Southforkriver.net

Lyell Fork Overnight - Sue & Allyn - July 2007

Introduction

Day 1

Day 2

Photo Album

Map

NG Topo Map

Day 1

We started out about 10:30 in the morning and made quick work to the bridges that cross the Lyell Fork. We stopped and had a break with snacks and drinks before heading back out on the trail. The trail leaves the river at this spot for a couple of miles so the hike got a little dry. As we came upon Rafferty Creek, we noticed it had dried up due to the very dry winter we had in the Sierra's. No water at all in the creek to we headed on down the trail through the trees and meadows. When looking at the map for the Lyell Fork it seems fairly level, but in actuality there are a few ups and downs along the trail. After climbing up the biggest climb (which still is not a climb at all) the trail comes back to the river and we then stopped and had lunch. Lunch was good and hit the spot at the right time. We had tuna and tortillas along with some Ramen soup. We re-filled the bottles and then headed up the trail towards our campsite.

Down the trail about 2 miles or so we started getting a little tired and Sue and I started looking for a site to camp. We were at the section where the river drops down over a few granite slopes and we found a nice established site west of the trail up on a small bench. It had a nice spot for our tent and had a good campfire ring and kitchen area. It was a little windy that day so we did not want to risk a fire so no wood searching was required. Sue took a little nap while I went fishing. I fly fish and I took along both my 3 weight and 6 weight rods. Since it was real windy I broke out the 6 weight and went downstream about 1/4 mile in the glide sections. I had a problem getting the fly to go where I wanted due to the wind but managed to do okay. Caught several 5 to 7 inch brook trout and then headed towards the pools at the bottom of the drop in the river. I landed a good size brook trout at the bottom of the drop, which was about 13 inches in size.

I headed back to camp and then we started to get ready for dinner. We had brought along some tequila and Crystal Light lemonade, which made for some tasty trail drinks that night. We had also brought along some brandy for hot apple cider, but we never got around to them. Dinner was a recipe we got from Freezer Bag Cooking that was a curry vegetable rice with chicken. We had also brought some apple crisp for dessert but it required cooking for 10 minutes and my fuel canister was running low and I had forgotten to bring my spare canister. I had also forgot the wind screen, so it pays to make sure you use your checklists! After dinner we hit the sack and tried to sleep. I always have some trouble sleeping the first night out, even with the Advil PM. It was also a little hot in the tent.