There is something about the Sierra High Country that always draws me back. Maybe the rugged granite terrain, the ease of off-trail adventuring, the openness… don’t know, but it is captivating and I can’t stay away too long. The hardest part of getting there is the getting there. Usually, if the access is easy… you [...]

Many years ago I did  a four night trip into the John Muir Wilderness from Wishon Reservoir to Blackcap Basin and back. I thought the area was pretty spectacular high country but with a fair bit of climbing to get there. On the trip, I spent two days getting to Portal Lake and an extra [...]

I love spring hiking. The long days, abundant greenery, full streams… But access to Sierra trails are limited in May. Many of the smaller backroads are closed due to snow and will not be open – depending on the year – till June or later. And most access points that are available mean snow hiking [...]

Another September in the Yosemite Park. And again in the northerly section of the park. I seem to be slowly trying to discover all the nooks and crannies of this area. I like the fact that it seems to be an area of less interest to everyone else and that there are many un-trailed sections [...]

Another lakes tour of the Yosemite North Country. This would be my third trek into the area, having done a week trip in ’05 and ’03. The North Country of Yosemite offers lots of off-trail opportunities to discover some beautiful country away from the crowds. Also, there’s the challenge of finding a good route and [...]

This was an epic trip that I have many fond memories of. Ten days of off trail adventure in the Northern part of Yosemite Park. I had ventured into some of the areas on this trip two years previously. That trip was is July and I had some major rain at times. This one was [...]