Eastern Sierra Nevada - June 2020

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Pleasant Surprises

The previous day in Nevada was surprisingly hot so we headed west for higher ground. We know several lonely spots in the Granite Mountains area. A favorite dispersed site was empty. We made ourselves at home and set up camp. The Lady wanted to climb up to a high saddle we had visited before. Off we went. The area is pinyon pine forest and thick windrows of cones were scattered about.

After exploring the highpoint, we turned around toward camp taking in the wonderful view.

A thunderstorm rolled by as we prepared dinner.

I took care of washing dishes but kept my eye on the Lady as years of partnership with her has taught me what she will be up to anytime I turn my back. This was no exception.

Caught in the act.

The evening was peaceful as we took in the views.

We explored the next day and ended up in the Benton Hills. The Lady led the way as we commenced a circle hike along the base of the granite cliffs.

Over the years we have encountered rock climbers working routes on these crags. This day we talked with - from a more than appropriate distance - two young men.

When I asked where they were from, the man on belay answered, "Mammoth."

The Lady whispered to me, "The license plate frame says Oakland."

The lead climber did a lot of discussion with his partner below on placement of protection as he moved up.

We turned south and worked the steep terrain at the base of the cliffs. We finally rounded the corner that allowed an easy climb to a saddle in the main ridge line. The granite was a delight to scramble up and over.

A gopher snake froze and waited for us to pass.

When we returned to our first camp spot selection on the ridge, the wind was strong from the south. We decided to move down from the exposed point to a more sheltered location. Camp site B gave us great vistas as evening came. The solitude and quiet surrounded us with a deeply comforting feeling of home.

On our evening walk we came upon an archeological clue. We knew we would be doing some exploration in the morning.

It was wonderfully cool. Jackets were required as we sat and marveled at the stars coming to life in the night sky. Coyotes sang. It doesn't get any better than this.

Coffee was ready at first light the next morning.

We returned to the metate - grinding rock - we had found last evening.

A rock lined path led to a outcropping of rock.

We were surprised and pleased at what we found, a completely unmolested habitation site - artwork, metates, sleeping circles. Incredible.

We dropped down below the layer of volcanics to the granite and found several bedrock mortars.

We happily took the time to comb the area. It was such a nice find. We spent one additional night out in the Dunderberg Peak area west of 395. We were surprised - shouldn't have been - with the number of camps we encountered. It was feeling like we were close to home. A disappointment was the number of illegal campfires burning. Fire restrictions went into effect early this season in most National Forests and campfires - outside of developed campgrounds - are prohibited. The reasons were caution about sending out crews during the pandemic and the early dry conditions.

Just a note to the wise - fines have been raised up to $5000 and the wording is, "Building, maintaining, attending, using a fire........." That means it is possible every person around the fire can be cited. $5000 each. Ouch.

We set up in an out of the way spot for the night. The next morning was darn near perfect.