During this long break, I went to visit the mountains for a few days. I really wanted to finish a painting and show it today, but after coming back I wanted to add something to said painting. So, it will have to wait for another day. For today, I have a few photos from the Eastern Sierra Mountains along with the tale of a walk that I finally managed to finish after giving up on two previous occasions.
During the afternoon of our first day there, we went to our favourite spot at Tenaya Lake. I have photographed it many times before, like this photo taken the last time I was there.
I simply grabbed my sketchbook. Sitting there by the lake, I finished this drawing just as the sun dipped behind the mountains. The air around us started to get really chilly without the warm jackets which we left in the car by mistake!
Our first walk was to May Lake the next day. The trailhead starts at 8,710ft and the lake is at 9,270ft, so you have to stay mindful of the thin air.
Other than that, it was an usual Sierra mountain trail going through forest, granite slabs and gorgeous views.
May lake with Mt. Hoffman looming over it on one side. We had our lunch at the lake shore and read our storybooks for a long while.
At 8,000ft – 10,000ft on Tioga Pass, the air is much cooler, trails often windy, and my suffocating allergies non-existent. With that, however, comes the harsh sun and thin air. The thin air effects everyone differently. I tend to get bad altitude sickness, which causes headache and nausea.
Photo from last time. I had to give up at this point.
After acclimating ourselves with the May Lake walk, our destination next day was the Gaylor Lakes Basin. The trail starts at 9,970ft and goes all the way up to 10,750ft. The first part of the trail is relentlessly steep, gaining 500ft all at once, over a distance just shy of a mile over rocks and rubble. Because of the high elevation, National Park Service rates it as moderately strenuous. I had to give up twice before on this trail. I got so sick with headache and nausea that it would have been risky to continue.
Over the last twelve months I have been building up my cardiovascular health by increasing my running speed and distance. I had no idea if it would help or not; that was to be seen on the trail. I was also aware of the back pain that I still have from a fall on a trail in July. I took Acetaminophen that morning and used a topical pain reliever.
Once we finished our 500ft climb to the crest and started the 200ft steep descent toward Middle Gaylor Lake, I could not believe that I made it there this time!! I didn’t have even an inkling of altitude sickness.
We spent a good 30 minutes sitting by the lake shore enjoying lunch and reading our books.
After lunch we made our way to Upper Gaylor Lake which is not too far away.
Once we got there, we took another upward trail off to the left, leading to Great Sierra Mine to see the few remaining stone structures. The wind was fierce here, and we were glad to have our jackets. I can’t even begin to imagine what would make anyone want to have a settlement on this windy, harsh, rocky, and desolate place. It is beautiful, but not exactly habitable.
By this time, the day was winding down and I still wanted to take a few photos. We slowly backtracked to Middle Gaylor Lake and I took photos along the way.
After a bit of rest and snacks back at the lake, it was time to say “see you later.” The mountains always reply “we will be here.” There is another set of lakes here that we didn’t have time to explore this time. We both know we will be back here again.
Eastern High Sierra is a very special place for me. As soon we cross over one of the mountain passes to Hwy 395, my heart feels at home. As you can see, I would go to any lengths to get a little closer to the mountains. I hope you enjoyed this tale and the photos of our adventure. Next time I will share the painting inspired by this magical place.
Until next time,
-Soma
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51 thoughts on “Once More Unto The Trail”
Kirstin October 11, 2024 at 20:13
Gorgeous photos and paintings…that is on my list of places to see.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) October 8, 2024 at 19:12
Soma, that is just amazing and wonderful that you made it all the way on this beautiful hike. I’m sure I’d never be able to do that nowadays so double thanks for your sharing this beauty. Congratulations — you give me the incentive to keep trying to build back up.
Jeanne October 6, 2024 at 12:03
Great post. I love that you include the altitudes. I didn’t recognize any of this landscape as Yosemite, I had to google the lake names to make sure I had the right post! (I didn’t see your post specifically say it was Yosemite.)
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs October 6, 2024 at 06:34
What stunning scenery! You’ve got some beautiful captures of it and I love your sketches.
Glad you managed to finish the trail! Have a lovely week Soma. xx
RachelSwirl October 5, 2024 at 13:33
Stunning shots. -WOW! Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Sarah MumofThree World October 4, 2024 at 23:06
I’m so glad you got to complete your trail this time! It looks like a stunningly beautiful place. Maybe doing the running has helped you?
Monika Bochra October 4, 2024 at 07:30
Wow!!!
Very nice photos,
Karen October 3, 2024 at 16:50
wow such beautiful scenery! I would love to do that – hike in the mountains and sit and sketch!!
Christine October 3, 2024 at 12:28
Lovely art.
Divya October 2, 2024 at 21:18
Thank you for these wonderful sights from the High Sierra and the Eastern Sierra. What beautiful areas, no? I want to see more of these …
Lovely photographs, Soma. That picture of Tenaya Lake is stunning! <3
I look forward to seeing your painting, now.
Take care of your back! I hope it gets better soon! :)
rupam {xhobdo} October 2, 2024 at 20:51
Amazing photos
Comedy Plus October 2, 2024 at 05:30
Hubby and I have spent many days/weekends exploring the Eastern Sierras. Beautiful shots.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Denyse Whelan October 1, 2024 at 23:53
What a talented artist and photographer you are. Meeting you and your blog for the first time via Write of the Middle’s link up called WWWhimsy each Wednesday from Australia. I live in Australia too.
Denyse #TeamWWWhimsy
Min @ Write of the Middle October 1, 2024 at 23:36
Hi there – beautiful photos and I love your drawings! It seems we have similar interests – photography, art (drawing/painting), nature and hiking! Sorry to hear you had altitude sickness – so frustrating and disappointing for you. Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy – do hope we see you there again. I’d love to see more of your beautiful photography and drawings!
Julie October 1, 2024 at 21:43
The Eastern Sierras are such a unique place. I remembered driving from a camping trip see dessert all around me but in the background there are snowy mountains. Quite the contrast. Can’t think of any other place like it.
Connie Griffin October 1, 2024 at 18:08
It sure does look like a wonderful area to explore and I am so glad you were able to make it this time without getting sick. Going up Pikes Peak we were told to be mindful at the top if we started feeling sick.
We just got back from traveling to Montana and back, a very long drive but it was just beautiful there too.
So wonderful you had time to sketch and read a book and just enjoy, we are usually too much on the go when we are on vacation to slow down like that. We had very high winds to deal with too on our trip and very HOT in the Badlands.
Sue from Women Living Well After 50 October 1, 2024 at 17:43
What a stunning place and I especially love the lake photos. Well done with your running and hiking in preparation for your trip. Thanks for sharing with us and have a lovely week. x
Debbie Harris October 1, 2024 at 14:23
Hi, there Soma, these photos and your efforts in running/hiking are very impressive. Thanks for linking up for #TeamWWWhimsy
Debbie from debs-world.com
Alison Hall October 1, 2024 at 13:06
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos Soma. The scenery is absolutely stunning. I love those amazing reflections in the lakes. Your sketches are beautiful too.
I’m looking forward to seeing your painting.
Alison x
Janine @ rainbow Hare October 1, 2024 at 06:25
Those views are spectacular. I’m glad you managed to complete your trek without the altitude sickness this time :)
Veronica Lee October 1, 2024 at 00:35
Breathtaking views, Soma!
Those mountains are absolutely stunning —so happy you were able to see them.
Happy Tuesday!
magiceye September 30, 2024 at 18:16
Beautiful landscapes and wonderful sketches.
Holly Breton @ Pink Lady September 30, 2024 at 11:14
Beautiful landscapes!
Susan September 30, 2024 at 06:30
I love the mountains and bodies of water. They are one of the most relaxing places for me. This is on my bucket list of places I would like to go.
Kim Carberry September 30, 2024 at 05:01
Those mountains are just beautiful. What a wonderful place to visit. The refection in the lake is stunning, I can see why you like to visit. x
Lisa | Handmade in Israel September 30, 2024 at 05:01
Such beautiful scenery! I look forward to seeing your painting. Well done in managing to avoid the altitude sickness. #MMBC
Calendula September 30, 2024 at 04:58
So beautiful photos of a gorgeous landscape!
mie September 30, 2024 at 02:05
I like your pictures and your drawings! What a beautiful place!
Do you use a dip pen for your drawings? I just started to try to draw with them myself …
Lavender Dreams September 29, 2024 at 11:17
I’ve never been there but it sure looks gorgeous! I love your photos AND your art! You would have to paint me with a walking stick this summer. But I like using it now so I’ll keep on. Enjoy your day!
Eileen September 29, 2024 at 02:17
Hello Soma,
Beautiful scenic views and wonderful hikes. The lakes and mountains are gorgeous. Love your sketches!
I am sorry the altitude sickness, that is not fun.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!
Susan September 28, 2024 at 18:37
Stunning photos.
Yvonne September 28, 2024 at 14:32
What gorgeous places to hike to. Reminds me of my years in Nevada, and the trips we took into California. Beautiful photos. I’m glad the work you did to be more resilient to the altitude payed off.
Amy Johnson September 28, 2024 at 06:20
Amy
Natalie September 27, 2024 at 17:41
Soma, Beautiful photos and how wonderful that you made it to Middle and Upper Gaylor Lakes without experiencing altitude sickness. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
A ShutterBug Explores September 27, 2024 at 15:58
Awesome nature photography and wonderful sketches ~ love the running female ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Maria September 27, 2024 at 11:48
The Sierras are incredible! Just breathing the high air is spectacular and sets you in the mode right away, don’t you think?
tomthebackroadstraveller September 27, 2024 at 09:42
…Soma, you were able to enjoy some gorgeous scenery. Elevations of over 9,00 ft are amazing for me since the highest point in New York State is about 5,00 ft. Enjoy your weekend.
Bill September 27, 2024 at 07:37
Seeing the stunning scenery that you encountered it would lift any ones spirits and give them a lift. Not sure about the running my knees would complain now at my age but I fell better after reading your post
Gillena Cox September 27, 2024 at 07:30
Lovely photos. Glad you had a nice time
Thanks for linking to Art For Fun Friday
much♡love
Dixie September 27, 2024 at 07:16
What a special place. So beautiful!
Wonderful sketches. Good idea to build up your stamina for the trail.
You are intrepid hiker, Soma.
Writing Sparkle September 27, 2024 at 06:53
Beautiful images/
jeanie September 27, 2024 at 05:55
This is beautiful. Your photos are wonderful and of course I love your sketches. The running sketch and your story made me smile. We all need a great break — this is a wonderful one for you.
Debra She Who Seeks September 26, 2024 at 16:06
Gorgeous photos of what looks like an absolutely wonderful holiday!
Carol September 26, 2024 at 15:53
beautiful views
Angie September 26, 2024 at 14:27
Soma – I was delighted to see your comment on my blog, and I popped right over to visit you! Congratulations on finishing this hike that previously stopped you in your tracks! What a wonderful feeling and sense of fulfillment! And I can see why you wanted to go – stunning photos! I look forward to seeing the painting when it is complete. Have a super weekend!
Mary September 26, 2024 at 14:24
As usual, Soma, your photos capture the area so beautifully. That altitude sickness can be very dangerous as well as uncomfortable. You were wise to try the exercises for it. It obviously paid off. I know how you love the Sierras – a slice of heaven!
Carola Bartz September 26, 2024 at 13:23
I forgot to mention that your photos are stunning and really capture the beauty of that area.
Carola Bartz September 26, 2024 at 13:22
I’m glad that you made the trail this time! But you got me a bit confused here – by mentioning the lakes’ names I would have bet you were in the High Country of Yosemite, but you don’t mention Yosemite. Tenaya Lake is one of my favorites as well – how could it not! It is so beautiful up there, and Tioga Road is my favorite route in Yosemite as is the High Country. I much prefer it to the Valley, even though that is stunningly beautiful as well. But just too many people. Did you need a timed reservation for driving along Tioga Road? Or is this just for the summer?
Joanne September 26, 2024 at 10:35
Your photos are beautiful! I too tend to get altitude sickness (though I had no idea what it was when we were in South Dakota and had been hiking!). Glad you were able to make the trail this time and I’ll have to try building up my cardio stamina next time we travel west.
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal September 26, 2024 at 04:50
I like to think about sitting in and enjoying the mountains, so your photos are very dear to me. Good for you for prepping your body for the altitude! Glad you felt at home – maybe not near the mine though. ;)
Kathy September 25, 2024 at 23:46
Good morning, I did enjoy your photos and your story very much. Such a gorgeous area-happy to read you were able to hike it with no health issues.