Eastern Sierras, Coyote Flats, 8/26-30

[elripster]

We got to camp around 9PM. We made some dinner and headed to bed. I want to note that this was yet another example of how well this club pulls together and takes care of each other. This is a great group and we are lucky to have it.


The next morning none of us were up for any physical exertion after the night before so we took it easy.

Some pics of our camping area. We had the whole place to ourselves the whole weekend. It didn't get too cold and had very little wind. It was just really pleasant.

Target practice turned out to be a favorite past time for the kiddos.

 

[elripster]

Excellent food was had followed up by smores.

The next morning the fishing crew set out for Hidden Lake.

My crazy crew.

More deer...

 

[elripster]

We got to the staging area and collected our stuff. We were able to get a picture of 3 generations of Falcones.

Crazy excited to catch a fish... I will note that this is not one of those trivial hikes. It's probably only 2 miles but is between 10,000 and 11,000'. The terrain can get difficult at times and it's easy to get winded. Bud, Jarod, my dad, and kids all made it.

Once there we were shocked at how low the lake was. We have made this trip a few years now and it has always been full. This time it was at least 25' low.

However, that made for one advantage - fish concentrate! The lake was packed with goldens. My oldest caught one on his first cast. All the kids ended up catching including Brennan who got his first fish!

 

[elripster]

Landed it!

Dad and Garrett...

Garretts catch. Daniel my oldest caught 11.

 

[elripster]

We hiked back and loaded up. Within one minute of departure Brennan was out. Quite an adventure for a 3 year old.

When we got back I heated up some water for the shower and showered Brennan and I. One hour later he looked like this...

I was tired.

Another awesome night of meals took place to conclude the day.

 

[elripster]

The last morning we had an egg-tastic breakfast and packed up.

We re-seated the bead on the Arctodus and put the original wheel back on. We also fixtured a second ratchet-limit strap for the ride home. Brennan oversaw.

Rathar kept a watchful eye on his friend, Arctodus, to ensure the rear suspension held together on the way down.

And with an uneventful ride down we aired up and hit the road.

Me, my dad, and my boys stayed the night in Bishop. It was nice to get a shower, some awesome grub, and have a shorter drive home Monday. Also, Monday there is no Vegas traffic at the 395/15 merge with which to contend.

One the way down we had some thoughts for next year.
- If we get a turn out like this, let's break up into 3 groups to explore/map the Plateau on Friday. There are so many offshoots we haven't explored. We could have a south, middle, and north group.
- I am going to make a "town day" the last day for those that wish to break up the drive home. It could be a fun day to relax, compare pictures, shower, and otherwise unwind before heading hom.


Thanks to all who all who made it!

Frank