After reading Lyell Canyon, we hiked into Tuolumne Meadows–and civilization.  I have to admit that I feel like a bit of a prat “complaining” about re-entry into civilization after “only” 5 days in the backcountry, but I felt so relaxed and at ease from our adventures thus far, it was difficult to cope with suddenly being surrounded by cars, pets, and people…everywhere.  But, the cheeseburger I bought at the Meadow Grill was very welcome!

We had somewhat heavy rain all afternoon, and a fantastic sunset that night.  Unfortunately, I rode to Lee Vining with my wife and son to have dinner and help her get ready to join us on the trail the next morning.  She was more than a little excited for her first backpacking trip, and I couldn’t blame her.  How many people get to have their first backpacking experience among the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery in the world?

The following morning, with my friend and wife as company, we headed out towards Yosemite Valley, crossing over the Cathedral Range towards Sunrise High Sierra Camp (HSC).  The HSCs are fantastic camps with all the comforts at home.  We did our own cooking, but did enjoy not having to filter our water.  I also have to confess that I enjoyed the Minarets and the Ritter Range so much that I though the best scenery was behind us, but the views of the Echo Peaks, Mathes Crest, and Cathedral Range were among the finest of the entire trip.

That evening, I hiked up on top of a dome near Sunrise HSC to photograph these fantastic geological features.

Cathedral Peak, the Echo Peaks, and Mathes Crest, July 2010

The Echo Peaks, July 2010

Stream in Long Meadow, July 2010

It really was a fantastic evening, and was just a taste of what was to come.