Granite Dome 2003

We have sliced the Emigrant Wilderness in various shapes over the years. However, this trip was to tackle the central feature of our summer playground, Granite Dome that we have gazed at and admired this geological wonder. It was time to sit on its perch and drink in 360° of stupendous views.We started off with the usual hospitable ride from the Kennedy Meadows Resort + Pack Station. A short 5 hours later George and I, with his good friend Jim from Boston, were at Emigrant Meadow Lake, a favorite for us. We set camp and then explored our surroundings, reconnecting with memories of the past and creating memories for the future. The sun set, and after a good meal provided by Betsey, we watched two night rises. First the moon flooded our darkness, and then Mars rose as another bright light to gaze upon. We let our eyes wander the carpeted galaxy that hung above us. This is one of the best stargazing spots that I know of, a treat for anyone roaming this way.

➤ Day 1- Emigrant Meadow Lake @ 9409 ft ** 11.5 miles ** Elev +5908 ft ** Lamb w/Chokes + Spinach
➤ Day 2- Emigrant Meadow Lake @ 9409 ft ** Mark- 5.0 miles/Elev +1480 ** Geo & Jim- 4.5 miles/Elev +2581 ft ** Dinner- Pecorino Pesto Pasta w/Smoked
☞ Exploring the area with Geo & Jim heading up to climb Molo and myself getting pics of the local area lakes
➤ Day 3- Buck Lakes @ 8321 ft ** 7.6 miles ** Elev +1471 ft ** Dinner- Creole Dirty Rice w/Trout (fresh)
➤ Day 4- Buck Lakes @ 8321 ft ** 2.9 miles ** Elev +2267 ft ** Dinner- Chicken Black Bean NoodlesRest day with local exploring
➤ Day 5- Buck Lakes @ 8321 ft ** 5.1 miles ** Elev +543 ft ** Dinner- Parma Rosa Pasta w/Chicken
☞ Cross-country hike to see the lakes and explore the terrain
➤ Day 6- Wilson Meadow Lake @ 9551 ft ** 4.6 miles ** Elev +1832 ft ** Dinner- Parma Rosa Pasta w/Chicken
➤ Day 7- Upper Lewis Lake @ 9548 ft ** 2.7 miles ** Elev +1609 ft ** Dinner- Green Curry Noodles w/Brook Trout
➤ Day 8- Upper Lewis Lake @ 9548 ft ** 4.9 miles ** Elev +/-3668 ft ** Dinner- Organic Mac n Cheese
☞ Local exploring over to Black Hawk Mountain
➤ Day 9- Upper Lewis Lake @ 9548 ft ** 4.8 miles ** Elev +/- 3893 ft ** Dinner- Smoked Salmon w/Saffron Rice
☞ Jim heads home as we deliver him safely to the Huckleberry Trail
➤Day 10- Upper Lewis Lake @ 9548 ft ** 2.2 miles ** Elev +/- 1260 ft ** Dinner- Chili Onion Rice w/Punjab Eggplant
☞ Fishing the lakes around Granite Dome and a bit of swimming to clean off the trail dust
➤ Day 11- Kennedy Meadows @ 6341 ft ** 7.7 miles ** Elev +/- 4579 ft ** Dinner- Burgers at Kennedy Meadow Resort