This was the trip of unforgettable sunsets, spectacular scenery, roaring river crossings, and packed snowfields. It was also a celebration of Patrick’s birthday.
We left home in the early morning and made it to Mineral King mid-day to start our hike. It was an easy four miles to Deer Creek where we spent the first night. After heartwarming soup and noodles, we take in the bright orange sunset and turn in.
The ground was wet with dew in the morning. The chilly air felt crisp and refreshing. After breakfast, we made our way along Tar Gap Trail. There were so many beautiful areas to take breaks along the creek. After the junction, we turned towards Hockett Meadows. We enjoyed warm thick curry with some tortillas. After dinner, Patrick surprised us. It’s his 40th birthday, and he brought cinnamon rolls for all of us! What a treat!
The hike to Lower Blossom Lake was partly infested with mosquitoes. I let one bite my thigh so I could take a picture of it. Lower Blossom Lake was dotted with pink flowers along its shoreline. The forested area still had some snow. This is where I started to panic. We’re on a loop trail, and Farewell Gap is the highest point, potentially snowed in and impassable. There would be no way of knowing.
After leaving Lower Blossom Lake, we continued counterclockwise along the loop to reach the Little Kern River. Along the way, we notice footprints going the opposite direction, maybe doing the loop in reverse. We all felt a little relief, but then, I said, maybe not. Maybe that person got to the pass and turned back. So much for the brief hope. At the Little Kern River crossing, we found a nice campsite and settled in and enjoyed the fire while not thinking about the next day’s challenges.
All of Saturday morning would be filled with hiking and worrying. The Farewell Gap Trail was beautiful, and the valley below was filled with verdant meadows. Ahead, the gap stretched ahead. Before long, we hit patches of snow, but Ryan helped us navigate through them. Then, we’re at the gap! Patrick hikes over to the lingering snow patch and takes in the view of the way we came up. The, the descent to our Aspen Flat camp was easy. We unwind around a fire and have curry over rice.
It was only about three miles to the trailhead on the last day. We make it in no time. My Ford Expedition was still there, the bottom wrapped in chicken wire to prevent the marmots gnawing on car parts.
What a memorable way trip through the wilderness!
