Hiking - Wright's Lake, Beauty Lake & Dark Lake - August 12, 2013

Eight of us journeyed up to Wright's Lake for a day of hiking, picnicking, relaxing, swimming and socializing. And, what a day it was! It's always great spending time with good friends!

 This tree caught my eye on the way in. 

 Our first view of Wright's Lake. WOW!

 Unbelievably clear water! And, what a view!!

 The beginning of the trail to Beauty Lake.

 We leave "bread crumbs" all along the way. Stacked rocks, called "ducks", are commonly found marking the way along trails, especially along the granite slabs known as the Sierra Sidewalks. The stacked rocks are also known as "Cairns". Here's a link with more information about them:  Cairn

 Thick-Stemmed Aster

 Desert Dandelion

 I cut up watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries and grapes as part of our lunch. 

 A huge Ponderosa Pine

 Bush Chinquapin

 Our first sighting of Beauty Lake ... Appropriately named!!

Beauty Lake

 Gail and her sweet little pup, Pink.

 Off we go to!

 Interesting stuff!

 Mountain Spiraea

Mountain Spiraea

 Which way do we go?

 Breathtaking views of trees, ferns, flora and fauna!

 ... And water!

 Art in Nature.

 Queen Anne's Lace

 Our picnic site.

Dark Lake

According to Wikipedia:  "Wrights Lake is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, west of Lake Tahoe on the western border of the Desolation Wilderness. It can be reached via Wrights Road off U.S. Route 50 and the Ice House Road. It provides hiking access to the western portions of the Desolation Wilderness via the Twin Lakes trailhead. Wrights Road is not plowed and is inaccessible during the winter."