For my birthday Ann gave me a backpack trip! Dropping me off at Sonora pass, I hike 23 blissful miles on the Pacific Crest Trail to Wolf creek. Meanwhile she drives way around to the Highlands lake trailhead, and packs in 4 miles to camp with me. After a birthday breakfast (with cake!), she loops around again to Ebbet’s pass and picks me from another 9-mile segment. I couldn’t hope for a more sweet and beautiful gift.

Me at Sonora Pass

Southeast from Sonora flanks

Flowers at Carson river headwaters

White canyon granite wall

Incongruous cinder cone

Seven-spotted ladybug

White rocks and Highland peak

Birthday boy

Highlands lake

See Strava maps of Sonora to Wolf creek and Wolf creek to Ebbet’s pass.