Rae Lakes Trail 2015

The Rae Lakes Trail or Loop is a 46-mile Sierra classic. The best portion coincides with the John Muir Trail, which is heavily trafficked in August. My primary interest is the one day excursion to the Sixty Lakes Basin. 

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I drive through the night to arrive at the trailhead before 7 am to obtain a walk-in permit during this high-season time. In my rush to get out of the house I neglect to bring my trail runners. A 2 am visit to a 24-hour Walmart produces these $19.88 shoes. They are an obvious knock-off of a Merrell Moab, and perform admirably.

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East Vidette in the morning is always a welcome view.

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Glen Pass, two guys, ten women. Gender parity is the new welcome reality of the JMT.

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The Sixty Lakes live up their their billing. This visit reinforces my interest in returning to do a Sixty-Lakes through Gardiner Basin off-trail excursion. Cue up/Spotify/Carole King/Way Over Yonder.

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The distinctive Fin Dome completes the morning view.

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Woods Creek suspension bridge.

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Morning smoke from the nearby fire makes its way up the valley, but is not nearly as irksome as the small knats buzzing around my face.

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Headed home.