Adventure 008, Hike 023 - Cragg Lake to Middle Velma Lake

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008, Hike 023 – Cragg Lake to Middle Velma Lake

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  June 27, 2012

Location: Desolation Valley, Lake Tahoe

Hike Info:

Trail: Yosemite Tahoe Trail-Part II

Distance: 8.6

Duration: 4:18

Elevation Rise: 2,090'

 

Description:
A bit slow in getting off. Leave camp around 9:30. But the day is cool and the grade is moderate, so we make good time. We stop at Stony Ridge Lake. It is pleasant enough-actually a really nice lake. The Cat and Thing One claim a rock as our Capture California island. We wade/swim to it. Water is a bit cold, but the lake bottom is nice to walk on. Also we do a picnic lunch for CC as well. Oh yeah—and we were visited by a friendly little snake.But this pleasant time comes to an end. We start hiking again and it is up, up and up. The view is pretty good of the lake. We cross over a ridge which separates the drainage between Meeks and Emerald Bay. The scenery changes dramatically from forested, to rock. Both are pleasant, just a contrast.

We continue on toward Phipps Pass, 8800'. The pass itself is not impressive. But it does mark the end of a long uphill, we descend for a couple of miles, regaining some of the trees. Thing One take time off and read more of Dracula, getting too engrossed. Thing Two takes a head start. In an effort to catch up, Thing One take a spill, scrapping a shin. More blood than pain. But a reminder to not rush, enjoy.

 Thing One manages to catch up with The Cat and Thing Two at the PCT junction. Mosquitoes are attacking Thing One with full force and become grumpy about the lack of speed. We finish the next two miles to Middle Velma Lake. The Cat does some exploring and comes up with a campsite. Wind is blowing pretty strong. At least it diminishes the number of mosquitoes.



After dinner, The Cat hits the sack. Thing One and Two are not too far behind. Long day, but  we are glad to be together.