A Farewell to California - backpacking in Evolution Canyon





We were determined to squeeze in one more trip to the Sierras before leaving California.  Before backpacking, we did a quick hike amongst the ancient Bristlecone Pines (site of world's the oldest living tree) in dry hills above the town of Bishop.




We backpacked into the Sierras from the east.  We hiked past numerous lakes, wildflowers, and rugged peaks.




Amanda with more of the mountain scenery leading up to Bishop Pass.





After cresting the nearly 12,000 ft pass, we were rewarded with beautiful views into Dusy Basin.




Llama-packers ahead of us on the trail gave the mountains an Andean feel.




Camped near a lake in the lower Dusy Basin our first night on the trail.




The next morning, our steep descent followed an amazing natural water-slide, where a stream tumbled over smooth inclined rock for hundreds of feet.




Beginning our climb toward our second mountain pass.  Amanda, wildflowers, waterfall, and mountains.




A proud parent?  An adult frog surrounded by large tadpoles (some growing legs).




Wildflowers near our camp site by a high elevation lake.  Amanda returns to the tent after helping me filter drinking water.




As we climbed toward Muir Pass on day 3, we saw more and more snow (even in late August!).  We walked through a number of small snow fields, but nothing too difficult.




On the other side of the pass, we walked through a small marmot metropolis - lots of the little critters, and they weren't too shy either.




Stunning views over Sapphire Lake in Evolution Canyon.




We camped just below Evolution Lake, near this spot where the lake's outlet tumbles over a cliff towards the valley below.




One of the few times we got our feet wet - the crossing was shallow, but the water was very cold.




Amanda with more plunging water.




At our lower elevation camp on the fourth evening, a family of deer entertained us.  The twin fawns trotted over to their mother, hoping for an easy meal...




But mother decided they were old enough to graze for themselves!




After an insect-plagued climb, we reached our final campsite in Humphries Meadows.  It would have been fun to hang around another day, but we were out of repellent and low on food.  



 
We had a late afternoon meal under the shade of a nearby boulder...




...where we were joined by a festively decorated caterpillar.




After cresting our third and final pass (Piute), we crossed a snowy half-pipe to start our descent.




Lake and mountain scenery on the way down.




Rock with a clean break, and varied wildflowers.




Enjoying the colorful vista before descending into the wooded part of the valley.




After backpacking, I made an unsuccesful attempt to collect fruit flies for my research at Mammoth Lakes (mostly a ski town).  Before we left, we checked out the nearby Devils Postpile, where ancient lava formed these columns.  




Later in that hike, we took in the appropriately named Rainbow Falls.




Next we camped for a couple nights with our friends Joel and Carla, in the June Lakes area.  Parker Lake made a fairly gentle but rewarding day hike for our tired legs.




Afterwards, we visited Mono Lake.  We took a swim amongst the little brine shrimp and aquatic flies that live there, and the saltiness made it easy to float around at the surface.




The last adventure for Amanda and I was a stop at Yosemite on the way home.  Our hike took in peaceful Dog Lake (above)...




...and Lembert Dome, which offered nice views from the top.  Less than a week later, we had left California bound for Wisconsin.