Day 5: Lower Mills Creek Lake to Mono Creek

Breakfast time the following morning.

By 8:30, we are on our way.

More incredible views as we continue our way down the Second Recess (one of four major canyons rising southward from Mono Creek).

We stay a little distance above the creek until we finally find a faint trail. Very steep and slippery, but it provides the only non-mountaineering path down to the lower valley of the Second Recess.

Late morning rest break.

We are soon cruising alongside Mills Creek at 9200 feet.

We cross Mono Creek, have lunch at Fish Camp, then continue south on the Mono Creek trail.

Breaks in the trees bring us more views of steep, rugged peaks.

Mike uses his knowledge of Physics to break long branches into firewood that will fit the rock fire ring.

Outstanding campsite at 8200 feet, well away from the trail and by Mono Creek.

Early evening fire as we reflect on the feeling of accomplishment after two days on the Sierra High Route.

Wonderful evening by the campfire near the end of our trip.

Day 5: Mono Creek to Lake Edison

Morning brings a few more spectacular views.

Large trees remind us we are approaching the end of the trail at Lake Edison, where we catch the ferry to rustic Vermillion Valley Resort.