Dale Matson
3.7 miles RT 1,000’ climb 6 hours
On 8-26, we had breakfast and hit the trail to Granite Park about 8am. Granite Park is another kind of basin. We backtracked a bit to the trail to Italy Pass which would take us to Granite Park also. I imagine most folks who take this trail go over Italy Pass. I don’t know why but it was a slow hike for all of us. We saw Feather Peak, Muriel Peak, and the top of Mt. Humphreys over in Humphreys Basin. There is something both bleak and beautiful about essentially granite and water. We rested in several places and had lunch near a waterfall. None of these lakes we passed had names. Although the trail continues toward Italy Pass (the trail ends before the pass) we opted to turn around and head back to camp. Some of my favorite images were taken on this hike. We had considered taking the trail to Pine Creek Pass but were glad we had chosen this route.
We broke camp and headed out 1.5 hours before Carlos and Carol and they caught up with us with about 1.5 miles to go! Our final hike out was difficult and slow for me and I suffered from both dehydration and heat. It is easy to forget to drink enough water in the mountains. The 3,000’ of descent was tough on this old man’s quads. I was doubly glad we had our packs brought up the hill by the time I got back to the truck with my pack. Sharon and Carlos drove my truck back to Fresno. Thank God!
It was by God’s grace that no one fell or was injured that is always a thought that runs through one’s mind.
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