We had planned on a family camp-out to Upper Pines in Yosemite, but my oldest daughter was invited to a sleepover/birthday party on the same weekend. Since this was one of her best friends, we decided to let her go to the party. So we headed towards Yosemite, minus one child. At least we could have some family time with our youngest and no fighting!
Even in Yosemite, Sarah doesn’t like to wear shoes!
When I started having problems with my knees in 2005/2006, I thought I’d like to take the family to hike to May Lake after my knees were replaced. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Both of my knees are now permanently fused straight. But I still thought I could make it the 1.2 miles to the lake, but that morning I started doubting. The voice of reason (Stacy) told me I better go and try or she’d kill me!
So we drove the 1.5 hour trip up to the May Lake trailhead and started the hike at 1pm. I originally thought of using my tripod to use as a trekking pole, but decided at the last minute to pack light. I brought my camera (5D) and the 70-200 mm lens. No flash, no tripod, and no extra lenses. Stacy carried the water.
It was pay back for all of the times when Stacy and I used to backpack. I had a faster pace back then and every time I stopped to take my breath, Stacy would catch up….and I’d start walking again. Well, she did it to me on this trip, except she had all of the water. I had to tell her to stop so I could get a drink.
We made it! It took about 1.5 hours to hike the 1.2 miles, but I made it.
For the trip down, I packed the camera and carried the water and focused my attention on getting down! About half way down, I gave Stacy the keys so they could just hike down at their own pace.
We spent an hour at the lake and I got back at 6pm. Not sure if I’ll ever go backpacking again, mainly because of time/weight, but I’m now trying to think of my next hike. Thinking about Alpine Lake on the way to Mount Conness….
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