Taboose Pass Descent (08.12.2011)
Day 7 - our final day, and a long one. Only 14 miles but nearly 8000 ft of descent (with a 1500 ft ascent thrown in the middle for fun). When we started off from camp we weren't sure if we were going to take another day or just hike all the way out. We left Taboose Pass at 2 pm and decided it was too early to stop at one of the campsites, so finish we did. Ouch.
The first cloud I've seen all week.
Breakfast: more fishies!
Hiking out via a beautiful cross-country route along a flowing creek.
Hiking through Upper Basin.
Mather Pass
Frozen Lake Pass (distance) and a tumbling cascade in Upper Basin
Cascades
We eventually reconnect with the JMT at this crossing.
High clouds = storms in a day or two. Happy about the weather we've had all week and happier that we'll be out before any storms hit.
Holy cow I love this place.
Shooting Star
We get off of the JMT and cross the Kings to take an old trail towards Taboose Pass
Heading along the old trail through fields of wildflowers.
On the way to Taboose Pass. Looking back (Arrow Peak) and the faded old trail.
Taboose Pass
Back at Taboose. It's 2 pm. Now we have 6000 feet to descend to get back to the cars in about 8 miles. Bring it on.
Not much in the way of snow melt this week.
Ran into some packers just below the pass. The poor horses and mules did not seem happy about the snow.
Descending. lots of big horn poop on the trail but we never saw one of the critters.
Ankle twisting terrain
Near our first night's campsite
Moisture in the air
After the long descent we stopped by Keough hot ditch for a soak. The sunset was gorgeous.
