Hike 10.02 Piute Pass Trail via Loch Leven, Lake Piute and Summit Lake, the other side of the Pass

Red Craggs, proud & intimidating, although we climbed above them.

Piute Lake at 11,000 feet, colors galore

Early Fall Aspens, a taste of what's to follow

Our first stop, Ridgecrest, California, is home to China Lake Naval Base. This had us scratching our
heads a little. We are far from the ocean, separated by deserts, towns and mountains. We realize that our
thinking is conventional, simple minded stuff. There are obviously good strategic reasons for this positioning.
Our only concern is how they drag an aircraft carrier from the Pacific to the inland base for fittings and
upgrades—it must be a sight to behold.

Some records are not important. The level of whining in our room this evening wins ‘hands down’. Our editor
has suffered quite extensively over the last 2-3 months. She developed many ailments, her spine being the
main culprit, together with wayward leg muscles. We wondered how she was going to cope on Hike-about 10.
With two weeks to go and her muscles and spine showing her usual recuperative powers, she developed the flu.
Then, at 3am on the morning of our first outing, a test hike, we awoke to hear her arguing with the chair
next to her bed. In fact, she was so irate that she kicked it. We are starting to form an impression that
she doesn’t want to hike about any longer. Fortunately, she came through the Mount Whitney partial
trail like a trooper. It looks like we still have someone to carry our backpack and chase away the bears.

Standing on Piute Pass at 11,500 feet—looking back at Loch Leven and Piute Lake— we passed hours earlier

One of us on Piute Pass, so tired can't remember whom

Mount Emerson blocks setting sun

We were ambitious today, we suppose. At double yesterday’s hike, the 12 miles with an elevation
gain of 2,200 feet was tough. It did not help that we decided to scale and scramble tempting rock
formations along the way. Perhaps it’s not fitting for a husband to make public announcements about a
wife. However, we were in awe of the courage our editor displayed as she negotiated this rather grueling
hike under circumstances of recovering health and suspect fitness. Amazing!

Here comes the bravest editor we ever did see

"Hi(gh) Guys", tint from late sun enriches massive granite blocks

The hike begins at the trailhead in the fabulous Inyo National Forest, a wonder. However, with
a locked gate to the park, the hike began at the next car park, nearly a mile away. When a person is
walking these distances, the return journey is factored in and that adds a further two miles. Just what
we needed after we both had the flu recently. The hike is a long incline until the meadows after crossing
the first ridge. Just before that, Loch Leven comes into view, a delightful lake in a glacial bowl. The designer
of the Sierras sure knew exactly what He was doing. Pass the lake and a mile further away is Piute Lake,
a larger one. Thereafter, it is a stiff climb to the ridge or pass, reaching about 11,500 feet. From there one
has a view of another bowl in which Summit Lake sits, surrounded by mountains, of course. As some would say,
the bottom line is: This is a glorious place, a great hike, a wonderful area in which to live...um...visit.

Rock scaling, a personal favorite

A focus on the lakes from Piute Pass, with valley beyond, our commencement point

We met a Piute Indian half-way up the trail. It turned into a fascinating conversation which we will
relate in the next missive. Time just runs away from us.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Loch Leven in shadow, background mountains lit

Red Craggs dominate first half of hike