Day 5: Bubbs Creek to Kearsarge Lakes, resupply at Onion Valley
9.4 miles; 2,440 ft elevation gain; 2,083 ft elevation loss (includes hiking up to Kearsarge Pass)
An additional 9.3 miles and 2,635 feet gain and loss for Steve hiking out to Onion Valley from the pass

The advantage of a long hiking day yesterday was an easier day today. It was less than seven miles from our campsite at Bubbs Creek to Kearsarge Lakes. After about 4.5 miles, we left the John Muir Trail and took the Bullfrog Lake Trail east. From there, it was two miles to Kearsarge Lakes. We passed the first lake and found a campsite by the second - an excellent spot with views of the lake and surrounding pinnacles.

After setting up camp, Steve headed off to retrieve our resupply stash at Onion Valley. On our previous trip, we weren’t allowed to leave food in the bear boxes at the trailhead, but the rule has since changed, which made resupplying much easier (well, at least for me - it’s nice to be married to a runner!). I had a much shorter day, hiking up to Kearsarge Pass, which was 2.7 miles and 900 feet of elevation gain from the lakes.

I spent a long time at the pass, enjoying the views and chatting with other hikers, then headed back down to camp. I filtered water and read my Kindle, and when Steve returned, we sorted out the food and cooked dinner. The clouds cleared in the evening and I thought it might be a good night to try some star photography. I set an alarm and got up after the moon had set.

When I stepped out of the tent I was wowed by the gorgeous starry sky - it was incredible how many stars were visible.The Milky Way was impressive as it sprawled across the night sky, bright and vivid. One of the things I love best about backpacking are these beautiful, peaceful nights.