9.47 Lakes Sherwin and Valentine; Alpine Lakes oh! so high

Valentine Lake surrounded by towering granite & basalt blocks

One of the neighbors

'Valentine' Lake at 9,700 feet—you have to 'love' it

Traveling down the 395, or for that matter, up the highway is dramatic. Looking into the deep valleys while black mountains stand tall, proud and emotionless is unforgettable. For the first time in three months, we saw a few raindrops, a rather nice experience—we look forward to something more substantial, though. However, a break for us was the developing cloud cover, cooling things down somewhat. Upon entering Mammoth Lakes, the temperature was at least 20 degrees less than we have experienced over the last few months, at ground level. It augurs well for hiking in this area.

An artist's faint landscape

Photographer sent into space for this shot—poor chap

'Get back up—not higher enough,' shouts the editor

Today, we hiked 11.5 miles, gaining 2,100 feet as we sought to reach Lake Valentine, situate 9,700 feet above sea level. There is something unique about finding bodies of water at those alpine altitudes. The trail is a good one, providing views of very large surrounding mountains towering over the wilderness. We were on alert for bears again but in six hours on the trail, rock climbing above the lake and even a nap close by, we did not see a bear. However, upon arriving back at the motel, lo and behold, there stood the ‘fellow’. Who could blame him? He (she) probably needed a good shower, rest and recreation. Meantime, the only life we did experience was of very few fellow hikers and only one returning from the higher lake.

'Here's the deal 'fellow'. If I have to come up there, one of us is going to get hurt. Besides, you don't want to have to deal with our editor. Tust me on that.'

Stuck between a rock and a beautiful place.

The whole lake

We wondered, after passing Lake Sherwin, whether the distance being undertaken made sense in order to view another lake. We continued along the trail until we reached an area and guessed the lake to be just yonder. Often, when one spots the confluence of these peaks in a certain way, one senses that they trap the water in a bowl between them. As we came over the final rise, the emerald-color water came into view; immediately, we knew it was well worthwhile. The nap alone in that atmosphere rounded off a great day. The pictures, showing staggering granite and basalt monoliths with sparkling water at their bases, should provide one an idea of this remarkable, serene and isolated area.

Jenni feeling strong after a nearly 6 miles climb, the first two, steep

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

And that's only the left arm

Magnificent coloring (click on picture)