Lake Ediza to Minaret Lake 09-26 to 09-28

[knuckledragginsledneck]

With the weather more than likely changing this week I figured I would get in one more quick trip. We left Agnew Meadows Saturday morning for Lake Ediza.



The trail was really hot and sandy for a late September day. Soon after you get on trail you enter the Ansel Adams Wilderness.



The push to Shadow Lake really sucks because I know every step and how many more I have to go. Fortunately the view from the top makes it worth the grind.



The rest of the hike to Lake Ediza is really mellow and very scenic.



nice camp at Ediza in the trees.



A little scrambling above camp in the morning.



From the top you get a real nice view of Banner and Ritter.



Looking back at Lake Ediza.



We left camp around 10am and headed to Iceberg Lake. Crossing a meadow under the Minarets.



The trail climbs through a bunch of brush above the lake. Luckily this isn't Alaska where the Grizzly Bear roams



The trail winds it's way uphill



Iceberg Lake is one of the bluest, clearest lakes I have ever seen. The fishing sucked but the scenery made it worth while



We were on our way to Lake Cecile and had to go up this. At first it was intimidating with a full pack on.



Banner and Ritter from the trail



if you can call it a trail.



still going up



Lake Cecile



We stopped here for a little lunch and some pictures. The Minarets



Looking back at Iceberg Lake



Clyde Minaret above Lake Cecile



We skirted around the East side of the lake looking for the cross country trail down to Minaret Lake.



After walking a few hours on talus and a steep light use trail we made it to the pass



getting down the steep ledges to Minaret Lake





What we down climbed



At camp on the shores of Minaret Lake



The sun going down on the Volcanic Ridge



Clyde Minaret above the lake



Caught a few Brookies



all that hiking makes you very hungry and thirsty



moon shot



After dinner the fish started rising. I accidentally caught this one three feet from shore. I was reeling in my fly when it hit.



Morning on the Lake



We started to hike out and fished the stream the whole way out. The fish were little but hit every cast.



They were small but plentiful



In the summer you would never be able to stop here because of the mosquitoes. We took advantage of the fall weather. No bugs = hungry little fish.



I probably caught 50 of these



almost home



The bridge across the San Joaquin



We changed plans the first night of our trip and had to hitchhike form Devils Postpile back to Agnew Meadows. Thanks to the nice elderly couple who picked up to tired and smelly backpackers. Great trip. I hope I can get at least one more in before the weather turns to winter.