July 22 - Mis-Mash Day

Woke up this morning ready for Gaylord Lakes. The 1st 1/2 mile has 600ft of elevation but I can do that - I know I can.

I arrive at the park just after 7am and slide right thru the entrance. It's a chilly 40 degrees so I pass the trail head (which is right inside the gate) and head for Tenaya Lake. I loved watching the fog roll of the lake last year so since I do have the time, I head to Tenaya Lake (it's about 30 minutes from the gate).

Soon I'm at Tuolme Meadows - I'm early the crowds haven't arrive YET. 

About 1/2 way thru, I spot a large herd of deer. Looks like a large bachelor herd (ie., all bucks)! Amazing!

I even catch one taking a poop. :)

While I'm watching, a Blue Heron flies in front of the herd.

A bit farther down is a smaller herd of deer. See, trust your instinct - glad Tenaya is in the plan.

I arrive at Tenaya and it's me and another car. And yes, the fog is rolling of the water - soooo cool!

When I look up, there's a crowd of cars. Good timing on my part.

I turn around and head back to Gaylord Lakes TH.

Arriving back at the meadow, the western herd is a little hard to see as they are close to being out of the meadow. The main herd too are slowly on the move. Still quite obvious viewing though.

A bit of the large herd is a couple of stranglers. Followed by a lone one. And then 2 more. Lots of deer this of morning!!

I see another far from Tuome on the right side of the road too.

I reach my TH, gear up and start of a dirt trail. Lots of good flowers along the way so coming down could have some butterfly action. :)

Soon I reach rock steps. I hate steps but I climb anyway. I pop out at a nice view point but there more steps. I'm really going to hate the downhill (and I don't think my hips are going to appreciate the pounding) so I decide to turn around. Definitely not my ideal BUT I tried, was uncomfortable and I did the right thing. No regrets. Should've done this 10 years ago. :)

On my way down, I see some butterflies. Yea! (See it paid to turn around.)

Back at the TH, I need something else to do - I'll check out the Mono Pass trail. Again, I think this is too many miles but I can see check it out.

See Mono Pass - Part 2.

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