Last week I decided to go on a backpacking trip up in the Sierras. I had attempted a previous trip about a month ago, but when I lifted my very heavy backpack, I threw out my back (getting older, I guess :/). Now that my back was feeling much better, I felt another attempt was warranted.

I wanted to go to somewhere new, but at a very familiar starting point. After some research I decided to try a popular trail to Humphreys Basin via the Piute Pass. The trailhead was a very familiar spot that I have photographed many times through the years during fall colors- North Lake. This beautiful area is just 20 miles west of Bishop, CA.
 

I headed out from LA very early in the morning. I tried to time the drive so that I would reach the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, CA, when they would open at 8am. From my research, I knew there was only 1 permit available only for the 17th- all other days for the next couple of weeks were already snagged up.

The doors opened up promptly at 8am and I was able to get my permit. I then continued my drive up to Bishop were I had breakfast- Carl's Jr. (breakfast of champions!)- and bought any remaining supplies I needed for the trip.

I drove the long road up to North Lake and was able to find a parking spot at the trailhead parking. I was a little surprised how many cars there were. Especially, that it was only midweek.

I was excited to try out two new pieces of equipment- my Osprey Kestrel 48 backpack and, my birthday gift, a Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 800 2-Season Bag. After my back mishap, I decided to get a newer, smaller, lighter backpack. Boy! Did that make a difference!

I proceeded to strap on my backpack- so far so good- and started to hike up the dirt road towards the North Lake Campground where the trailhead was located. After a short walk, I was in a shaded forest with beautiful aspens with the trailhead at the end of the campground road.

The first portion of the trail passed by some of the campsites. I made a mental note of which sites where open, just in case my back started to give me problems and prevented me from going farther on the hike. At least, I could possibly make it into a pseudo car-camping trip. Fortunately, that was not the case- my back never gave me any issues. The new backpack was a huge success!

I didn't have to walk very far before I came across my first split in the trail. To the left was the trail heading to Lamarck Lakes and straight ahead was the path to Piute Pass.

I continued on the trail and for the first mile and a half I was shaded by the trees and aspens. Then the trail began to get steeper and started to climb where I could see the first ridge that would lead me to the half way mark on my trip. The trail had many stone steps. At first, one would think that would help. But when they are almost two feet tall and you're carrying 40lbs of gear, I really started to dislike them. Especially, when there were way too many of them all the way to the top of the pass.

After hiking almost 3 miles from the parking lot, I reached the first ridge. I took in the view behind me and enjoyed how far I had hiked.

I was excited! I had hiked a little more than half way and the pass was now only 2 miles farther. The hike should get a little easier now. I turned around and was greeted by this view...

Whoa! That pass looks a helluva lot farther and a lot higher than I expected! And, those thunder clouds don't look good either.

Well, I took in a short view of beautiful Loch Leven and continued on forward. I figured I should at least try to get to the last and largest of the lakes, Piute Lake, before I have to hike up to the pass.

I was getting a little worried at this point- I was getting physically tired, thunderclouds were starting to roll in, and it was getting a little late in the afternoon.

Shortly, after I started my trek toward Piute Lake, it started to rain. Light at first and then a little heavy afterwards. I found some cover under a large tree where I donned on my rain gear. After about 20 minutes, the rain stopped and I pushed forward.

I eventually made it to Piute Lake. And, I was TIRED! The weather looked like it was going to get worse and I had to make a decision- stay and set up camp for the night, or continue on forward. Seeing other hikers setting up camps around the lake, it was an easy decision- time to call it in for the day.

I pitched my tent and setup my cooking gear so I can make dinner. And, as soon as I did- it started to rain. It REALLY started to rain... and thunder... and lightening.

I took cover in my tent for the next hour and a half, wondering if I would get the chance to make dinner. At some point, sunlight peeked through the clouds. Yes!!! Time to make dinner and wait for the magic hour during sunset to, hopefully, get some great shots! I stepped out of the tent and took this shot...

I had been there a little over two hours and just noticed that there was a stone hut in the background. How did I miss that?! I didn't get the chance to check it out. Perhaps, next time? :-)
After eating dinner, I patiently waited and during sunset was able to capture a couple of shots that I would be happy with...

---

---

After a long day of hiking, I was eager to go to bed and try out my new sleeping bag.

I woke up the next morning and was greeted with absolutely gorgeous weather- blue skies without a single cloud. I was eager to head out in the warm weather, especially after dealing with the wet, soggy rain from the day before.

I headed out and as I reached the other end of Piute Lake I was able to see how close I was to reaching the top of Piute Pass- just one more mile!

I hiked up the trail for about an hour and a half. I finally made it to the top of the pass! I turned and looked to see how far I had accomplished.

I looked the other way to finally see the goal that I have worked hard to reach for- Humphreys Basin.

Wow! What a view! It just went on for miles.

I took a well deserved rest at the top. I was able to chat to a fellow backpacker who was on his 1st of a 9 day hike through the area (WOW!!!). There was definitely some tech geek talk that went on- "Cool, you're using the same solar panel charger that I have." "Hey, is that the latest two-way satellite communicator from Delorme?" (hint, hint) :-)

After a nice break, I was now at the second fork in the trail on this trip. I could go right and continue down into the basin towards Summit Lake, or go left and head towards Muriel Lake. I decided on the latter.

I hiked about a mile and a half to reach Muriel Lake and was not disappointed.

I looked around the lake for a good spot to setup camp and found the perfect area- the stream that was exiting from the lake that went down into the basin.

I took a nice long nap in the warm sunlight and then explored the area to find spots that might be promising for some sunset photos.

Eventually, sunset approached. Because of the good weather, there was a lack of dramatic storm clouds for my shots. But, I was able to get a shot or two.

---

---

I took in the last sunset for this trip- feeling very rewarded.

Very early in the morning, I made breakfast, broke down the campsite, and started the long trek back to the car. And, my feet felt it! After a nearly 13 mile round trip, I was exhausted and ready to get back home to a comfortable bed.

As I was soaking my tired, sore feet in the cold stream by the parked car, I saw another, stronger, thunderstorm coming in. I was very happy that I had beaten it before it started to downpour buckets of water.