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Ansel Adams Wilderness (7/1/03 - 7/3/03) 3 Days Total Miles - 22 The big news of this trip- I proposed to Sam! It was the perfect spot that I will not forget. We had a great time on the trail even though it was very early season and the original loop that I planned would never happen. We parked at the Mammoth Ski area and were required to take the shuttle bus to Agnew Meadows. I was excited to get on the trail and do some hiking with Sam. I also had her ring tucked away hidden away in my cargo pocket. We were greeted with a swarm of mosquitoes when exiting the bus and preparing for the trip. The plan was to camp at Thousand Island Lake the first night. Then head towards Lake Ediza via the John Muir Trail on day 2. From Lake Ediza I wanted to cross country to Mineret Lake, then hike out to Devils Post pile. But due to dangerous high snow pack, that did not happen.
On day 1 we followed this valley north from Agnew Meadows. The trail was a consistent mellow climb. It was a beautiful day.
Their were numerous waterfalls coming down from high sierra lakes along the valley. Behind us in this pic is a big one.
This section of the trail was awesome. Following a mountain stream with through green and granite terrain. I was anxious to see what would lie ahead.
Mt Banner then came into view and we set our sights on it knowing Thousand Island Lake is at its feet. You could tell that this area just recently thawed out.
Sam is seen here climbing a snowbound section of the trail with Mt Banner towering above.
We made it. The campsite at Thousand Island Lake was perfect. We spent the evening here talking as the sun set.
That night we had a cozy fire, Sam was practically leaning in the thing to stay warm.
The stars were out in all their humbling glory.
I got out of the tent early the next morning to shoot some pictures of the early morning light hitting the mountains. Sam followed soon after and got this excellent black and white - Ansel Adams would be proud. After breakfast we packed up and hit the trail.
On day 2 we started heading South along the JMT. A well constructed bridge across Garnet Lakes outlet.
After a harder/longer than expected hike, we arrived at Lake Ediza at the foot of the Minarets. Their were swarms of mosquitoes here. We attempted to go cross country over the snowfields on the left side of the picture, but their was too much snow with a dangerous river runoff. I felt like we could break through the snow to a river below at any moment. We had to turn back. We camped that night about a mile down river from Ediza. I don't know why but the topo map said it was illegal to camp along that river section. We were tired and set up camp anyway.
On day 3 we woke up and headed back towards Agnew Meadows. It was a wonderful reflection looking back towards the mountains. Hiking along Shadow Lake was so calm and cool.
Sam crossing another bridge, now close to the end of our trip. We still had a good time even though we had to make some last minute changes that made a slightly shorter loop. It is an area I will be returning too, not as early in the season next time. Too many mosquitoes and snow. It was certainly an unforgettable trip hiking alongside classic sierra mountains - and the little detail that I am getting married.
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