July 27, 2012 – Evolution Meadow to Sapphire Lake

 Title: July 27, 2012 – Evolution Meadow to Sapphire Lake

Trail head: Evolution Meadow

Hike Info:

Trail: John Muir Trail

Destination: Wanda Lake

Actual Destination: Sapphire Lake

Distance: 8.9 miles

Travel Time: 10:00

Moving Time: 4:52

Elevation Rise: 2,307'

Maximum Elevation: 10,992'

Description:
After yesterday morning, I stayed in my bag until Sherri moved—probably 6 or 6:30. But I could not outlast Andrea who rose up at 7:30. We discuss this some—Andrea thinks we should have woke her up sooner, and that is probably true.



We have breakfast and Sherri hits the trail at 9:20. Andrea and I follow shortly. We pass through Evolution Meadow, the least of the three meadows in Evolution Valley. Making good time. But we start climbing up a ridge and get to McClure Meadow.



This meadow is just so pretty. You get the idea of a perfect Valley It is some place which you can spend time just admiring. We do not do it justice. Just before Colby Meadow, we catch up with Sherri and take a break.



This starts our leap frogging of a Japanese man00older with limited English. We would pass him several times. Very courteous. Later it looks like he was hobbling and we offer moleskin, but he says he does not have blisters.



The JMT book sad we might need to wade one creek. But it was pretty low so we crossed o a log. Then the start of our steep 800' climb. Coming up the Valley, we already rose up 900'.



We spot a couple of waterfalls and head over there. I borrow Sherri's Teva's and go under the falls—cold--not shocking cold. But it did get the heart racing. Andrea did the same thing after I was through.



We are hot and slow. But there is enough eye candy, mostly The Hermit, to keep us going. The U-Shape of the Valley gives a peaceful feeling. The altitude is also working against us. We are about 10,000' now. Well that is except the energizer bunny—Andrea--who still has a bounce in her step.



By the time we get to Evolution Lake, it is 4. Sherri is still good for Sapphire Lake. So we start the 2 mile, 200' trek there. Andrea goes ahead to find a camp site. In contrast with the warmth of the day, the falling evening shadows send a chill through us. Then with the breeze, it is getting downright cold.

The site Andrea has found is by the Lake, smooth enough to pitch our tent. So Andrea will sleep with us tonight. Good thing she bought us a 3 person tent. While dinner is being made, Andrea and I go fly a kite—at 11,000' for our capture California points. We eat, clean up and watch the sun set—or more accurately, we see the light leave the surrounding mountains.



Trail Lesson: Waterfalls are a great source of refreshment—both visual and when you personally plunge in.