(warning: way too many pictures)
From Glen Aulin I headed to May Lake. Passed McGee Lake. After another couple of miles, views to the north and east begin opening up, especially the big peaks like Mt. Conness. I intended to camp at Raisin Lake but, um, well I totally missed it! I ended up camping high on the trail just before it drops down to May Lake. Spectacular views.
Next morning proceeded to May Lake, where I stashed my bear canister and a few other items in a bear box at the backpacker's camp while I ascended Mt. Hoffmann. Needless to say incredible views. The sky was crystal clear this day, in the thin air it was a very deep blue and the sun was very intense.
Coming back down Hoffmann I had a dilemma – I only had about 48 hours left to my trip, and from that location there aren't many places I could explore in that timeframe and be back to TM (my pick-up point) at the end. The obvious choice is through the Sunrise Lakes and then the Cathedral Pass, but I've done that before. Possibly Young Lakes, but… I decided to just chill out for the last part of the trip. Got back down from Hoffmann to May Lake and took a power nap in the campground. Great sunset views from a low ridge just east of the lake. Slept that night at May Lake.
McGee Lake:
Heading to May Lake, looking back to views opening up to the north and east:
From the ascent up Hoffmann, looking back to the Clark Range and Cloud's Rest:
Cloud's Rest, Starr King, and Half Dome (from ascent of Hoffmann):
Hoffmann's Thumb:
Ice block:
Back down to May Lake:
Great sunset views from the low ridge just east of May Lake:
Dawn, day 7:
Tenaya Lake:
- Billy Joel