High Sierra Topix

I have a 10 day trip planned starting Aug. 30th out of Rowell Meadow. Depending on conditions I'm hoping to through the Big Brewer lake area to South Guard Lake, Thunder Ridge, over Macleod Pass, Milestone Pass, Colby Pass, then back out to Rowell Meadow. Normally my trips are around the end of July and the beginning of August so I am hoping the later start is enough time for the snow to melt........

I'm packing a warm sleeping bag and hitting the Sierra in September. After the August 2017 mosquitoes, I thought September would be best. Doing a loop from Roads End in KCNP.

Some of my all-time favorite photos were the ones from my Sierra trips of September 2011, following another very high snow year. Greenery, wildflowers, remaining snow patches, *and* fall colors all in the same photo! Amazing.

Being retired, everything just moved a month or two later in the calendar. It's just like any other year except things are happening later. I used to hate heavy snow years when I was a teacher because I'd lose a hiking month. The only disadvantage now is days get pretty short at the end of the season. Then again, there is more solitude in usually busy areas.

I'm a weekender, and I'm in the Sierra year round. Putting off being in your favorite place because of bugs that can be managed seems silly. Course, I don't backpack much either.

I'm going to brave Labor Day weekend this year (I've had terrible weather luck in the past, so...we'll see). Been looking at various possibilities, but I think I've settled on a Green Lakes loop (to Return Lake via Summit Lake, back via Virginia pass). New area to me.