in the opposite direction of our destination. We would continue north, turning east prior to reaching Columbia Finger and make our way up through the pass between Columbia Finger and the peak just to it's south. From here we would make a slow and steady decent south to Merced Lake at 7,150 feet. We would travel down the granite slab canyon confining Cathedral Fork stream and then follow Echo Creek from where Cathedral Fork converges. We would follow Echo Creek until it converges with the Merced River and then follow the Merced River to the shores of Merced Lake. At this elevation, in this geography, a good deal of the time the creeks are running through sold granite flues that have been carved over thousands of years. The water is crystal clear and very cold. The views are like few others on this planet. We stopped for lunch about half way to our destination. We refilled our camelback bladders and soaked our feet just down stream of a bridged water crossing. The lower elevation and the bright midday sun reflecting off the granite made for a very warm afternoon.
View north of Columbia Finger, as we make our way into Cathedral Canyon, I think. Please comment if my description is incorrect.
Echo Peaks? Not sure of this one either. Please comment if my description is incorrect.
Pumping water into my 100 oz camelback.
The Merced River pours down the canyon, Merced Lake is a bit further up the canyon.
The trail is more granite than it is soil, we must be getting close.
Just another falls as we ascend into the canyon.
At reduced flow, this granite reflector oven looked like a great place for a dip.
This was second of these little guys I saw on the trail since leaving May Lake, this one guarding the trail into Merced Lake camp.
Arriving at Merced Lake HSC
Prior to reaching the Merced River, the hike through Echo valley had been flat and dusty. The kind of easy hiking that you enjoy, but hope will not continue forever. This pesky monotony is know as last mile of the day syndrome if you are familiar with backpacking. Merced Lake Camp was the first of the High Sierra Camps built and a welcome site. It was originally used to house mounted Calvary, it is a large flat symmetrical rectangle on the eastern shore of the lake. The granite canyon approaching the river's beginning at Merced Lake is a virtual water park of pools and slides. There were many people frolicking in the water as the lake came into view. Merced is a big lake bordered on the north and south by granite peaks. This camp is a hold point for people whose next destination maybe is at capacity for a day or two. Most of the folks we met were here for two nights. We too were here for two nights and thought it would be a pleasant rest before making our last climb to Vogelsang Pass. By the time we had partaken in the endless supply of cool lemonade offered to guests at each camp, laid out our gear, showered and taken a short rest, it was time for hot drinks. We discussed the dusty trail in and what to do on our "day off". We did plan on doing laundry the next morning, from there it was yet undecided. Dinner this evening was the usual selection of fresh soup and salad, with turkey as the main course. The cooking staff usually comes out and tells the guests about themselves, but tonight they decided to play their instruments and sing a song. Their enthusiasm, free spirits, camaraderie, and attitude took me immediately back to the 60's. I was pleased to find that at most of the camps, the young staff had either graduated or were in the process of finishing college. They hadn't just dropped out; they had taken an opportunity and seized it. You only get to do something’s once. It was good to see them enjoying their youth before jumping into the treadmill.
Prior to reaching the Merced River, the hike through Echo valley had been flat and dusty. The kind of easy hiking that you enjoy, but hope will not continue forever. This pesky monotony is know as last mile of the day syndrome if you are familiar with backpacking. Merced Lake Camp was the first of the High Sierra Camps built and a welcome site. It was originally used to house mounted Calvary, it is a large flat symmetrical rectangle on the eastern shore of the lake. The granite canyon approaching the river's beginning at Merced Lake is a virtual water park of pools and slides. There were many people frolicking in the water as the lake came into view. Merced is a big lake bordered on the north and south by granite peaks. This camp is a hold point for people whose next destination maybe is at capacity for a day or two. Most of the folks we met were here for two nights. We too were here for two nights and thought it would be a pleasant rest before making our last climb to Vogelsang Pass. By the time we had partaken in the endless supply of cool lemonade offered to guests at each camp, laid out our gear, showered and taken a short rest, it was time for hot drinks. We discussed the dusty trail in and what to do on our "day off". We did plan on doing laundry the next morning, from there it was yet undecided. Dinner this evening was the usual selection of fresh soup and salad, with turkey as the main course. The cooking staff usually comes out and tells the guests about themselves, but tonight they decided to play their instruments and sing a song. Their enthusiasm, free spirits, camaraderie, and attitude took me immediately back to the 60's. I was pleased to find that at most of the camps, the young staff had either graduated or were in the process of finishing college. They hadn't just dropped out; they had taken an opportunity and seized it. You only get to do something’s once. It was good to see them enjoying their youth before jumping into the treadmill.
This was a welcoming sight! Can't wait to see the lake.
Now that is a High Sierra lake. Merced at last.
Entering camp, registration and dining at the far end in the center of the photo.
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