A Backpack to the Remote Lyell Fork of the Merced River

Here I looked back towards Dave, a white speck on a mound of granite.

Heading Up the Headwall

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

Well, by this point Dave was really not feeling well and was not interested in going on. I was not going to leave someone ill by himself for a day, but since Dave was not going anywhere for a while, I told him I would go to the main cascade and be back shortly. The way looked easy. I took off.

Dave is not feeling well...

It was easy at first. There was an open level traverse leading right to the foamy falls of Lyell Fork. The way had a few small boulders to dodge at first, followed by slab granite followed by a grassy open route. Looking back I could see Dave sitting on the small dome of rock. Then the route went into some trees and down into a level area with many fallen trees, all going the same direction. Working my way through the trees I went around some rock and began climbing up rock and slab granite. Off to my right and below I saw a wide steep cascade that fell into a pool that flowed away from me.