My last few reports have gotten about as much response as posts that ask for area conditions and get no reply. I'll give this one more try.
Seeing all the backpacking reports here, motivated me to get back in the game. The line between day hikes and backpacking can be a bit blurry. I have done 20 mile day hikes, with x country travel. I have used a headlamp, and returned as the sky begins to light up(semi-intentionally). It was time to update my gear a bit and do some backpacking again.
I picked up a permit at Bishop and headed to South Lake. The ranger said that the clouds looked creepy, and the forecast for rain was 50%. The weather began to clear by the time I got to Long Lake. It was starting to look like a great day.
The water was flowing pretty good.
Saddlerock and Bishop Lakes were still partially frozen
There was a bit of snow at Bishop Pass. I followed some tracks that veered away from the switchbacks, and was able to stay on rock, and avoid some of the snow crossings.
I got to Dusy Basin, set up the tent and had some Chef Boyardee. I must have remembered seeing a few chef Boyardee pictures. It soon started to rain for most of the night. I got up about 5am and the rain had stopped.
I headed towards Le Conte Canyon. It rained a little bit, but soon cleared. I had wanted to see the cascades in Le Conte Canyon for some time, and they didn't disappoint.
The elevation gain on the way back would not have been fun, if this had been a long day hike. I headed back to Dusy Basin and on to Bishop Pass.
Had some hail on the way back to the pass.
I stuck to the switchbacks on the way back through the pass. One section had a steep snowy slope drop off, but enough people were going through to keep everything stable.
It turned out to be a great re-introduction to backpacking. Thanks to everyone for the motivation to do it.