Sequoia time

My dad and I have been backpacking Sequoia National Park each summer the last three years. After he retired he took up ultralight backpacking in a big way...and now I'm hooked. 

Wow, he's 60-something and in incredible shape. I'm reasonably fit, but the elevation can take a toll on my legs by the time I'm back at work on Monday. For the record, I made it to work, but Tuesday I took a day off to let my legs unravel back to normal.

Funniest moment this trip...Dad chatting with a park ranger and asking her if she'd be interested in meeting my younger brother. "I'm flattered, but I'm really off the market now."

Stove, cooking pot, and windscreen...lite!

Lone Wolf and Cub

Since my dad retired a few years back and moved from San Jose to the Fresno area, he's gone from casual hiker to disciplined ultralight backpacker. He cuts ounces by any means...no tent, sawed-off toothbrush, minimal changes of clothes. He's even perfected his own stove made from a Heineken can.

After a few misses, we were finally able to coordinate a trip together. I'm still recovering from last weekend's backpacking in the upper reaches of Sequoia National Park. The payoff of otherworldly granite crags, clear lakes, shooting stars, melting snowpack, and spectacular views was worth the hours of steep trekking and the rationed toilet paper. Thanks, Dad!