We spent another enjoyable week at Mammoth this summer.

The highlights were Alek now hikes and climbs rocks, and Caroline went Mountain Biking again - Yippee!!

It may look like Alek spent most of the week in his Superman outfit, but that's not really the case. 

We stopped in Tuolumne Meadows on the way over the Sierras to Mammoth.  Alek demonstrated his first inclinations towards climbing rocks and balancing on fallen trees.

       
We did three hikes this week with Alek.  The first one was short.  But Alek found great delight in stripping down and playing in the lake.

           
We found a snowfield near one of the lakes.  Alek thought sliding down the snow was neat.  But it's a little slippery to climb up.

   
Sliding down the snowfield with Dad isn't so bad either.
Roy & Sarah took a breather while we played in the snow.

   
We took a second hike and this time Alek got further into the water.  Mostly because the lake was at a lower altitude and was a bit warmer. 
Alek discovered the Camelbak.  He wouldn't leave home without it..

   
Alek never seemed to be able to pass up a good climbing rock.


Somewhere along the way Alek found this injured Butterfly which he kept for a couple of days. 

   
Alek discovered the old fashioned pencil sharpener.  I don't think the cabin has ever had such a collection of finely sharpened pencils.
Now that Alek is a Big Boy he can take baths in the tub!

       
On Alek's final hike, about four miles and 2500 feet of elevation he really hit his climbing stride.  Alek did about two miles of climbing every ridge face he could see.  He did make his mother a little nervous at times..

   


       
When we finally got the lake we had to take a swim of course!  But this lake is at 10,000 feet so it's pretty darn cold.  You have to ease yourself into it..

           
This is how to jump into a lake - And fall - And then get the cold-water shock of your life!


Alek walked/climbed the entire way except for the last eighth of a mile. 


Needless to say he was pretty beat that night.  Chalk one up for the parents!

 

Page last updated 14-Sep-2006