Monday, August 31, 2009

Over the top--My World

I showed you some of the lower sections of the trail up Virginia Creek from the cabin in earlier posts. A "MyWorld" post in June had the lower portions and "Lake Reflections" last week had the lakes in the middle portion. Last week I wanted to go over the top. Hubby was reluctant so I decided to go alone. There weren't a lot of hikers on the trail and those I saw all seemed to be seniors.
It is about 7.5 miles with 1400' elevation gain. When I reach the top I look back to where I have come from, the cabin is beyond the right shoulder of the mountain on the left.
On top (a little over 11000') it is chilly and breezy but not too bad.
I cross over and go down the other side a bit to take in the view. The lake in the distance, Summit Lake, sits on the border of Yosemite's northern back country. I could go that way and join the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). If I went right at the bottom I could go to Green Lake. I showed you that hike a few weeks ago. For that I would need a car shuttle, one way it is 11 miles. We've done it several times but prefer to start at Green Creek. There is more uphill that way and it is easier on the knees.
Visit more worlds here.

26 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Marvelous shots as always, Martha! Such gorgeous country! I love that area and the memories of our trips there are delightfully stirred by your photos!

Enjoy your week!

Sylvia

maryt/theteach said...

I'm impressed Martha! I was above the frost line in the mountains only once in my life! :) Great shots! :)

Anonymous said...

Some day I want to explore this part of California. You make me want to do so with every beautiful post you make :D

Diane AZ said...

Looks like quite a hike. It's so beautiful and pristine there. I'm surprised by all the different colors on the mountains.

Barb said...

A beautiful blue-sky day and what views! Great hike, Martha. Are you getting smoke from LA? We are actually experiencing smoke/haze from either CA or UT fires here in the mountains of CO.

Carver said...

That looks like a fun hike. I'd love to go up to the top myself. You always show us such beautiful views.

Thanks for visiting mine and when you mentioned your limited library hours it made me realize how lucky I am. Within about 5 miles from my house, I have 3 different public libraries. The closest is only a mile away and if they don't have what I'm looking for I usually only need to go another mile or so to find it. The library in my post wasn't in the town I live in but in my city we have 15 different branch libraries and also a major university library. But I sure don't have hikes like you do.

SandyCarlson said...

That was quite a climb! I admire your tenacity.

Anonymous said...

Martha: Congrats on the climb into that beautiful country. Thanks for sharing your world.

Loran said...

Good for you going alone and taking such great pictures of splendid scenery!

Linda Reeder said...

Bravo! You are quite the hiker.

Katney said...

And we were on a piece of the Pacific Crest Trail earlier this month. Only about 1200 or 1300 miles and we could meet.

Snap said...

Great shots, Martha and looks like a wonderful hike. Good for you! The landscape is gorgeous.

Janie said...

Beautiful photos from your hike. I especially like the last one. There's nothing so exhilarating as achieving the top of a mountain and viewing the world from there.

Rajesh said...

The landscapes are beautiful.

Arija said...

I am glad you took the time to see these wonders for yourself alone. Sometimes it is best to spend a little time solely in the company of God, especially is such a grand place.

Lilli & Nevada said...

These are beautiful photos Martha, i will have to keep this in mind.
And yes if ever in the area stop to visit.Have you been to NewBerry Crater also a great place to visit, it has the Obsidian flow there.

Reader Wil said...

Wonderful hike,Martha! Thanks for inviting us on the tour! Thanks for your visit too!

Regina said...

Beautiful world. Love the calmness of the sky and earth.

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

It looks like you are really out in the wilds here. Beautiful day for your walk. I love that deep blue, almost glowing sky!
Janice.

Anonymous said...

I do love this area of California but haven't been there for many years. I thoroughly enjoyed taking a virtual walk with you today ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Larry D said...

Wow, this looks like an incredible place, great photos!

Lilli & Nevada said...

Oh i would love to see this area we don't spend a lot of time in Ca

Joe Todd said...

Leaves out of breath. Great post

Baruch said...

Amazing landscape!

Jenn Jilks said...

WOW. What a world. I'm still getting caught up!

Unseen India Tours said...

Beautiful and lovely shots !! Fantastic location..Great post..Unseen Rajasthan