From June 21st to June 24th I set out on a solo backpacking adventure in the Yosemite high Sierra. I left from Tuolumne Meadows (elev. 8600 ft.) and made my first camp at Vogelsang lake (elev. 10,200 ft.) (7.5 miles). Day 2 made the descent down to Merced lake (elev 7300 ft.)(8 miles). Day 3 climbed up to Sunrise High Sierra camp (elev. 9300 ft.)(10 miles). On day 4 I hiked out to Tenaya lake (6 miles) and hitchhiked back to my car. This was one of the most beautiful backpacking trips of my life so far and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Following are some of the photos I took along the way.

Jim Affinito

Lupines on the Merced river start my trip.

Early on the trail fro Tuolumne Meadows to Vogelsang Lake.

Mount Dana

Ghost of a tree.

Fat marmot eating mule poop.

Trail to Vogelsang

Mule train leaving Vogelsang High Sierra camp.

View south from camp at Vogelsang lake.

View north from camp at Vogelsang lake.

Preparing a breakfast of oatmeal and mosquitoes at Vogelsang lake.

A cloud of mosquitoes descending upon me.

Vogelsang lake from camp

Vogelsang peak. First night camp was in the thin band of trees on the distant ridge directly beneath the saddle.

Veratrum californicum. "Corn lilies". Very poisonous. NO EAT!

Alpine meadow below Vogelsang.

Spot the elves.

Self portrait

Sierra weirdo.

1000 feet of descent or so on these cobbled granite switchbacks that were made in ancient times by the Dwarves of Morea.

Descent to Merced lake. Half dome in distance.

Merced lake... baby black bear country

Exfoliating granite

Merced Lake

Merced lakes' contribution to the Merced river

MARMOT!

Yet another mighty Sierra canyon

Yes... yes they do.

False morel and strawberries

Sarcodes sanguinea "Snow Plant" (thanks mom)

High Sierra succulent

Jagged granite crest

Another alpine meadow

Dusty trail crew critters at Sunrise High Sierra camp.

Sunrise Meadow with Matthes Crest in the distance.

In the Sunrise Meadow (camp is in the distance).

Wee Alpine meadow flower.

Cooking dinner at Sunrise High Sierra Camp with Bug dome in the distance.

Study of corn chowder and DEET with water and stove.