Beating the Crowd

June in the high Sierra sees the start of the summer rush to get into the high country of Eastern California. Somehow, this year the crowds were late, maybe because of cooler weather, maybe graduations, maybe we just lucked out.
Eight months since a "real" trip to our favorite haunts, this time a chance to share it with close friends and very few others.
It's interesting how four days in the mountains can rejuvenate me.
Enjoy the images full screen if you want.

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First light on the Nose, El Cap
Under 2 hours, really?

Long days start early, Yosemite Valley.

Two cubs and their mom on the road into Yosemite, phone camera shot.
Hope they have a good year.

Spring runoff in Tuolumne Meadows.

The only two people on this high country trail.

Lichen blooms as some areas are still coming out of Winter.

Snowmelt rushes past Sierra birches. 

This trailhead holds a ton of memories.

Sun Cups, 10,000 ft.

The North Eastern Sierra volcanic rock is stunning against the snows.

Checking the trail for passage, these packers will be back tomorrow with shovels .

Higher up the snows hang on.

Northeastern face of Mt. Abbot and Mt. Mills

12,000 Mono Pass all to ourselves

Yours truly with PR above the Silver Divide.

The Silver Divide and Pioneer Basin

Sheltered among the firs and pines, Mammoth Lakes 

Southeastern Sierra Foothills

Lone Pine Peak, Mt. Whitney, and the scruffy dog.

Alabama Hills shadows

Four days in you start to relax a bit

Guess who has the food...

Stone Temple

Late snows make for some perfect plant growth

Some of these cacti had a hundred blossoms ready to go

Lunch at the "Chalet", a Lone Pine original.