June 27, 2012 -Cragg Lake to Middle Velma Lake

 

Title: June 27, 2012 -Cragg Lake to Middle Velma Lake

Trail head: Meeks Bay/Cragg Lake

Hike Info:

Trail: Yosemite Tahoe Trail

Destination: Middle Velma Lake

Distance: 8.6

Travel Time: 7:58

Moving Time: 4:18

Elevation Rise: 2,090'

Maximum Elevation: 8,844'

 







Description:

Got up before sunrise at Cragg Lake. All still. Mountains reflect off of the lake. Clear and beautiful. Saw that there was a control valve which governs the flow from the lakes in this area.

Andrea and Sherri gets up around the arrival of the sun. Normal breakfast. A bit slow in getting off. Leave camp around 9:30. But the day is cool and the grade is moderate, so we make good time. We stop at Stony Ridge Lake. It is pleasant enough-actually a really nice lake. Andrea and I claim a rock as our Capture California island. We wade/swim to it. Water is a bit cold, but the lake bottom is nice to walk on. Also we do a picnic lunch for CC as well. Oh yeah—and we were visited by a friendly little snake. But this pleasant time comes to an end. We start hiking again and it is up, up and up. The view is pretty good of the lake. We cross over a ridge which separates the drainage between Meeks and Emerald Bay. The scenery changes dramatically from forested, to rock. Both are pleasant, just a contrast.

We continue on toward Phipps Pass, 8800'. The pass itself is not impressive. But it does mark the end of a long uphill, we descend for a couple of miles, regaining some of the trees. I take time off and read more of Dracula, getting too engrossed. Sherri takes a head start. In my effort to catch up, I take a spill, scrapping my shin. More blood than pain. But a reminder to not rush, enjoy.

I catch up with Andrea and Sherri at the PCT junction. Mosquitoes are attacking me with full force and become grumpy towards Sherri lack of speed. We finish the next two miles to Middle Velma Lake. Andrea does some exploring and comes up with a campsite. Wind is blowing pretty strong. At least it diminishes the number of mosquitoes.



After dinner, Andrea hits the sack. Sherri and I are not too far behind. Long day, but I am glad to be with Andrea and Sherri.