Day 23 - Sapphire Lake to Big Pete Meadow...

The ladies packed up and left Sapphire Lake and headed uphill towards Muir Pass. Along the way, they passed Wanda Lake, named for one of John Muir's daughters. The trail went right along the edge of the water...


Wanda lake...

Above Wanda Lake, the terrain turned more stark as they climbed higher. There were many snow patches and several tarns...


Near Muir Pass...

Finally, the ladies reached Muir Pass, el 11,955'. At the top of the pass is the famous "Muir Hut", a stone building built many years ago to provide shelter for hikers in the event of a storm, which even in mid-summer, can dump snow on the unsuspecting.


Muir Pass Survival hut...

After spending some time on the pass, the ladies headed down the other side. Along the way, they crossed several snowfields and endured a tough descent.


South of Muir Pass...

They continued south and ended up just above Big Pete Meadow where they made their camp for the evening along the river...


Camp at Big Pete Meadow...