October 2023 Kaiser Wilderness Backpacking ~ Potter Pass, Twin Lakes, George Lake, and College Lake

In October 2023, California's Sierra landscape held promise of some green after a long dry spell, rekindling my passion for backpacking adventures. With five months between me and a broken ankle, my son Luke I were eager to explore the outdoors again. We planned to introduce Luke’s friends Miles, Elliot, and their dad, Adam, to backpacking.
Our journey began on a Thursday afternoon, packed into a car, navigating Salinas traffic and bypassing Hollister shortcuts. As we crossed Pacheco Pass, the sight of a nearly full San Luis Reservoir in October delighted us. However, our trip's soundtrack featured "Never Gonna Give You Up" and covers by the Super Mario Brothers toad. Unforgettable.
We continued through the San Joaquin Valley, enjoying clear skies as we headed to the Sierras. We stopped for pizza at Mountain Mike's in Chowchilla and navigated dark Madera County farm roads, with a few detours.
Leaving Madera County behind, we crossed the bridge below Friant Dam, leaving the San Joaquin River. We began our ascent into the Sierras, picked up permits in Prather, and arrived at the Potter Pass trailhead around 10 PM.
After waking Miles and Elliott up, we moved forward. The cold mountain air welcomed us as we entered the dark forest. Our headlamps illuminated the trail, and the forest echoed with our voices.
The three boys, though tired, were curious about forest creatures. Miles counted stink bugs, Luke contemplated ant bites, and they marveled at crickets. Their excitement peaked when Miles spotted an orange salamander.
We covered just over 2 miles, arriving at Potter Pass minutes before midnight. Setting up camp efficiently, the kids were in their sleeping bags by 12:20 AM. I chose to sleep beneath the October sky, reminiscing about my solo John Muir Trail journey that overlapped the same days 14 years ago.
Morning arrived at 7 AM, and all five of us were awake. The boys explored, taking in views of Mount Ritter and Mount Banner to the north and a meadow in the foreground. Pop-Tarts and hot chocolate fueled them for the day ahead.
Unexpectedly, we met Nate Moore and his friend at Potter Pass. Nate, a race director turned friend, shared his adventures. We continued our hike, descending to Lower Twin Lake, where the boys' spirits remained high.
We circumnavigated Upper Twin Lake, each step filled with anticipation. A challenging climb of about a mile followed, zapping the kids' energy. Yet, the distant sound of a running brook signaled our approach to George Lake, renewing their curiosity.
Luke and Miles raced ahead, shouting with excitement as they found the lake. The discovery of a remote mountain lake felt magical.
Our favored campsite sat above the lake, offering an ideal view and some protection. While Adam and I set up camp, the boys teemed with ideas for activities, including hatchet and knife activities, fishing, cooking, and swimming.
Adam's composed demeanor throughout the trip was a reassuring presence. Together, we patiently untangled fishing lines, chilled bad ideas, and restored peace during the occasion skirmish.
After some time, we embarked on a kilometer-long hike to College Lake. The rocky, steep climb tested our endurance, but the promise of pristine mountain beauty spurred us on. As we approached, the sight of Mount Goddard to the south, an iconic Sierra landmark, inspired us to reach our destination.
College Lake, with its turquoise waters and tranquil setting, proved to be the hidden gem Luke and I remembered. The boys' excitement reached its zenith as they cast their lines, knowing this was the moment they had anticipated. The fish bit eagerly, and our joy immeasurable as we caught trout after trout.
In total, we reeled in 13 brookies, forging a memory that would endure a lifetime. I thought this was the essence of our wilderness venture-to create indelible moments that rendered all the challenges and hardships worthwhile.
As we descended from College Lake to George Lake, I gazed at Mount Goddard and knew we had achieved the memory we had set out to create. The Sierra had worked its magic once again.
Our journey back to camp resounded with laughter and silliness, with "naked mole rat" shouts and other antics. We swam to the island, and enjoyed a perfect evening by the campfire, even if our attempt at cooking dinner over an open flame had modest success.
Under the stars, we watched the 1980s classic "Three Amigos" before retiring to our bags. Luke and I cowboy-camped taking a night to appreciate the rare sight of the Milky Way.
Saturday morning dawned, and the boys wasted no time, heading down to the lake to fish. The lake transformed from silver reflections to golden hues as the sun bathed the granite mountains in warmth.
We packed up camp, hiked back to the car, and satisfied the kids' cravings for Subway sandwiches. It had been a classic adventure, filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable memories, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the Sierra's.