Mile 814 to 827 Middle Fork of the Kings River.

The Sierra is a magical place this time of year. Winter above 10,000 feet and summer below. Today, I was lucky enough to walk from winter into summer.

The challenge of the day was Mather Pass, which stands at 12,093 feet tall. It has terraced bands of rock connected with steep snow slopes. Our camp 3 miles away afforded us a view of it as we set out on the gradual climb over frozen sun cups to its base.

We knew there were at least two routes to the top. You could switchback in the snow straight up the middle to the top or you could start on the bottom left and work your way in an upwards arc over rock and snow. We chose the latter of the two because we like a challenge.

While some members of the big group waited at the bottom, Vipr, Bedazzled, and I charged up the first snow slope. We kept our ice axes in the up slope hand and a trekking pole in the other as we followed footprints up the slope to the first rock band.

From here on, things started to get interesting and pretty soon it was a choose your own adventure trail over the rock. Vipr led the way as we scooted and climbed over boulders and talus to reach the next snow slope. This time, there weren’t any tracks and we were kicking in steps to another band of rocks. Exciting stuff.

When we reached the rocks, we started traversing them and soon came to a ledge that we needed to scoot along. We removed our crampons and stuck our ice axes in our belts as we maneuvered over the ledge and dropped down to some rock below.

Soon we were back on the snow following steps and we made a final push to the top with me in the lead. This was the most spicy pass yet and we all yelled to each other about how fun it was.

As we climbed the crest, a snowy wonderland opened up before our eyes.

We relaxed for two hours at the top of the pass watching people come up with hollowed looks in their eyes. When Wiz Kid made it to the top, she was hyperventilating. She threw off her pack and broke down crying. She’s afraid of heights, but some how pushed through and made it to the top.

We started down on good solid snow and made exceptional time over the first two hours.

As we dropped in elevation, we came upon the half frozen Palisades Lake. It had a beautiful turquoise blue color.

As noon came upon us, we stopped on an outcrop of rocks next to the lake. We had a 360 degree views of the lake, waterfalls, and the surrounding mountains. It was the best lunch spot of the trip so far.

Bedazzled had the idea of going for a swim in the thawed part of the lake. We some how agreed that it was a good idea. We stripped to our under garments, walked across the snow, and lined up on the shore.

I was the first to dive in and it was like being hit in the face with a block of ice. I am now the proud record holder for the shortest swim in the Sierra. As the others went in, we laughed at the shocked and pained faces of each otherwhen they came up out of the water.

When we started walking again, we dropped elevation quickly and were soon walking into a snow less valley and there was actual trail to be seen! However, the challenges were not over. The melt off this year is so extreme that the trail was a river and at some points where it switchbacked, a waterfall. Luckily, the temperature climbed as we descended and all the water cooling our feet turned out to be a blessing.

The surroundings slowly changed to trees and meadows with little wildflowers blooming along the trail. It was like we had just walked into summer.

With clear trail, except for some sections with avalanche debris, we made great time and the sisters talked of making a fire. We passed by the big group and told them we were going on.

As we neared the Middle Fork of the Kings River, we started looking for camping spots.  We found one, but I spied  something strange looking down river. It was part of an old stone bridge that had washed away. I went over and found an amazing perch on a flat rock next to the bridge. Below is the raging, and I mean raging, Middle Fork of the Kings River.

We set up camp and gathered wood for the fire. It was the perfect end to a magical day.