A Backpack to the Remote Lyell Fork of the Merced River

Dave chats with Jim (see the next page) while overlooking the Vogelsang HSC in the distance.

Camping at Vogelsang Lake

A Trail and Cross-Country Route to the Lyell Fork, July 2007

By the time I reached the outlet, I was ready for another rest. The mosquitoes were still bad, but not near as bad as near the HSC. We would have to decide to push on to Lewis Creek or camp there. On one trip, I did get as far as Lewis Creek, but suffered near total exhaustion and a fit of hyperventilation that scared the crap out of me. Knowing the risk and effort of going on, I told Dave I wanted to stay there at the lake for the night. Dave would have liked to push on I think, but the next day on the trail he saw the wisdom of the stay at Vogelsang Lake (10,324 Feet). This decision moved us to Contingency Plan B, which was not much of a change, but did move some of the effort to Day 2 where it could be better afforded.

This was the best place to avoid mosquitoes. Looking down on the Fletcher Creek drainage.

We dropped packs and split up to look for a campsite, with me taking the Northeast side of the lake outlet (where I found nothing useful). Dave as usual found a nice exposed level somewhat grassy spot southwest of the outlet with a good useful granite shelf for gear and a kitchen, with some surrounding stunted trees for a windbreak we did not much need due to the mosquito infestation. We would have just enough time before dinner to set up camp and find a nice windy spot to hang out and enjoy the spectacular far views of the surrounding area.

Dave with his brand new tent. He would go rainflyless this night, something he would later regret.