A Backpack to the Remote Lyell Fork of the Merced River

The trail back to the trailhead (2005).

Closing the Loop and Back to the Trailhead

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

The loop was complete, so the rest was just retracing our route. We were pounds lighter and in far better shape (sore toe and all), so we made time and tracks. Speaking of sore toes, it was just today, as I wrote this, not an hour ago, that my toenail popped off like a bottle cap revealing a nice new toenail. Made my day.

The Dana Fork on the home stretch.

The only think left of interest to report was that down the trail a ways, around 9400 feet, we found a nice shade tree next to the creek where Rafferty Creek fell over a cliff into a pool, a nice swimming hole. We had a bite to eat, and Dave took off and we met at the parking lot. I followed later on the now hot trail, and the last few miles were mostly an uninteresting hot slog through the tourist areas.

We did not get to do all that I wanted, but at last a long held goal was realized. I am sure the pictures prove the worth of this particular trip. Happy trails!