Day 24 - Big Pete Meadow to Deer Meadow...

The ladies left the Big Pete Meadow area this morning and headed down into Le Conte Canyon. This canyon follows the middle fork of the Kings River. They stopped at the Le Conte Ranger station and met "Ranger Dave". He demonstrated his "Mountain Maytag" clothes washing system, consisting of a bucket and plunger array that worked surprisingly well.


"Mountain Maytag..."

Along the way, the views of the river were beautiful and the waters were raging...


Kings River...

They were also treated to some wonderful meadows and small tarns...


Meadow and tarn...

They made their camp for the evening in Deer Meadow. Everyone was a bit anxious for tomorrow's challenge - The "Golden Staircase", a big uphill section of switchbacks in preparation for the ascent of Mather Pass, el 12,100'.