Watercolor sketches at Tamarack Lake, CA

We backpacked up from Echo Lake to Tamarack Lake on Wednesday.  We like to go on weekdays because the lakes are usually a lot less crowded.  The weather was windy but warm in the sun.  I couldn't resist taking a swim.  It was great.  This cute Asian looking tree was right next to our swim spot.  

We set up our camp away from the water as is the protocol.  It is amazing what you can put in two packs.  We had our fold-able lightweight dog kennel, tent, hammock, light stove and cookpot, and J's radio equipment.  It was great.  On Thursday while J was climbing the peak next to the lake, I did yoga, this little sketch, and then listened to a meditation talk on my iTouch while laying in the hammock.  Pretty nice!

In the afternoon while J and our dog Kipper were napping after their hike, I went down to the lake and painted the little island that looked inviting to swim out to.  While we did go for a dip, we didn't swim to the island.  

The Pacific Crest Trail is along the ridge in the background.  On our way down to Echo Lake on Friday, we passed a lot of hikers and backpackers coming up for the weekend.  Glad we had had a quiet visit during the  week.

Watercolor sketches of Twin Lakes

 

To beat the 3-digit heat in the valley this week, we went backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness part of California's Sierra range.  This is the view from our camp site at Twin Lakes up toward Little Pyramid Peak.

Two gnarled Jeffrey Pines next to the lake.  The weather was perfect, about 75 degrees and cool in the shade with a light breeze.

 

We enjoyed swimming in the brisk lake to cool down from our day hikes.  This view is from under the gnarled pines looking across the lake at the granite strewn peaks.  We saw a huge goshawk with a speckled white head sitting on top of a dead pine.  He caught a fish right after.

Colombia Journal Spring 2015