A Solo Hike Along the Silver Divide

The alpen-glow reflects from the Silver Divide onto Mott Lake. Magic hour.

Evening Shadows at Mott lake

Silver Divide Trip from Edison Lake Trailhead, August-September 2001

As evening approached, it became a bit cold and breezy, but that is not unexpected at any time of the year next to a lake in a canyon. The wind died down just in time for the alpen-glow on the peaks above, although the wind did not really give up till it was nearly dark.

My camp. I did not need or use a fire, which is natural when one turns in as soon as it starts to get dark. And if one is stargazing, fires only hinder the view. Early to bed means early to rise, and early morning is the very best time in the Sierra.

Once it was into the afterglow, quiet settled into the canyon and bed beckoned. I waited for the stars to see the Milky Way, as it can only be seen in the high Sierra, knowing this was my last night at high altitude for this trip, and probably for the year. That view never fails to impress, and as usual, all clouds vanished well before sunset. After I had my fill of stars, I headed for my bivy-tent, book and sack.