Dale Matson
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An Introduction To Alpine Basins Of The Central Sierra Nevada
I now realize that so many of the places in the Sierra
Nevada I have loved to visit are mountain alpine basins. Mountain passes and
peaks are singular and impressive but they are places we pass on our way to a
campsite in a mountain basin. For example the climb to a pass may be difficult
and arduous. We may like the view but we press on because we hope to end with a
well-deserved longer rest at the pass followed by a descent to a basin
campsite. We may have to put our windbreaker back on there. We may have to sit
down every few switchbacks to rest ourselves by sitting on a boulder in the
shade. I often think of the difficult climb up to Glen Pass on the northbound
John Muir Trail. Once on top there is only time for a short celebration and rest
because our campsite will be in the Rae Lakes Basin below.
A mountain basin
reminds me of a great cathedral where we are surrounded by lofty steeples.
Alpine basins are at 10,000’ plus feet yet you still look up and are walled in
by massive granite walls. I was at guitar lake at 12,500’ and looked around at
peaks 1,500’ higher yet.
These basins (also called watersheds) all have their own
ecosystem but share common elements. Uplift or glacial scouring generally forms
them. Basins are similar to valleys but valley tends to be “V” or “U” shaped
while basins are round or oval shaped. There is generally a stream and a beautiful
rather stark expansive view with scattered vegetation. These basins also
contain several tarns or lakes, which may be fed by the same creek. Eventually
these creeks flow into a river. For example Piute Creek flows into the San
Joaquin River. The lakes can be deep blue or even green if fed by glaciers.
Some basins are very popular like Rae Lakes and Kearsarge where there are
length of stay limits.
I often imagine the deer, bears bighorn sheep and other
animals living in but also wandering away from these basins or traveling over
the passes. I once saw a deer tagged in the Owens Valley that was in Kings
Canyon 30 miles away up by Reflection Lake. The bighorn sheep seem to make up
their own rules about where they go.
I have written this book as
an encouragement to the experienced physically fit but average person who is
interested in going to these places. The person does not need great navigational
skills but it is necessary to have map and compass skills at a minimum. I say
experienced because some basins like Evolution Basin are literally days away from
a trailhead. These trips require quality gear that has been tested by prior
use. You need four things in the wilderness. You need to be able to stay dry,
warm, hydrated and fed. A health
emergency can arise like altitude sickness; do you have a way of contacting
someone? I carry an Iridium Satellite Phone. When you pick up your wilderness permit
you will have to show an itinerary. Stick to it for your own safety sake. If
you have problems on the trails, there is always a chance someone will come
along. If you are off the trail by yourself, you may never be found.
Available now in Paperback. http://www.amazon.com/dp/151768482X
and Kindle. https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books/book-detail-page?ie=UTF8&bookASIN=B0168QB6E8&index=default
Available now in Paperback. http://www.amazon.com/dp/151768482X
and Kindle. https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books/book-detail-page?ie=UTF8&bookASIN=B0168QB6E8&index=default
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