The Sierra of California abounds with stunning
views like this one from the rim rock that surrounds the lake. The
High Country is inaccessible most of the year, buried under yards of snow,
but by the end of June, the snow has melted away, revealing one of the
most idilic areas for hiking and camping in the US. The Iron Lakes area
has several small, primitive campgrounds nestled among the evergreens,
and is a jump off point to the maze of trails that lead into and around
Yosemite National Park.
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This sylvan fairyland cajoles its visitors
to relax. Is Gloria studying? It's hard to tell behind her
sunglasses whether her eyes are open or closed. Tita takes advantage
of the opportunity to snooze after staying up all night guarding our camp
against intruders. Wildlife thrives in the area. Rainbow and
Brown Trout are plentiful in the lake and surrounding streams. An
occasional bear requires that food be protected and definitely not kept
in your tent! Deer, hawks, osprey, marmots, chipmunks, chickadees, woodpeckers,
and other forest birds are all present, adding a lively accent to this
spellbinding natural setting.
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Gloria whips up a dehydrated Spanish Omelette...or
is it dog food? Tita thinks so!
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Daniel and Brooke swim like fresh water mermaids
in the chilling shadows of evening. As the sun sets the surface of
the lake becomes a mirror, and reflects the beauty of the rock cradle that
surrounds it. The lake is ideal for wading and swimming, with visibility
of 30 to 40 feet, and a number of perfect diving rocks, including a tiny
boulder strewn island, complete with trees and wildflowers, that reminds
one of a manicured Japanese garden.
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A lone wildflower clings to the edge of the
flat granite peer that projects into Bare Island Lake. The name of the
lake may be a coincidence, but the urge to be truly natural here is overwhelming,
and the crystal mountain water is truly refreshing.
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Daniel and Brooke came prepared, and well
versed in wood lore. Here they demonstrate the technique for
cooking "Pizza on a Stick"a little known mountain delicacy.
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