Backpacking Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite – Day 1: O’Shaughnessy Dam to Lake Vernon
TilTill Valley was once featured in an old backpacker magazine article, and I have been wanting to hike this Yosemite backpacking loop since I saw that. The article is lost, or recycled, so I can only remember the description of the lush valley in vague terms. It was supposed to be wildflower paradise, an accessible glimpse into Yosemite’s hidden wilderness meadows. Of course, I did this hike in September (9/2018)…
Shealor Lakes, Eldorado NF: Hike, then jump, into this perfect swimming lake
After packing up camp Sunday morning I wanted to have one last short adventure on Highway 88 before heading back home to the my poor abandoned pets. It had only been a two nights without human affection, but considering it was only me coming home (Curtis was currently on a week long trip with some college friends), the pets can become a special type of monster. Especially the cat, he…
Woods Lake, Eldorado National Forest: a Peaceful Little Retreat
Before hiking to Lake Winnemucca I had found & reserved a campsite at the Woods Lake Campground. The campground was a nice find because not conducive to RV camping, meaning it was instead filled with peaceful tent and pop-up tent campers. The water was turned off because of the drought, but I believe the camp hosts had extra gallon of water ready for those who were unprepared. ($24 per night, more info here)…
Upper Cathedral Lake, Yosemite: A Chilly Stop on the John Muir Trail
In the fall of 2012 Curtis and I hiked up to Lower Cathedral Lake just before a snow storm started doing it’s thing. At that time a couple backpackers were around (even though no overnight parking was allowed on the road for the season anymore) – but mostly the trail was dominated by a smattering of day hikers enjoying the last nice fall day. Last month I decided to make…
Emigrant Wilderness Trifecta: Burst Rock, Powell and Chewing Gum Lakes
Ever since I swam across Pine Mountain Lake during the Groveland Triathlon, I decided it would be cool plan to see how many other lakes I could swim across this summer. Everyone loves bagging a peak, and so do I, but variety is the spice of hiking! Now if only I could figure out a good verb for “bagging” a lake…. Maybe I should bring back “Scooped”? Man, I totally…
Hello! I am a 30-something outdoors-lady, backpacker, and resident of Groveland, California - 
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