Finally, after more than ten years of anticipation, Annett and I made it back to Kibbie Lake in Yosemite National Park! We took / encouraged the kids along this time, and despite the hot and dry conditions, we all made the ~4-mile hike in one piece!
First, we celebrated Maggie's real birthday with gifts and a special breakfast.
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| The Wilderness boundary |
Then, we drove about 4.5 hours up to the Kibbie Lake trailhead near Cherry Lake. The drive took us through the Tuolumne river canyon on a one-lane (but paved) road, then up a rough dirt road the last 4 miles, but the Highlander did great.
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| The trailhead, with a rumbling thunderhead in the background |
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| The national park boundary |
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| Through the ferns - watch out for killer mosquitoes!! |
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| At last, the cool clear water of Kibbie Lake! |
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| Surveying the view |
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| Our campsite in the shade |
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| Soaking in the sweet water, fish jumping |
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| Time for a little art by the lakeshore |
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| Our tent in the silent fading light |
The first night we camped, at about 11pm the wind blew up suddenly and kept blowing all night - we barely slept a wink as the wind through the pines sounded like a windstorm! The second night was quiet and we slept like rocks! The hike out was hot, but the kids did great and the camelbak bladders were a lifesaver. We made it back in time for a nice Father's Day steak dinner and glass of cabernet. Overall a great weekend, hot, but good exercise, swimming in the beautiful lake, and steak dinner. Life is good!
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer (or winter for you down under folks :-)
