Izaak Walton Lake to Big McGee Lake: Sierra Nevada

Camo and I retracing our steps back towards McGee Pass. Smoke returned.

Example of the dry Sierra. Seasonal pond dried up.

More dry Sierra meadows

Wildflowers grew in small pockets where moisture remained.

Hiking back over McGee Pass.

Over the pass, heading towards Big McGee Lake

Only Columbine I saw the whole trip.

Only glimpse of John Muir's favorite wildflower.

Flowers were there, but hard to find.

Camp for the night, Big McGee Lake.

 Continuation of a trip to the Sierra Nevada in August:

Camo and I woke up to another smoky morning in the Sierra at Izaak Walton Lake. Our time was up, so we planned on retracing our steps to hike back to Tully Lake, hike over McGee Pass, and camp at Big McGee Lake again. The next day, we would hike out of the mountains and meet Moosie at the parking area. The hike over the pass wasn't too bad. I mostly observed the dry Sierra, wishing for a good snow pack for the upcoming winter to alleviate some of the drought. Saw my first and only marmot around lunch time. Camo pointed it out. Looked for wildflowers, whose presence reminded me of my John Muir hike back in 2009. Once we reached McGee Pass, Camo was able to get cell service and contacted Moosie. She would be ready to meet us the next day around noon. The hike down to the like was nice, Camo and I found sites on the opposite side of the lake, making it feel like a brand new spot with new views...