<HTML>Just got back from Yosemite and due to snow and cold, fast moving streams, had to cancel my trip to Smedburg Lake. Most of the trail was snow free and muddy but I ran into a lot of snow on a steep, sheltered section just before I got to Miller Lake on my second day. It would have been very difficult without my trekking poles! The lake was about 70% ice covered.
The snow is melting fast, but the streams will be a problem for another week or two. The passible sections were about 2 feet deep, very cold and fast moving. Was a bit nerve wracking, wading over the smooth rocks and fighting the current. Decided I wasn't up to crossing an additional 4 streams in addtion to the three I did cross and going through Benson Pass, which I expect would have a lot of snow.
So, I stayed at Miller Lake and went to McCabe Lake the next day. McCabe Lake was also more than 70% ice covered and the last .5 mile was almost all snow covered. The lake is very beautiful with an very impressive peak behind it.
I decided to hike the last 14 miles to my truck the next day.
As I was leaving, I saw storm clouds and even ran into a short period of hail.
Next year I'll return to my usual October time of year.</HTML>