Day 11

(Arden) We awoke from our slumber, still drowsy from the drive yesterday. However, we had a game plan laid out for today's events. Firstly, we booked a tour into Lehman Caves, a well-known attraction for Great Basin National Park, with caves composed of numerous formations including stalagmite, stalactites, and even shield domes, a presumedly rare formation. From there forward, we were to hike about 3 miles round trip to see two lakes, a couple streams, and even more gorgeous views of the two mountains extending into the sky. 

The plan started off on the wrong foot. Breakfast was to consist of leftover pancakes and sausage, made from the morning prior. Upon opening the cooler, we soon realized that everything was under water, including the beloved pancakes and sausage. Over the course of two days, the ice had completely melted, and water got into most of our food. We were depressed to see that the pancakes were submerge in water, inside the bag. We were only able to rescue three pancakes, but the sausage remained unscathed. The three of us ate our breakfast, what little was left of it at least, and set out with a new objective, to get ice for our cooler. 

We tried to buy ice from the local stores that were around, but the stores did not open until 9a, which was an hour from the current time. We asked the Great Basin Visitor Center if there was anywhere to purchase ice, but alas, there was none. So we decided to continue on the day without ice, knowing that we would make an attempt after the cave tour.

We went on with our morning, arriving at the Lehmon Caves Visitor Center to check in for our cave tour. Another sixteen people were to join us, making the total tour group up to nineteen. We were led by a park ranger, who was very informative about the history and science behind these caves. We entered the caves, immediately feeling the rush of cool air as we descended into the entrance. The ranger told us about the local bats and their hideouts, which was relatively close to the natural entrance to the cave. We continued to descend, into a large room with great formations of close to unbelievable size. Here, the ranger demonstrated total darkness, shutting off all the lights within the cave. The cave was exponentially larger than we originally thought, with multiple rooms toured, with steps going both up and down throughout the entire experience. The furthermost room, which was the most spectacular, contained The Sunken Garden, a grandiose formation that stretches from the bottom of the cave to the top. Multiple colors decorated The Garden, and we managed to take some amazing pictures of the room. Troy was especially amazed, since he is infatuated with caves and this tour was right up his element. 

We exited the cave, almost relieved by the warmer air and sun beaming down. We passed through the gift shop and cafe, briefly looking at the oddities contained within. We continued our adventure within Great Basin National Park by driving up to the Wheeler Peak trailhead, and from there taking the Alpine Lakes trail. Along the way we stopped and took some fantastic pictures of both peaks and the surrounding forest. 

We finally reached the trailhead, and exited our vehicle to welcome the lower temperatures that accompanies an elevation of 10,000 feet. We started upon our trail, and soon stumbled across a small but modest stream, flowing down and pass the trail. Troy and I tested to water to see how cold the water was, agreeing on a temperature close to mid 40's. We continued down the trail, climbing up hill for the most part, while spotting a few deer and wildlife along the way. Troy keep wandering off the trail, on the look out for caves, which did not surprise neither Sawney or I. However, as we kept down the trail, we captured great views of the mountains and surrounding hillsides, and also found two natural springs, which flowed slowly but surely.

Along the trail we spotted wildlife, natural springs, and even patches of snow. But nothing prepared us for the breathtaking view we were to encounter next. We finally reached the first lake, Lake Stella. The position of Lake Stella in contrast of the two peaks was so noteworthy, we took an incredible amount of pictures, but these pictures can not speak for the true sight we saw. The peaks seemed to graze the sky, almost demanding attention, while the snow was blanketing a small amount of the steep slopes. The forest soon overtook the image, and then the calm, blue lake concluded the scenery. 

At this time, we also deiced it was the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a small break, where we enjoyed some dry cereal and cold water. Unknowingly, we stayed for about thirty minutes, relaxing in the warm sun as a cool, brisk breeze came every so often. During this time, Sawney and I just enjoyed the scenery, while Troy was still on the hunt for caves, which was not surprising. 

When we finally agreed upon moving forward, the trail suddenly becoming easier, mostly navigating downhill for the time being. All three of us trekked through mud, snow, and fallen trees, happening across another small stream, which fed into the next lake, Lake Teresa. This lake was similar to Lake Stella, with the awe inspiring views of both the mountains and lake in one awesome sight. Again, we decided to take a break; my ankle was developing a blister and Sawney was just tired from common hiking. We captured great pictures, with myself taking a photograph of Troy, looking up to the peaks, in front of Lake Teresa. We finally set out to finish our adventure, when the party came to a crossroads.

At the crossroads was a sign, stating that the end of our current trail, the Alpine Lakes trail, was .7 miles away, meanwhile the Bristlecone Pine Grove trail continued, deeper into the woods. We all agreed, this park is superbly amazing, and trekked deeper into the forest, following the Bristlecone Pine Grove trail. The trail was considerably more steep than the previous trail, hugging the hillside, with patches of snow still hanging close. We made our way up the hillside, making conversation about altitude sickness and then later ventured the topic about the Lord of the Rings lore. After what seemed to be a long trek upwards, we finally reached the Bristlecone Pine Grove Informative trail, a trail that contained signs describing the history of the Bristlecone Pines that surround the trail. The signs told us that some of these trees have lived up to 5000 years old, with most surviving until 3000 years. The trail was very short; a small loop that was about a quarter of a mile. After finishing the interactive trail, we all shared the same thought, "Let's get back to the Subaru." 

We reversed our path and followed the same trails that led us to these places. The hike back was relaxing, with the declining slopes allowing easier walks, and we made good pace going back. We continued to pass our streams and fallen trees, but the snow patches became more and more infrequent. We finally reached the trailhead, where the hike and amazement began. We all breathed a sign of relief, not because it was over, but because we accomplished a good and unexpected journey. The three of us hoped into the Subaru, and headed back to the same campsite for some dinner. 

We made it back to our campsite, only for us to be surprised about other campers. A group of English tourists have set up shop right next to us, using a huge canopy for regular activities and then an even larger eight person pop up tent. As they finished setting their equipment up, they then headed over to the camp office, which also doubled as a bar. We minded our own business, and cleaned ourselves up to begin our sleepy night. I read my book until I felt tired enough to sleep, while Troy and Sawney immediately put their heads on their pillows, and fell promptly to sleep. 

The day was tiring, but for all the right reasons. We finished another long hike on this road trip. Not as long as 8 mile hike through The Narrows in Zion National Park, but we clocked in 5 miles on this backcountry, scenic hike. We have been ahead schedule this entire trip, so we all felt that it wasn't necessary to rush through this park, and we were all glad that we didn't. The sights and sounds we experienced were incredible, and later we talked about this park, Great Basin National Park, was the best park we stopped at. With the combination of great views, good tours through the caves, and the low of amount of people visiting, made the park a great and unforgettable stop.