Sunday, July 27, 2008

Backpacking in Mammoth

Jarrod and Rick went to Mammoth last week on their annual Scouting High Adventure. They left on Monday morning and arrived in Mammoth in the early afternoon. After setting up camp in Pumice Flats campground, the group hiked to Rainbow Falls and Devils Post Pile. Both are spectacular. During the night (~4:30am), we were awakened by a coyote or wolf yelping just outside out campsite. We arose early and were on the trail to Lake Ediza.





These are amazing natural rock formations!




Most of us were prepared for the mosquitoes. Even so, they still got to us over the week.


The group as we started on Tuesday AM to Lake Ediza.


This is at photo of Mirror Lake. This is near the San Juaquin River. We will hike in the section between the mountains in the background.

This gives an idea of the switchbacks and incline hiking from the river to Shadow Lake.


Jarrod and Rick at Shadow Lake.



The hike from Shadow Lake to Lake Ediza wasn't flat either.


Jarrod overlooking Lake Ediza


Lake Ediza in the morning. There are many photos of Ediza in the morning. Rick was up early each morning, mostly because he couldn't sleep. A combination of hard rock and watching the bears look for food in the camping area. In the early morning, the water is like glass and the air is still. Photos are beautiful but don't do it justice!! Magnificent time to commune with God and nature. (Click on the photos to enlarge)


The group at Lake Ediza on our day hike to Iceberg Lake.


Iceberg Lake gets it's name from the icebergs in it all year round. Several of our group took a swim and played in the water. The rest of us had enough sense to stay out of the water. They seemed to have fun, but I can't image getting in water that cold is fun.


They guys enjoyed climbing the rocks near the lake.


Of course this is Jarrod. Behind his you can see a large waterfall in the distance. (Click on the photo to enlarge)

We worked in groups of 2 or 3 to share gear. This is Jarrod with Adam making a meal.
This is the early morning (~6am) on Thursday at Lake Ediza.









The group as we prepared to descend the mountain.


We stopped for this photo op and asked a couple ascending the mountain on a day hike to take the picture. They were from France. It was interesting the number of people from foreign countries we met in Mammoth.

Thursday night we stayed at a Chalet near the Mammoth Ski resort. This was taken on the balcony.


Thursday morning we rented bicycles and rode on the ski slopes. We took the gondola to the top and took the trials down the backside.






It was a fantastic trip. It will not be forgotten.

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