June 2003

 

Sunset Lake (... continued) Sunset Lake is a great place to camp -- direct views of the Sierra crest, a trout-filled lake, the lake is above the bug-line and has some nice flat spots high above the shore.  The only downside is lack of trees and other shade.  But the views of the Thompson Ridge and up towards Thompson and Powell over the still half frozen lake are spectacular.  And there were no other people.  We saw two people at Baboon Lakes on the way up, and then didn't see another soul until we got back down to Baboon Lakes on the way out.  Who says you can't find solitude in the Sierra? Note:  clicking on any photograph will present a full screen version.
	Evolution Peaks.  The start of the hike traverses just above Lake Sabrina.  Ultimately, you climb up some slabs towards Blue Lake and get these views out towards Wallace, Haeckel and the Evolution Group.
	Paiute Crags.  Griffin hiking above Lake Sabrina, with the colorful Paiute Crags in the background.
	Blue Lake.  After several rocky switchbacks, the trail deposits you right at the end of lovely Blue Lake.  From here, you have a great view of Mt. Thompson and its glacier.  Point Powell is still hidden from view (behind the prominent spire on the right).
	Off Trail.  The trail from Blue Lake towards Baboon Lakes is difficult to follow in spots.  We promptly lost it, resulting in some unplanned cross country travel.  Here, we find ourselves climbing over some boulders and slabs just above Blue Lake (photo:  M.Berg).
	Below Baboon Lakes.  Just before Baboon Lakes, there is a steep off-trail uphill section that ascends granite slabs below the lake's outlet.  Here, Greg and Griffin rest near the top of this section.  Blue Lake is in the background.
	Above Baboon Lakes.  From the top of the steep section, we descended slightly to the upper Baboon Lake, then traversed its east shore towards the inlet creek.  Here, Mike, Greg and Griffin begin the short hike from Baboon Lakes up to our camp at Sunset Lake.
	First View of Powell.  Here I am hiking up the talus below Sunset Lake, where we got our first view of Point Powell, in background.  (photo: M.Berg).
	Point Powell.  A close up view of the peak.  We climbed the NE couloir -- the long snow chute just left of the summit.
	Camp at Last!  I found a nice flat spot above the lake and declared camp.  Notice the miniskis I brought up with me to ski the NE couloir.  It didn't work out so well, but hey, I guy's gotta try, right?

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