Dan's Outside

I go, I see, I do, I walk, I think, I like…

iPod in the Backcountry

Starting a few years ago I noticed people carrying their recorded music into the backcountry. I’ve resisted for a long time, even though I’m a college music faculty member. This weekend, on the spur of the moment, I decided to toss my iPod mini and a pair of small earphones into my pack as I departed for my 3-day Yosemite pack trip.

I’m glad to report that, as usual, I had music going through my mind almost the entire weekend – but that I wasn’t even tempted to turn on the iPod once. I think I passed the test… ;-)
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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Commentary | Comments Off on iPod in the Backcountry

Online in the Valley?

Ari Soglin writes about an article in the Contra Costa Times that discusses the options for staying connected (Internet, cable TV) whlle in Yosemite Valley. While I’m as wired in as the next guy, I feel genuinely sorry for anyone who goes to the Valley and decides to stay in the lodge and catch CNN.
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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Commentary | Comments Off on Online in the Valley?

Matterhorn Peak Panorama

See this astonishing Sierra photographic panorama taken on Matterhorn Peak. (Warning: The link goes directly to the very large version of this file.) – Thanks to Yosemite Blog for the link.

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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Commentary | Comments Off on Matterhorn Peak Panorama

Dusk in Lyell Canyon

LyellCanyonDusk2005|08|26: Dusk in Lyell Canyon. Yosemite National Park. August 26, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
Dusk in Lyell Canyon. Yosemite National Park. August 26, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Yosemite | Comments Off on Dusk in Lyell Canyon

Day Hikers at Ireland Lake

IrelandLakeHikers2005|08|27: Hikers and Ireland Lake. Yosemite National Park. August 27, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
Hikers and Ireland Lake. Yosemite National Park. August 27, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Yosemite | Comments Off on Day Hikers at Ireland Lake

Morning Light and Fletcher Lake

FletcherMornLight2005|08|28: Morning light at Fletcher Lake. Yosemite National Park. August 28, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
Morning Light, Fletcher Lake. Yosemite National Park. August 28, 2005. © Copyright Dan Mitchell.
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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Yosemite | Comments Off on Morning Light and Fletcher Lake

Fletcher and Ireland Lakes Loop

Last night I returned from a quick pack trip out of Tuolumne Meadows. This trip visited very familiar terrain, encompassing a loop that I have traveled many times over the years.

Permits for my first choice entry up Rafferty Creek were gone when I arrived on Friday, so I got a permit for entry via Lyell Canyon. The most sensible place to camp when doing the loop in this direction is the junction of the John Muir Trail and the Ireland Lake Trail. This is a nearly flat six-mile walk out of Tuolumne, so I opted to spend some time in the Tioga/Tuolumne area before starting up the trail at about 2:00 in the afternoon.

On Saturday I headed up the Ireland Lake trail. This trail begins with a fairly stiff climb up the canyon below Potter Point. I was surprised that there was still quite a bit of green vegetation and even blooming flowers on this late-August weekend. Even with a late start I made it to the turnoff to Ireland Lake at noon. At this point the main trail goes straight ahead to Fletcher Lake via Evelyn Lake and the Ireland Lake trail climbs gradually to the left.

The surprising late-season greenery continued as I followed the trail toward Ireland Lake. Above the lake the hillside was covered with grasses and many wildflowers. I stopped above the lake to eat lunch and take some pictures before heading back and up over the ridge back to the northwest. From the ridge a cross-country route took me down to the plateau above Townsley Lake and then down to Fletcher Lake and my campsite.

I hiked on Sunday morning, following the usual Rafferty Creek route down to Tuolumne Meadows, arriving in time for lunch and the Meadows Grill.
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August 29, 2005 Posted by | Trips | Comments Off on Fletcher and Ireland Lakes Loop

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