North Fork Lone Pine Creek - Oct 11, 2008

Plan A was to meet KathyM, Cori, and Dave at North Lake to climb Mt. Emerson on Saturday. I had Friday off so stopped to play in the Alabama Hills. As I drove north in the late afternoon toward Bishop, I could see the weekend storm embracing the sierra peaks. I called the others to let them know it was already snowing in Bishop, with the road covered at 8300 feet. Plan B was to meet out on Owenyo Rd and climb Keynot or Inyo instead. Well, 0615 came around and it was chilly and TomB was still in bed in Ridgecrest. So, off we went for a yummy and warm breakfast at the Alabama Hills Cafe where we selected Thor Peak as our Plan C, given it would be a late start. The portal pond was nearly frozen and there was snow on the most of the trail. The surrounding peaks were cloud covered and by 3:00 we were barely at the slabs. So, we opted to turn around and head down the hill to avoid a miserable, cold, and dark exit had we continued on. The fall colors powdered with snow was beautiful. It was a cold (18d at on point) hike, but great scenery and friends.