Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of...
Golden Trout Wilderness or not didn't really seem to matter this weekend. Although we had spent the last few wekks planning to go backpacking in the wilderness area just south of Mt. Whitney, we ended up about an hour north in the Inyo Nation Forest at Rock Creek. As we researched the Golden Trout Wilderness, we discovered that the temperatures were well below what we were prepared to endure on this short backpacking trip. Although our hearts had been set on the Mt. Whitney area, we were not disappointed in what we discovered as we arrived late Friday night at the 10,300 foot Rock Creek Trailhead.
After a quick dinner, we climbed into our tent to avoid the chill of the night air. We had camped at the trailhead in hopes to start the hike as soon as it was light the next morning. As the sun peaked over the surrounding mountains the next morning, we realized that we had definately come to the right place. The beauty around us is indescribable and we took many a picture break on the way up the trail. The day was spent hiking, fly fishing (something Jen had never tried before) and simply enjoying our surroundings and each other.
Later in the afternoon, it became apparent that we wouyld need a sheltered place tyo camp for the night to protect us from the high winds from the canyon as well as the freezing cold temperatures. We found just the place at the secluded Gem Lakes which are found at the base of Morgan Pass. After some more fishing and another quick dinner, we climbed into the tent around 7:00 just to avoid the 20-something degree temperatures outside.
We awoke Sunday morning feeling refreshed and determined to conquer the 11,104 Morgan Pass that had been looking down at us all night. The trek prooved to be well worth the effort as we were rewarded with breathtaking views and, of course, the sense of accomplishment.
Hiking back along the trail, we again took time to fish and take pictures. As we arrived at the car, we were feling a bit anxious about the time. We had planned on arriving back about an hour earlier, but a delay at one of the lakes had hindered us. Throwing all of our gear in the back of the car, we were ready to hit the road for the long 6 hour drive back home when we were approached by some hikers asking for directions. In our comversation with them we discovered that the clocks were set back an hour that day! Yeah! We weren't behind schedule after all. A great blessing to add to a great weekend.
We will posting our pictures of the trip soon, for now check out the virtual hike that we found at www.rockcreeklake.com
Journal: October 22, 2001
Fifteen minutes after work Friday evening we were off to Lake Cuymaca. Athough it was already dark, we had nothing to worry about because our great friend, Blake had driven up earlier in the day and had our campsite all ready for our arrival. That night was great. We sat up talking and playing Sacramento in a Box (Kenny, Blake and his wife Allison are all from Sacramento area).
The next day was spent fishing and then fishing some more. We had been able to rent, for half price, an old leaky boat and within a few hours had caught our limit on crappie... 25 a piece! At the end of the day we had a grand total of 101 fish! What a great dinner we had that night.
As we drove away from the lake Sunday morning, feeling content about the great weekend that we had, Kenny's cell phone began to ring. It was Blake and Allison (who were following behind us in their car) asking if Kenny had his wallet. Of course he has his wallet... Kenny always keeps it in his back pocket.. .ummmm... Where is is?!? A few miles back they had seen it fly off the roof of our car as we were driving away. We quickly turned around and... well, the wallet was already gone! Someone at the ranger station said that they had seen someone pick it up just a few minutes before we arrived. Bummer.
Although Kenny is now missing his driver's lisense, pilot's lisense and medical, social security card, gift certificates and $60 in cash, we think the weekend was a great success... it would be even better if we get the wallet back in a few days. Please, Oh Please!
