Adventure 008, Hike 044 – Evolution Meadows to Sapphire Lake

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008, Hike 044 – Evolution Meadows to Sapphire Lake

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  July 27, 2012

Location: Kings Canyon National Park

Hike Info:

Trail: John Muir Trail

Distance: 8.9 miles

Duration: 10:00

Elevation Rise: 2,307'

Description:
We have breakfast and Thing Two hits the trail at 9:20. The Cat in the Hat and Thing One follow shortly. We pass through Evolution Meadow, the least of the three meadows in Evolution Valley. Making good time. But we start climbing up a ridge and get to McClure Meadow.

This meadow is just so pretty. You get the idea of a perfect Valley It is some place which you can spend time just admiring. We do not do it justice. Just before Colby Meadow, we catch up with Thing Two and take a break.












This starts our leap frogging of a Japanese man--older with limited English. We would pass him several times. Very courteous. Later it looks like he was hobbling and we offer moleskin, but he says he does not have blisters.



The JMT book sad we might need to wade one creek. But it was pretty low so we crossed o a log. Then the start of our steep 800' climb. Coming up the Valley, we already rose up 900'.



We spot a couple of waterfalls and head over there. Thing One borrow Thing Two's Teva's and go under the falls—cold--not shocking cold. But it did get the heart racing. The Cat in the Hat did the same thing after Thing One was through.



We are hot and slow. But there is enough eye candy, mostly The Hermit, to keep us going. The U-Shape of the Valley gives a peaceful feeling. The altitude is also working against us. We are about 10,000' now. Well that is except the energizer bunny—The Cat in the Hat--who still has a bounce in her step.



By the time we get to Evolution Lake, it is 4. Thing Two is still good for Sapphire Lake. So we start the 2 mile, 200' trek there. The Cat in the hat goes ahead to find a camp site. In contrast with the warmth of the day, the falling evening shadows send a chill through us. Then with the breeze, it is getting downright cold.



The site The Cat in the Hat has found is by the Lake, smooth enough to pitch our tent. So The Cat in the Hat will sleep with us tonight. Good thing she bought us a 3 person tent. While dinner is being made, The Cat in the Hat and Thing One go fly a kite—at 11,000' for our Capture California points. We eat, clean up and watch the sun set—or more accurately, we see the light leave the surrounding mountains.



Trail Lesson: Waterfalls are a great source of refreshment—both visual and when you personally plunge in.