Ali and I made it to Tehipite Valley on Memorial Day weekend. We ate, walked, saw a bear, nursed sore legs and tried to not touch our poison oak covered clothing.

It was excellent.

At fifteen miles, it was a surprisingly long day to reach the valley. At eight o’clock, after working our way down the sketchy switchbacks and thrashing to the camp spots, we were done.

It’s an amazing and legendary place. I’d wanted to return since I was thirteen. A nearly full moon spotlighted the totally full dome as we slept. Sometimes waking up in the middle of the night has it’s rewards. This was one of those times.