Thirteenth trip to Lake Ediza

We ended the summer with our 13th annual backpacking trip to Ediza’s namesake, Lake Ediza. It was one of the prettiest times we’ve been there — everything was green and lush with clear skies and not that many mosquitoes.

We spent four nights camping — two nights at our “base camp” and the other two up above the lake. Yes, backpacking with kids (more specifically, a recently-turned 4-year-old and nearly 13-year-old) is a lot of work. But not only can it be done, it can actually be fun and rewarding. 

After leaving the trail, we continued our adventure on the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain. We walked around the mountain’s 11,053-foot summit, visited its interpretive center (where Gus got to pet different animal furs) and we ate our first non-dehydrated meal at its cafe. It was good to end the summer on a literal high note.

Full Speed Ahead

We made our annual trip to Lake Ediza this summer. The journey started with smoky skies (from a nearby lightning strike) along with being attacked by killer mosquitoes. However, we persisted and it paid off with a fun adventure. 

Gus cooking falafel and mashed potatoes 

Ediza at "her" lake

Shortly after backpacking in the Mammoth Lakes area, Amber and I headed to the Lake Tahoe area for a Ragnar Trail Relay. Our group of eight ran continuously for about 30 hours, including with headlamps in the middle of the night.  

And just recently Gus celebrated his third birthday aboard Sierra No. 3, a historic steam locomotive at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown. Here is Gus blowing out his mini red velvet cupcake from our friend's catering company Lila & Sage in Murphys. 

Summer blues

Here are some photos from over the summer....starting with Ediza getting blue hair extensions at the Mammoth Reggae Festival.

Returning to the blue waters of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 Gus celebrating his birthday with some blue icing. 

And blue skies at Lake Ediza on our 11th annual backpacking trip to Ediza's namesake. Each year is a new adventure and this year the footbridge just before the lake washed out so we had to cross through the water. Can't wait to get back there next year.

Tenth trip to Lake Ediza

Ediza in "her" lake.

We returned to Lake Ediza late this summer for our 10th annual backpacking trip to Ediza’s namesake. We have come full circle — backpacking with a baby again.

Ediza was only about eight months on our first trip back in the summer of 2007, while Augustus had turned 1-year-old shortly before this year’s trip over Labor Day weekend. We had never gone so late in the season before.

Each year, it can become more and more challenging to make it to the lake, but the effort pays off with some wonderful memories. Making an annual pilgrimage builds tradition and connects you to a particular place. 

Cool dudes with shades.

Over the years, we’ve come across relentless mosquitoes, wildfire smoke, rain and mist, snow and sun, and have hiked with llamas and without.

Our first hike was actually before this blog started, while the following year we officially ended our around the world journey with a trip to the lake. Below are links to previous posts that capture our annual journey to this breathtaking spot.

Lake Ediza in 2008

Our return to Lake Ediza in 2009

Sierra hike in 2010 (this was a longer hike from Lake Ediza and the Mammoth Lakes area to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. I wrote about it for L.A. Times travel: "Hiking the Sierra with three llamas and a baby.")

Lake Ediza (Part V) in 2011

Back to Lake Ediza in 2012

Lake Ediza (lucky #7) in 2013

Hiking to Lake Ediza in 2014 (This trip was also written about for L.A. Times travel with Weekend Escape: Off the trail and into a soft bed in Mammoth Lakes) 

Lake Ediza (last year as a trio) in 2015

Ediza at the lake in 2008.

Lake Ediza (last year as a trio)

For our ninth annual backpacking trip to Lake Ediza, we had to modify the journey due to Amber’s pregnancy. We set up our “base camp” for two nights at a campground before the climb up to Shadow Lake.

Ediza and I were still able to make the trek up to Lake Ediza the following day.

                                          

No llamas this year, but Ediza's stuffed llama Peak made the trip again.

Once we caught the shuttle back to Mammoth, Ediza tried her hand at some bungee acrobatics. As always, she is flying high! 

Hiking to Lake Ediza

We just returned from our annual trek to Ediza's namesake, Lake Ediza. While it was our 8th summer in a row making the hike, it was our first without the llamas (although Ediza did bring Peak, her stuffed toy llama).

Our journey started with a trip over Tioga Pass and a visit to our favorite park at Mono Lake followed by camping at the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes.

The next morning we started our hike, and this photo was taken at the bridge before the climb up to Shadow Lake. (Pepper, the dog Ediza is hugging, belongs to the person taking the picture).

This is what you call backpacker chic

Once we arrived at the lake — in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest — the weather was very dramatic with heavy winds and large, cold raindrops. Ediza took it all in.

The next morning the sun was out and we were off exploring early.

Later we had to spend some quality time in the tent as we were being swarmed by pesky mosquitoes.

We then played in the rushing snowmelt water.

After two nights at Lake Ediza, we started the journey back.

At our new campsite, Ediza — playing the role of a marmot-chipmunk who would only answer to the name "Chubs" — made her home in a downed tree. Amber later joined her.

The next morning we went from eating oatmeal to arriving back in Mammoth, where we indulged in a hotel stay and eating out (including Amber's new favorite Ben & Jerry's flavor called "Chocolate Therapy").

After mastering the real thing, Ediza went up this climbing wall at the ski area.

Before leaving town, we went thrift shopping and caught Mammoth's fun and interactive 4th of July parade.

We also stopped by the Independence Day festivities in Bridgeport before making our way over Sonora Pass, where we helped a motorcyclist who had crashed near the top.

Another adventure complete, we are already looking forward to next year's return. 

Lake Ediza (lucky #7)

Ediza's silhouette as we arrived at Lake Ediza

Our 7th annual hiking trip to Ediza's namesake started off not so lucky. When I drove to Mammoth Lakes to get our backcountry permit, the area was covered in white smoke from a fire south of town. The next day as we drove to the trailhead we experienced downpours of rain. Even as we started hiking we heard thunder and reports from other hikers of hail at Lake Ediza.

A family shot with llamas Golden and Nash on the way to Shadow Lake (below)

Somehow we managed to bypass the storms for two days, even as dark clouds and cold wind blew through. We were caught off guard a bit by the weather as our previous trips have been hot and sunny. But the weather ended up adding a whole magical element to this already magical place. We kept ourselves warm drinking tea and eating hot meals at our campsite high above the lake. Ediza, of course, kept herself busy exploring everything from wildflowers to wildlife.

The weather started to clear (although still smoky) our final morning. Here's two photos of Golden on a rock above our campsite followed by a golden sunrise over the lake.