Toiyabe National Forest
|
Emma Lake Toiyabe National Forest |
September 28, 2016
Having a couple of days to spare, I have resolved finally to try an
ascent of Mount Dana in Yosemite tomorrow — a difficult
chance that has been on my bucket list for two decades. Good weather
is essential for that climb above 13,000 feet, however; so we'll see.
Some rain is possible this afternoon.
On the way down to the park, I will try a shorter hike in an area that I have not visited previously, even though I have known about the access road for the entirety of my adult life.
The destination is up there in the gray hills
Eastern-Sierra aspens are beautimous
Mount Emma is dead ahead
An ill-advised left turn costs me nearly half an hour of wasted time and hassle on a crummy road. Finally, Google Maps on my iPhone saves the day, showing where I went astray. It serves me right for not having prepared the usual map and waypoints.
Not the correct route
Back on track, I approach the end of Little Walker Road. I am pleased to see a couple of other vehicles here, indicating that I am not the only one who is interested in this place.
All the information has been removed for the season
This walk should not take very long
Across a meadow
Up a moraine
Actually, this trek is taking quite a bit longer than expected; for I am compelled to make five or six rest stops in just six hundred feet of climbing on a moderately steep route. This does not bode well for tomorrow's prospects.
I see a lake
Wow! This cirque is quite a bit prettier than the trail's lack of
popularity would suggest. It is more semi-arid Sierra splendor at work.
Emma Lake, 9314'
A family of three is watching the fisherman
Suddenly the sunlight is stolen by a big dark cloud, causing changes in the colors of everything around.
The lake isn't nearly as photogenic now
Of course the local flora is long in the tooth by now. I cannot begin
to identify the various plants; but they are interesting nonetheless, and my
phone-app comes up with some names.
Cushion Buckwheat
Smooth Cliffbrake
Cliff Goldenbush
Black Sagebrush
As is my wont, I must circumnavigate the lake if I can. Naturally, a fisherman's trail exists. The views are just as good over here on the back side.
On the other side of that ridge is the Hoover Wilderness
I had hoped that the sun would have reappeared by now, but no.
The big cloud is not cooperating
The family and their well-behaved doggie pass by, also circling the lake.
Not much walking room on the eastern shore
Nice leaves
Nice rocks
picnic on the back side
Nary a nibble have I yet seen
A big log at the lake's outlet provides a handy bridge across the creek.
Water still is flowing
I climb the little hill on the lake's north side in the hope that the sun finally will restore that delicious lime green to the water surface.
To the northeast are the Sweetwater Mountains, also on my list
The lichen are putting on a spectacular display up here:
The Cracked Lichens are red, blue, yellow, orange, green, brown, purple, and black
The fishies are putting on a show of their own
I should stop fretting about the sun being hidden, because the
shade is providing some really nice photo-ops.
This is why I go hiking
The eastern tip of the lake
Wonderful textures
I believe I'll start back now. Shortcutting down toward the trail, I encounter some new photographic material:
This fallen tree is worth a closer look
Wonderful textures
Nowhere to go but down now
It still is early afternoon. I believe that I'll head over to the big Visitor Center outside Lee Vining, and take in a movie.
Starting back
§: This outing on a seldom used trail far exceeded my
expectations. Some folk continue up to the summit of Mount Emma,
a scree scramble of another 1,200 feet.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Adventure | |
| Solitude |  |
