But last night after hearing the forecast for thunderstorms, I decided to at least get to Wheeler Pass and maybe a little further before heading down with hopes that I will still be able to get to the Bristlecone Grove before it starts raining.
I'm off to an early start this morning and enjoying some more of the roadside art.
As start up the scenic drive, I am immediately stopped by 3 turkey crossing the road. Probably the same turkeys I saw yesterday as it's around the same area.
I continue up the road which is a mix of shade and sunny. There are a few bflies around but not nearly as many as yesterday because it's so early out. I arrive at the Summit Trail parking and all the "normal" spots are all ready taken - I get a "pull-in" spot and start the hike around 7:20am.
The trail is shady and heads thru an aspen woods.
Soon the trail is a mix of open space and woods - just like the trail to Stella Lake yesterday.
Soon I get the first view of my climb today.
In one open area are 4 more turkeys.
A little further along, I see 2 deer (both doe) along side the trail.
Continuing on, I get the crud scared out of me by a deer I scared crashing thru the woods. (I think we're even on that one.)
About the 1 mile mark, my trail merges with the Alpine Lakes Loop (yesterday's hike) 0.2 miles from Stella Lake.
In 0.1 miles, the Wheeler Peak Trail veers off to the right. The trail has been pretty flat so far so I'm expecting some elevation change soon. The trail continues thru the woods until it opens into a big meadow. Lots of flowers here.
The trail climbs slightly now as it swerves and curves up to the ridge line.
There some great views down towards Baker. And great views towards Wheeler Peak.
Lots of West Coast Ladies and Milbert's Tortoiseshells flying.
The trail (still dirt) starts heading thru a rockier landscape before finally reaching the ridge over Stella Lake.
From here the trail turns rocky and really starts to climb.
I now have views on the other side of the mountains and they getting better the higher I get. There are wind turbines down there!
And then there's Bald Mountain.
I see a new flower in this landscape. Looks a little like a paintbrush.
The trail is somewhat steep and depending where you are the wind can be blowing pretty strongly.
I continue climbing for an additional 300-400 ft before calling it quits. I've only been going 1.5 hours, covered over 2.0 miles and have to be over 11,000 ft. But it's still over 2000 ft to go and I'm already cold in the wind.
Time to head down to Stella Lake for lunch.
The butterflies are out now -- seeing Frits, Sulphers, Whites, and Shasta Blues
and some beautifully fresh Hoary Commas.
And a Dainty Sulpher.
I work my way down to Stella Lake.
I find a shady spot and have lunch.
Looks like I have a good shot at getting to the Bristlecones as the only clouds I see are to the south of the peaks.
I start heading down still finding butterflies. And a Policecar moth (just one).
After a while, I start hearing thunder. I turned around and the storm is following me (and more clouds are building).
I make it to my car and down the mountain without getting rained on.
But the area is covered in rain clouds. (Sure glad I'm still not climbing Wheeler Peak.)
I could not get a room in Baker tonight so I start heading for Ely (about 65 miles northwest).
The road heads west and takes me north of the park. Soon I see those wind turbines I saw while climbing Wheeler Peak. The road then heads south behind the mountain range (passing the wind turbines).
The rest of the trip is thru rolling/hilly ranch land/forest (part of the Humbolt National Forest). Lots of Elk crossing signs posted and viewing areas. The Elk must winter here.
I arrive in Ely - civilization!
I make one last stop at the railroad museum to pick up something for my Dad.
And then call it a day.
Lovely day - I didn't make it to the Peak, I didn't make it to the Bristlecones but I had a great hike - quite happy.
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