June 4, 2013 - Lyell Canyon

Title:June 4, 2013 - Lyell Canyon

Trail head: Tuolumne Meadows

Hike Info:

Trail: Lyell Canyon

Destination: Jct with Vogelsang Trail

Distance: 5.82 miles

Travel Time: 3:25 (1.70 mph)

Moving Time: 2:31 (2.31 mph)

Elevation Rise: 747'

Maximum Elevation: 8,888'

Description:

Got up at 5:30. Sherri follows shortly afterwards. We eat and put the finishing touches on packing. Then it is off to vote on a Fresno proposition.  Shortly after getting back, Betty R arrives-right at 7:30. Since she is a first time backpacker, we go through and re-arrange her pack a bit. She did pretty well. We only had her leave a few things which were duplicating what were were carrying.

Left Fresno at 8:15 and made pretty good time. In Oakhurst, we realized we forget the cream cheese and cheddar cheese in the refrig. So we stopped at Von's to pick up these items. Then off we went. Made it to Tuolumne Meadows by 11:30. Ate lunch under Lembert Dome-peanut butter and Nutella.  

Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne

By 1:00, we were out of the car, with our boots on and ready to go. The sky is overcast and parts of it look pretty dark. But we start in. Betty's pack looks off-kilter. We adjust it some at the bridge crossing the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne. But it still looks off. So when we get to the Lyell Fork, some more adjustments. Fortunately her pack is light and the trail is easy. 

There is some mild up and downs, but we travel at a good pace. I am pleased with myself, being able to carry nearly a JMT load, while not feeling the pack too much. Of course, tomorrow is a better test when we climb out of Lyell Canyon towards Vogelsang.

Rain Walkers

Like always, Lyell Canyon is so peaceful. It's broad floor and gentle river always seduces me. This Betty's first time seeing this part as well. She is intrigued, almost forgetting she is carrying a pack. 

The dark skies add a bit of rumble to it. The thunder is a steady part of the symphony of sound snow. But it has only sprinkled. We have heard varying reports of snow from other hikers. From Donuhue having snow depths of 6-8', not too bad. Saw some PCTers. They do not look worse for the trail. All seem pretty glad about what they have seen.

Unconcerned deer

The trail being level, we get to the trail junction around 4. The campsite I have been thinking about is available, so we stop there. I have gone ahead to pitch the tent, since there is more threatening sounds and more drops of rain. Tent goes up, but Sherri does find a slit in the fly. She does a repair to it. Dinner is beef stroganoff. Tastes pretty good. The sky is clearing and it looks like the threat. Of rain may disappear. I set up a poncho tent for myself anyway.

Betty has done pretty well, particularly for caring a full backpack for the first time. She should have only the usual backpacker problems. By the time 8:30, we want to go to bed. Sherri and Betty get to bed before me. I finish my writing, then read some. Will be asleep before 9:15.