Treasure Lakes in the John Muir Wilderness

“Another glorious Sierra day in which one seems to be dissolved and absorbed and sent pulsing onward we know not where. Life seems neither long nor short, and we take no more heed to save time or make haste than do the trees and stars. This is true freedom, a good practical sort of immortality.” -John Muir

Our last hike into the Sierras. We took this same trail before, but had to turn around to beat the sunset. This time we got an early start on Sunday morning, and came prepared to hike up to the Treasure Lakes, where I would find my new favorite place on earth.

Seems there's always a fat chipmunk at the trailhead.

This quote was on the map at the trailhead

"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
-John Muir

 ...lost the trail

...found it!

Lost it again (on purpose this time) and found the perfect picnic spot. That mountain in the center is where we're headed.

"We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us." -John Muir



Unspoiled beauty. This place. Is. Incredible.

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself." -John Muir

Headed back out. It was so, so hard to leave. Treasure Lakes sure do live up to (and far surpass) their name.