Plants are hearty and tough at 12,000 feet.

Alpine lake splendor.

My tent is there... somewhere

Where's the tent?

Sturdy lil tent.

Ireland Lake Tundra!

Dusk of the second day. My closest neighbors.

Setting out down to Lyell Canyon.

Below Amelia Earhart Peak and Ireland lake. Looking back.

Potter Point.... still pointing up.

Hiking out Lyell Canyon looking northwest.

The noble Ground Squirrel in repose.

Arriving finally in Tuolumne Meadows after a brisk 12 mile hike, I am greeted by an aloof but affectionate group of pack llamas.