The Sierra Nevada's

After a brief explore and some consternation on direction, I decided to head up the Tioga Pass and into the East entrance of Yosemite. The weather is turning with a heavy snowstorm expected. The ranger at the gate said likely 6-8” tonight and if so they’d be closing the entrance – nobody in or out. I went in as far as Cathedral Peak, looked around for a little while and then came out to Junction Campground, a couple of mile outside. I figured if the storm doesn’t hit then I’ll go back in tomorrow. Junction is still at 9700’ so we’ll see. It’s getting very cold as I go to sleep. I expect it will snow.

Snow it did, Saturday morning about 6” covers the bike and car. I heard the snow plows around 4am and knew they’d be closing the Tioga Pass. Got some good photos going down the pass. When I got to the bottom I saw the road was closed, they were letting people out from the campgrounds but none back in. Lucky I didn’t stay in Yosemite.

I Met a guy at camp last night, Victor, a teacher from Fresno. He mentioned Mt. Whitney (highest peak in mainland USA at 14,495’) wasn’t far and only a 5 mile hike to the peak, although very strenuous. I thought I’d give it a shot. Arriving at the ranger station at Lone Pine, they told me it was actually a 22 mile hike Round trip, 16 hours minimum with a likelihood on snow in places plus a permit was required. I got a permit for the next day and figured I’d check it out. There’s a base-camp at around 8000’ so I’d stay there for the night. Arriving at Whitney Portal, I realize I’m not prepared for this type of ascent. People here have all sorts of weather equipment and I find out the trail I had wanted to take had 6 feet of snow on it. The bears in this area necessitate anything with a scent be placed in the bear box. It takes me the better part of an hour to remove all those things from my home on wheels and to have to do that again in the morning and leave my truck unattended for so many hours with so many lingering smells just doesn’t sit well with me.

I’ll head to Death Valley tomorrow and do some hiking there. It’s only about 120 miles. I’ll return here another time for this hike. As for tonight, hopefully the bears won’t care about the long life milk stored in the bowels of my truck.

I awake Sunday morning at 5am to people making noise, readying themselves for an early ascent. I stayed in bed until about 7. Weather is warmish and checkout not until 1pm so I’ll enjoy the beautiful views, read a little and sit in the sun.