This year we returned to Mammoth Lakes, CA for our annual backpacking trip. We drove up to Mammoth early on July 26, which gave us enough time to apply for our backpacking permit, take a short hike to Devil's Postpile and set-up camp at Agnew Meadow for the evening. We hiked into the backcountry via the River/Shadow Lake trail on Friday, July 27. After taking the route around the southwest side of Ediza, we settled on pitching our tent at our favorite north side location! At this spot, our tent is well hidden, but there is a nice flat spot with a view of the lake where we can kickback and enjoy the view in our "lazy"creek backcountry chairs. Last year, we got to this spot by boulder hopping along the northern side of the lake. We decided that's the best approach and headed out of the backcountry that way this year.
Our three days and two nights in the wilderness were filled with lots of fun which included a late night visit from the local bear to our camp. The bear really wanted nothing to do with us, but we were shaking in our shoes for a good ten minutes. The bear didn't bother our food either since it was secured in a bear canister, but the folks on the otherside of the lake that decided to hang their food were not as lucky. After sleeping off and on all night, we got up on day two ate some yummy backcountry chocolate chip pancakes and headed out on our favorite day hike to a glacier at base of Ritter Peak where we made snow angles! Along this trail is an amazing meadow and waterfall (my favorite spot on the planet).
Not sure when we'll get back to Lake Ediza or my favorite waterfall again, because we need to go explore some new territory. Hopefully, we'll be there again sooner than later!
As always, the beauty of the Sierra Wilderness did not disappoint!
At work this past week, I had one more last work adventure before the close of the school year. Jeff, North and I headed to the Kings River to see if we can send 8th graders camping there next May. It was my trip before the Bob and Jenn Australia trip. 
