In September 2010 my friend Brad and I decided to go backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. We really didn't have much of a plan for this trip, we just wanted to stay off trail and above treeline as much as possible. I had heard of the North Lake to South Lake Loop, so I called the ranger to get a permit. No dice, every thing was sold out being Labor Day. I called the station back and they told me I could start backpacking from a place called Pine Creek, whatever. Well, turns out they put Brad and I in an absolutely beautiful part of the wilderness. The hike from Pine Creek was a definite grunt, but we soon veered off trail for 8 glorious days in the high Sierra. I don't think we could have lucked into a more perfect backcountry permit.

Our route over the 8 days took us from the Pine Creek trailhead to Royce Lakes, the summits of Merriam and Royce Peaks, Puppet Lake and Pass, Desolation Lake, Alpine Col, Darwin Canyon, Evolution Basin, Leconte Canyon, Dusy Basin, Thunderbolt Peak, and out via South Lake. If you are familiar with this area you know that is one heck of a trip; long, arduous, off trail, above treeline, with some exciting scrambles mixed in. Our weather ranged from too hot to too cold and we had on night of snow. Nighttime temperatures dropped to the low teens on our coldest night. We saw the Milky Way every night except one and we only pitched the tent once, opting to sleep under the stars 7 nights.

This was definitely a trip for the ages. The scenery was outstanding and Thunderbolt Peak was enough to scare the crap out of me. The route was a good physical challenge, with every day seeming to increase in difficulty. We got a good flavor for traveling off trail in the High Sierra and Alpine Col kicked our butts with 50 pound packs. I can't wait to go back! Maybe next year!