Tyee Lakes

Our group has continued to shrink, with some people returning to the Bay Area already. We expect some reinforcements, though.

Today was another rest day, which most cyclists took literally. [Imagine that?] To some of us, this meant: Let's go for a hike! In fact, let's hike to a lake that's 10,000 feet above sea level!

I tagged along with two of the guys. One would go too far, the other would be too fast. Me? I was Goldilocks, seeking a pace and a distance that was ... just right.

We returned to South Lake Road, this time by motorized vehicle, to explore another fragment of the vast John Muir Wilderness. The posted Wilderness Use Restrictions prohibited, among other activities:

Entering or using the wilderness with more than 25 head of stock.

So noted.

I ambled along in comfortable solitude, savoring the views below Table Mountain. Granite boulders the size of whales. Lodgepole pines rooted in rock. Trembling aspens with golden leaves. Bare, craggy peaks and distant ridges.

I hiked only to the first lake in the chain; despite the promise of greater beauty at the upper lakes, I needed to conserve energy for tomorrow's challenging ride. Perched on a rock along the shore, I enjoyed my own private picnic. This lake was beautiful enough.

Mother Nature had her own plan. Huge clouds rolled over the peaks and darkened the sky. What is this unfamiliar wet substance falling from above? Raindrops dotted the dirt and stained the rocks. Before the cloudburst passed, I sheltered under some large branches to avoid a thorough drenching. It was a rare treat, this rainfall.

I timed my return well, arriving back at the trailhead five minutes ahead of our trio's agreed rendezvous.

4.4 miles and more than 1,000 feet of climbing: Just right.