This trip started out with an acclimatization detour to the White Mountains just east of the Owens Valley. We arrived at Grandview campground in the afternoon and enjoyed a relaxed dinner before marveling at the spectacular sunset.
Early Thursday morning, I was the first to get up. We drove to Patriarch Grove to watch the sunrise, and afterwards, we hiked the Schulman Grove trail through the ancient bristlecone pines. Across the valley and partway up the eastern slope of the Sierra, we camped at Big Pine Creek, ready to hike in the next day.
The hike up to Third Lake was gradual and easy. Alice enjoyed walking right by the mountain named after her. Second Falls was dramatic. Once we got up to the lakes, we saw the milky turquoise color of the waters, tinted that way because of glacial meltwater from the Palisades. Iconic Temple Crag towered over Second Lake. Before long, we got to our campsite by Third Lake. Here, I learned that I need to get a different kind of water filter, something that I can take apart and wash away the silt.
Saturday morning, I was up early again and hiked back to Second Lake to take golden hour photographs of the scenery. After breakfast, the group hiked up to Fifth Lake, set up camp, and day-hiked to Sixth and Seventh before returning to camp.
The hike out was easy. We took the loop route around Black Lake, and this gave us panoramic views of the valley and emerald lakes below.
Grandview campgroundAlice and Valerie cooking at Grandview campgroundAlice eating grilled vegetablesGrandview campground sunsetPatriarch Grove, tree silhouette at dawnPatriarch Grove sunriseSolitary bristlecone pine in Patriarch GroveGroup picture by the Methuselah Trail, Schulman GroveSchulman Grove bristlecone pine forestBig Pine CreekAngelhair pasta with pesto and vegetables at our Big Pine Creek campsiteBig Pine CreekGroup picture at the North Fork Big Pine Creek trailheadAlice on the trailSecond FallsGroup picture at the John Muir Wilderness boundaryAlice and Ryan having lunchAndy, Valerie, and Patrick filtering waterTemple Crag over Second LakeGroup picture at Second LakeAlice and Valerie taking a bath in Third LakeMoonriseAlice eating noodlesNoodles with pickled vegetablesSecond Lake sunrisePine tree in morning light at Second LakeTemple Crag over Second LakeSecond Lake lakeshoreCounterbalance food at our Third Lake campsiteAlice and Valerie at the campsiteGroup picture at Third LakeGroup picture between Third Lake and Fourth LakeGroup picture at Fourth LakeFiltering water with Daryl at Fifth LakeGroup picture at Fifth LakeGroup picture at Sixth LakeHiking through the meadow between Sixth Lake and Seven LakesValley between Sixth Lake and Seventh LakeGroup picture at Seventh LakeBathing in Fifth LakeBathing in Fifth LakeCurry over riceGroup having dinner at Fifth LakeDanny, Andy, and Alice at Black LakeHiking east of Black LakeView of First and Second LakeTemple Crag and the valleyGroup picture above Second FallsHiking along the trail in front of Mount AliceGroup picture at the North Fork Big Pine Creek trailhead
