Well it started out with Jack Elliot wanting to do a trip into SEKI as he wanted to see Forester Pass. An email and a call later I am on the hunt to set up a Sept. trip that would include going over Forester and seeing some other sights. After some long and hard planning which included going over Milly, Lucys Footpath or Harrison Pass we settled on going into Center Basin via Kearsarge Pass, then over Junction Pass, Shepherds Pass, and then over Forester and back of Kearsarge. Yup we can do it said I….The word gets out that we would like some company and Bob Gross and Rick Horne jump at the chance! Well here is how the story goes. With all the planning and getting permits we thought we could do this. BUT the issue became apparent on the first day that 3 middle aged guys that are in ok shape sometimes need a little more oomph to get it done. The running joke of the trip was don't believe Kenny he lies….as Rick so often jokingly said..or to steal from Jack. So instead of tackling all of those magnificent passes we settled on Kearsarge and Forester….well two of the four settled on that one. You see we did not end up in Center Basin but at the trail junction to have an off day and let those that wanted to go up Forester the chance to do so. I just want to add that I enjoyed everyones comany and I had a ball!!! Thank you guys for allowing me to share such great company! Also thanks to Rick for driving. As much as it broke my heart and I am sure Bob's, we were not up to the challenge of what I had layed out. You see, I love The Sierras and I want to see it all, and sometimes my eyes get bigger than my stomach so to speak. Jack and Bob both climbed up to Forester Pass while Rick and I hung out at Bubb Creek and enjoyed a fantastic off day. Here is the pictures!
Pre hike dinner at Onion Valley. L-R Jack Elliot, Bob Gross, Ken Helwig
7:30 start time, shaking the cobwebs out and getting ready to climb Kearsarge Pass. Note Jack is already smelling his underarms…
On the way up Kearsarge Pass
Getting closer to the pass….Kearsarge is 11,700 feet and is described as one of the more easier passes to go over to get into Kings Canyon. Right……..
Me atop Kearsarge Pass
Jack playing musclman on the pass
Jack coming down Kearsarge Pass on the Eastern Side heading towards Kearsarge Lakes
Bullfrog Lake
Looking towards the headwaters of Bubbs Creek and Forester Pass
Camp for the first night. Bob had a Hyperlight Gear tarp, Rick with his MLD tarp, I had my Gossamergear SpinnTwinn, and Jack with his Z Packs Hexamid…Upper Viddette Meadows
Bubbs Creek….something tells me Cary Bertoncini would have loved fishing this!
Bear scratches in a tree
Looking up towards Forester Pass
Love on the trail
This balloon was found near Forester Pass. It was some kind of commercial balloon for advertising. Dunno where it came from though. Some people near our camp was cutting it up to carry it out
I found this while hiking up the headwaters of Bubbs Creek. I yelled out THANK YOU TRAIL ANGELS!!!!!!!!!!
lightweight water treatment on Bubbs Creek
Found three GG poles on the JMT….One was broken, the other was snapped and the third was damaged. We took them home with us…..strange. Why not CARRY out your garbage!
Rick Horne on the trail!
Heading into Kearsarge Lakes Basin
Things I came away with on this trip. Firstly, I can and will go lighter for a trip of this duration. I started this hike with 23 lbs and I know that I can go lighter. I am already taking things out of my pack. I should and will carry less food as I came home with way more than I thought I would. All in all, this was a fantastic trip.
