An evening view of the Mokelumne Wilderness from Noble Lake on the PCT.
I remembered Noble Lake from my 2003 trek when I backpacked 360 miles from Lake Tahoe to Mt. Whitney to celebrate my 60th birthday. For some reason, it didn’t seem as ‘noble’ this time. Maybe that’s because of all the other lakes I had passed on my hike down the PCT. But the views looking back toward the Mokelumne Wilderness were spectacular.
An afternoon view of Noble Lake. The lake is located south of Ebbetts Pass.
Another evening view of the Mokelumne Wilderness from Noble Lake. This is a situation where the smoke from the fires may have enhanced the photo.
Looking up from the lake, I caught this mountain glowing in the evening sun.
I was treated to more views of the Mokelumne Wilderness the next morning. It’s fun to think that I had been hiking through the area the previous day.
As I watched, the sun continued to rise, bathing the peaks in a soft glow.
I would have lingered, but Peggy expected me to be at Sonora Pass the next day, and I had miles to go. As I hiked up the early morning trail, I said goodbye to Noble Lake. Would I be back for my 80th birthday? (grin)
Up toward the pass, I was greeted by an old elevation sign. I think it told me I was at 9,980 something feet.
You know you are out West when you come to barbed wire fences. This provided a passage (sort of) that through-hikers could get through, but not cattle. The old shovel head spoke of earlier times.
Looking through the wire, I could see my next destination, the Carson Iceberg Wilderness.
I’ll conclude today’s post with this view. It suggested another smoky day. Within 48 hours, the trail would be closed due to fire.
NEXT POSTS: Time’s limited since I am preparing for the San Francisco Writers’ Conference. I have one more post on this section of the PCT and then Peggy has two posts on her experiences as ‘trail angel.’ I think I will hold on these three posts until after the conference. In the meantime, I will put up some Burning Man eye candy since Peggy and I are hoping to go this year, assuming we can get tickets.
32 thoughts on “A Noble Lake along the PCT… Heading South from Ebbetts Pass”
I’ve never heard of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness but your photo is stunning! I’ll have to check it out this summer. Have a great time at the writers’ conference!
It was an adventure for her as well as for me, G. And I think its was a lot easier for me facing whatever came up out on the trail as opposed to worrying about what might be happening out on the trail. –Curt
Curt I wonder how may people on this planet can casually add… ‘when I backpacked 360 miles from Lake Tahoe to Mt. Whitney to celebrate my 60th birthday’. You never cease to inspire me and I bet you will see Noble Lake on yoru 80th should you choose too. It sounds like the timing of your trek was oh so close to the fire with the trail closing 48 hours later. Yikes!
Half the fun of living the lifestyle that Peggy and I do, Sue, is we never know what we will be up to next. I suspect it’s similar with you. Keeps us young, right! I think that it is important to continue to challenge ourselves with new adventures, regardless of our age, whether it is going on a 750 mile backpack trip or cooking a new dish. And yes, that fire did get a little close. 🙂 –Curt
Curt, thank you for sharing so much beauty from your hiking in this
stunning wilderness. It is a joy to just know it is there. Free and wild with
people like you and Peggy making it so much of your lives to see and
record.
Why not one for your 80’s? With your level of fitness I am sure you can.
Looking forward to Peggy’s tales, bet they will be fun and revealing. 😊
It’s always our pleasure, Miriam. We both believe it is important to share the beauty and help raise awareness on how important it is to protect out ‘free and wild’ areas. Thanks. –Curt
Our five acres in Oregon was once part of a cattle ranch, Gerard. I spent a lot of time removing barbed wire… with a very thick pair of gloves. 🙂 It is an important part of the Old West. Thanks. –Curt
One of the most interesting historical markers I came across in Kansas commemorated the abolishment of the open range in 1867. Landowners were paid 40 cents/rod (16-1/2 ft) to build 4-1/2′ high stone fences. Things got easier when the barbed wire came along. You must have visited a barbed wire museum somewhere along the line!
Or at least lots of small town Western museums that featured barbed wire. And then there were my personal encounters. Lots of torn shirts and scratches as a kid. I was a walking advertisement as to why barbed wire was so effective! –Curt
As crowded as the country feels sometimes, especially when driving for hours without really leaving town, it’s nice to see these wild areas. Hopefully, they can remain that way.
Stunning photos, Curt and the ones with the peaks in the soft glow of light are breath-taking. It must feel amazing to stride out across from one set of mountains to the next .., and I am sure you’ll be back when you’re 80 – and telling us all about it. 😀 I can’t wait to read Peggy’s posts … and hopefully hear a bit about the writing conference in San Francisco. Have a great time!😀
The beauty in nature always pulls me onward, Annika. I can never resist hiking down the trail to see what’s next. And looking back at where I’ve been is always a kick. Plus a different perspective. Whenever I stop to take a photo, I do a 360 degree turn to see if I am missing something. The conference was great, and I see that you have already seen and commented on my post. –Curt
Wandering through Time and Place 
I’ve never heard of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness but your photo is stunning! I’ll have to check it out this summer. Have a great time at the writers’ conference!
Not too far south of you, Kelly. 🙂 And thanks. –Curt
The scenery you’ve seen is incredible. But it is going to be insightful to hear Peggy’s side of this experience.
It was an adventure for her as well as for me, G. And I think its was a lot easier for me facing whatever came up out on the trail as opposed to worrying about what might be happening out on the trail. –Curt
Curt I wonder how may people on this planet can casually add… ‘when I backpacked 360 miles from Lake Tahoe to Mt. Whitney to celebrate my 60th birthday’. You never cease to inspire me and I bet you will see Noble Lake on yoru 80th should you choose too. It sounds like the timing of your trek was oh so close to the fire with the trail closing 48 hours later. Yikes!
Half the fun of living the lifestyle that Peggy and I do, Sue, is we never know what we will be up to next. I suspect it’s similar with you. Keeps us young, right! I think that it is important to continue to challenge ourselves with new adventures, regardless of our age, whether it is going on a 750 mile backpack trip or cooking a new dish. And yes, that fire did get a little close. 🙂 –Curt
It’s so beautiful. Great photos Curt.
Alison
Thanks, Alison. Each day out there was special. –Curt
Thanks for taking me along on this marvelous hike. Anxiously waiting to hear Peggy’s version.
Glad to have you, Gunta. Peggy has turned her pieces over. Now it is up to me. 🙂 –Curt
Amazing landscape and stunning photos Curt!
Well done
Thanks much! Appreciated. Such beautiful country is meant to be shared. –Curt
Now that is stunning scenery. 80th birthday? You are a glutton for punishment 😀
Nah, AC, I am just a glutton for wild and beautiful places. 🙂 –Curt
Curt, thank you for sharing so much beauty from your hiking in this
stunning wilderness. It is a joy to just know it is there. Free and wild with
people like you and Peggy making it so much of your lives to see and
record.
Why not one for your 80’s? With your level of fitness I am sure you can.
Looking forward to Peggy’s tales, bet they will be fun and revealing. 😊
Miriam
It’s always our pleasure, Miriam. We both believe it is important to share the beauty and help raise awareness on how important it is to protect out ‘free and wild’ areas. Thanks. –Curt
Just wonderful.
Thanks, Sylvia! 🙂
Barbed wire all but disappeared around here for years, but now small grass fed cattle operations are popping up around the area.
So the barbed wire is back! Nothing works quite as well to encourage cattle to stay home. –Curt
The old barbed fence does also tell a bit of history. Well done, Curt.
Our five acres in Oregon was once part of a cattle ranch, Gerard. I spent a lot of time removing barbed wire… with a very thick pair of gloves. 🙂 It is an important part of the Old West. Thanks. –Curt
Wow… the photos of the scenery are just breathtaking, can’t imagine what it must have been like in person! What an experience! 🙂
Every day brought new views, MB. There was no getting bored out there! 🙂 –Curt
One of the most interesting historical markers I came across in Kansas commemorated the abolishment of the open range in 1867. Landowners were paid 40 cents/rod (16-1/2 ft) to build 4-1/2′ high stone fences. Things got easier when the barbed wire came along. You must have visited a barbed wire museum somewhere along the line!
Or at least lots of small town Western museums that featured barbed wire. And then there were my personal encounters. Lots of torn shirts and scratches as a kid. I was a walking advertisement as to why barbed wire was so effective! –Curt
As crowded as the country feels sometimes, especially when driving for hours without really leaving town, it’s nice to see these wild areas. Hopefully, they can remain that way.
Yes to that, Dave! There are always lots of folks who see little value in anything that they can’t make a profit off if. –Curt
Time they gave you a medal for celebrating the wild places, Curt! Your customary varied selection here …
It’s always easy to celebrate, Dave! Although a bit hard to get to on occasion. 🙂 –Curt
Stunning photos, Curt and the ones with the peaks in the soft glow of light are breath-taking. It must feel amazing to stride out across from one set of mountains to the next .., and I am sure you’ll be back when you’re 80 – and telling us all about it. 😀 I can’t wait to read Peggy’s posts … and hopefully hear a bit about the writing conference in San Francisco. Have a great time!😀
The beauty in nature always pulls me onward, Annika. I can never resist hiking down the trail to see what’s next. And looking back at where I’ve been is always a kick. Plus a different perspective. Whenever I stop to take a photo, I do a 360 degree turn to see if I am missing something. The conference was great, and I see that you have already seen and commented on my post. –Curt