Take a hike with us on the Morgan Pass Trail in the Muir Wilderness above Rock Creek in the Sierra Nevada. At this point we are at about 9,600 feet.
It's brisk and there is a growing breeze.
Warnings were posted about an increase in bear activity. In previous years we've seen only bear scat.
As we gain altitude we get better looks at peaks in the eastern Sierra.
Moving into open meadows the wind begins to gust.
At this point I'm fascinated by the spire like chalk white peaks on this portion of the range.
Getting closer to 11 thousand feet Lana puts on gloves, the temperature dips and we see patches of ice on the trail.
We find a spot that partially blocks the wind so we can take a picnic break.
Our view is another lake and meadow.
Down the trail after lunch it's time for a rest. Legs and knees can use a break after a few hours of trail and the stone ledge retains the warmth of the sun.
When we set out we didn't know we'd need to layer on vest, over fleece, over shirts, but that's why you fill your packs for any number of eventualities. One thing you can always count on is the sheer beauty and awesomeness of the mountains.
Photo by Lana Walking Stick created by Moto Groove A FAST CROWD THROWBACK
1964 Warren Central High School Track Team.
Hard as it may be to believe I ran the 100 yard dash, 180 yard low hurdles, a leg on the relay team and was captain of the team. Any guess on who of these lads I am? My brother John, the high hurdler, is missing from the photo.
Nothing is certain in politics. I heard Eric Sevareid say that when I was a young reporter and it has stuck with me.
Now Rick Santorum enjoys the GOP limelight in what
has been the craziest campaign season since I covered my first presidential election in 1968.
I think a lot about the late Sevareid as I watch this
season play out. The reporter/analyst was brilliant.
"The difference between men and boys in politics is, and always has been, that boys want to be something, while the men
want to do something."
Eric Sevareid
Those of you old enough may remember Sevareid as the commentator at the end of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite through the '60s and 70's.
He was one of "Murrow's Boys," the war correspondents who invented modern broadcast journalism as they covered
WW II. Hired by Ed Murrow this band brought seriousness, analysis and intellect to daily reporting.
Sevareid was famous for his "think pieces," as we used to call them. Essays really. He had been a roving correspondent after the war. Once while covering the Burma China war his plane developed trouble and before parachuting to safety he grabbed a bottle of gin.
"Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing
in the world is power without humor."
Eric Sevareid
It would be a joy to see and hear Sevareid weigh in
on this campaign season. He never spared anyone from his critical gaze.
"The bigger the information media, the less courage and freedom they allow. Bigness means weakness."
Here is a sample of the kind of thoughtfulness in
broadcast journalism, that many of us miss. This is his
final commentary.
"I'm sort of a pessimist about tomorrow and an optimist
about the day after tomorrow."
Eric Sevareid
DAY BOOK THE HIGH SIERRA
With the first blooms of spring I begin thinking about our
next exploration of California. Like the magnetic north I am drawn to the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada.
Decades of globe trotting afforded me exposure to many wonderful places on this blue planet and I put the eastern side of the Sierra high on the list of exquisite.
Folks have their favorite spots. One of mine is near Tom's place off the 395. From there you drive up to Rock Creek lake at about 10,500 foot elevation. From the trail head you go up to a wide fan of lakes along either the Morgan or Mono Pass. These shots are taken from a hike, mostly south of the Morgan Pass.
Our friend Ruth, who spent years hiking and exploring this region reminds us the scenes are similar to what we've seen in the Swiss Alps. Gorgeous meadows, valleys, rugged rock walls, popular with technical climbers, pristine alpine lakes, wild life, fresh air, quiet and true serenity.
Box lake
Rock Creek Lake
Morgan Pass
Long Lake. If your journeys ever afford you a chance to visit the Eastern Slope of the Sierra, I suspect you too will be in awe. See you down the trail
1964 Warren Central High School Track Team.
