Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports It's the journey, not the destination

From a historic point of view I have been much more focused on the destination, rather than the journey. This year I hope to change that orientation, and spend more time photographing the journey, rather than racing to the destination (while taking a few snap shots along the way).

Toward that end, during the week of June 16th I spent three days at Mammoth Lakes doing day hikes in order to become better acclimatized. I really like the area above Lake Mary/George Lake/Crystal Lake, so decided to hike up to Mammoth Crest from George Lake. I did this hike late in the day (started around 3:00 PM), and was treated to good clouds, and setting sun. The first two pictures were taken near Mammoth Crest, looking North/North West.





My final destination for this trip was Mt. Langley, via Lake # 6.

I started early in the morning, departing Horseshoe Meadows at 4:30 AM. I wanted to reach the chute west of Lake # 6 before the snow bacame too soft.

I was making good time, so decided to stop by Muir Lake. Very nice. Check out the beach in the first photo.





Next, a shot of Old Army Pass with Lake 5 in the foreground, and Lake 4 in the background. As you can see, there was still a good bit of snow toward the top of the trail.



As I headed up toward Lake 6 I noticed a couple of interesting trees that I felt were photo worthy, so stopped to take pictures.





Much to my chagrin, I found myself in the middle of a bolder field, with no apparent exit. I did wander for quite a while, and finally realized that there was no way I could get to Lake # 6, and the chute up towards Mt. Langley, before it became quite warm. I need to check with So.BayMark to find the path. There were many cairns, but none of them seemed to lead anywhere. Most interesting.

Fortunately for me, I was focused on the journey, so no big deal that I would not reach my intended destination. Therefore, time to head back.

Final picture was taken on the way back to the Trail Head.



So, no "tick mark" by Mt. Langley, but a glorious day nonetheless.

Really beautiful pictures! Thanks!

Sounds like you had a good time.

I can't imagine how you could get lost in a boulder field.

   

Exactly! AND, the thing is, the gmap4 image does not begin to give you a sense of the bolder sizes. Some are quite large, and prove to be barriers to travel

In any case, thanks for your comments on the pictures, and I did have a grand time. Let's not forget why we hike.

AMAZING photos - thank you for sharing them!

Fantastic views in your photos! Did you put a filter on the first one? Its absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, you echo my motto: Journey is my destination and enjoy every bit of it like its the last chance!

Great photos John!

John, is that where you lost your left hip?

Hi Krishna,

No, I did not use a filter. The first two images were created using "exposure bracketing" to take multiple exposures. Then these images were merged in order to improve the dynamic range. When making adjustments in isolation (one photo at a time) you (or at least I) sometimes make adjustments that are a bit different than others. This was the case with the first image. I noticed that when I posted the images, so went back to the second image, and re-adjusted (leaving me out this time), and then merged the two photos to product a panorama. Following is the second photo re-adjusted, and then, voila, Le Piece de resistance.

Second image re-adjusted



Piece de resistance - If you go to the picture gallery and click on this image you will get a slightly larger version.



John

Hi 63,



Actually, my left hip, my right shoulder, and other parts of my anatomy that shall go unspecified

LOL - I didn't notice the 'other' parts!

Hi John.. First off nice pictures..Your second to the last picture of 2 trees I believe the one on the left is the one I look for when coming from 6th lake..I will be doing a overnite on Langley on 7-18 doing the shortcut(if all pans out).. call me with any questions 310-713-9157

This picture is taken from the lake below 6th lake(right below it) it has no name,go to the middle of the picture on your left side go in a inch and a half that is the boulder field and tree we head to when coming back down..



Tracie and I are coming down from shortcut(taking another shortcut) to 6th lake do you see the small lake below 6

Hi Mark,

Thanks for following up. You can see my gps track at the following :
John's gps track

In the following picture you can see the location of the trees in my photo. South (I think) of your trees.



And finally, what I "guess" to be your route from the small lake to what I "guess" to be the trees referenced in your post.



So, the question I have for you is: How to get from my trees to your trees ?