The Perseid Surprise

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This was an overnight, solo trip to 8000 feet deep into the heart of the Sierra Nevadas. I tried to invite people, but nobody wanted to come! I knew it was going to be a long weekend with lots of driving and hiking. But I also knew I would get to spend a day and night in the wilderness enjoying the biggest meteor shower of the year. I brought food I didn't have to cook. I brought only a sleeping bag and mat. I only said a few words in 24 hours to the 3 passing hikers I saw on trail. Backpacking solo is relaxing and centering, it gives you the peace of mind to notice every little thing around you. Its silent and serene!

The Perseids Meteor Shower was incredible, I saw over 60 in the 2 hours before moonrise. I camped on a rocky hill with grass and strange alpine plants on the rim of the deep, glaciated gorge. The dramatic elevation difference between the peaks and the bottom of the canyon was spectacular. The sapphire river roared far away, silence ruled and the birds were scarce. The south facing hill held sunshine in the rocks, keeping me warm all night long in nothing but a sleeping bag and pad. The wildflowers in the frequent meadows were in full bloom, I saw over 20 different kinds of flowers and have no idea what all their names are.

The forest was spectacular, alternating between Ponderosa Pine, White Pine, Red Fir and Juniper. Turns out a large river actually cut a gorge and it had hundreds of pools deep enough for swimming- a perfect cold water dip was the perfect way to clean up and cool off after the trip on the way back to the car.

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Photos

My camp
Really, camp was just my sleeping bag and pad.

Contorted Log
This area gets heavy, heavy snowfall in winter. Evidence for this is everywhere...

Lilly Pad Pond
on the dirt road 2 miles from the Isberg Trailhead

Red Fir Forest
The unmistakeable Red Fir Forest! It smells delicious, and the Red Fir's grow in thick stands drowing out all other competitors. The Bark is enchanting...

Wildflowers
Springtime was in full bloom at this altitude in the meadows. It also means the mosquitos are in full force as well!

Cedar and Granite
The bark of the Cedar is even more red and beautiful than the Red Fir!

Corn Lilys
These meadow plants grow fast and furious in thick bunches, only to die back yellow a month or two later as fall comes.

Cedar Views
The views of the true high country of the Sierra Nevada(over 13,000 feet) started to open up.

Wildflowers
Meadow after meadow provided quite a show!

Light and Shadow
The light scattered all over the forest floor, illuminating trees and flowers at random...

Dead End Trail
The trails in the Sierra NF are maintained, but yearly tree falls frequently cause one to go around! Here a Red Fir lets us know not all trees are destined to grow tall.

Meadow and Stream
I passed about 5 streams on the way to my campsite, here one was showcased with sunlight...

holes
Swimmin' hole! Fantastically refreshing, and not cold once you get in...

holes
The trees naturally grow into Bonsai shapes in through here.

My Campsite-Sleeping bag next to Tree!
Taken from the mountain above camp... a fantastic site- No bugs, warmth from the rocks, slight wind, a tree for shade, flat surfaces and rocky chairs perfect for reclining!

Comments

[Antsy]

Awesome photos, Amazing trip!
Love it! Great photos!!!

[janet]

amazing
The photos are amazing, wow. I just wish I could hike and I'd go with you...at least I can see it through your lens. Your descriptions are a good guide. Thanks for the wonderful trip. you are a great guide.

[Amanda]

Cool
What a beautiful view. Absollutely gorgeous

[jrfromafar]

Your photos are the best motivation there is...
living in the San Joaquin Valley I am only too familiar with the area. Have been in and around the area many times in years gone by. In my garage hangs my dorment back pack, packed and ready when I am. Just have to get back in shape and in the groove to do it again.

[Jeffman]

Me gusta mi iPod
Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.

[paland]

Beautiful Pics
I love those pics. I usually do the northern sierra's but those show that the southern sierra's are a paradise.

[anonymous]

surprise saddle
One of the best views in that area. I've stopped there to rest for decades on my way to the headwaters of the North fork which is another dimension completely. Thanks for sharing.