Stella and Frank prepare to start their hike to Valentine Lake.
The trail heads through a burnt forest near Sherwin Lakes.
Bill detours to the shore of Sherwin Lake.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Stella at Sherwin Lake
Bill and Stella rest at Sherwin Lake.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank continues from Sherwin Lake.
Valentine Peak rises in the background.
A stream appears from under the trail.
A "rooster" blaze on this lodgepole pine
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
One section of muddy trail
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
We pass a lush meadow along Sherwin Creek.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Flowers and greenery along Sherwin Creek
Valentine Lake from the end of the trail
Lupine and penstemon along Sherwin Creek
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank arrives at Valentine Lake.
Sherwin Creek tumbles down into Long Valley.
Indian paintbrush at Valentine Lake
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank gazes upon Valentine Lake
Stella and Bill look for a warm place out of the wind to eat lunch.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Pine needles and pollen
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Stella and Frank prepare for the return hike.
Frank and Stella cross the outlet of Valentine Lake.
Bill starts down from Valentine Lake.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
A tempting rock to climb
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank photographs the tempting rock while Stella looks on.
Frank photographs a tree's roots while Stella looks on.
The tree's roots, but no soil
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank photographs a cedar tree.
Stella models a large cedar tree.
Frank and Stella admire the view of Long Valley.
A plume of dust is blown by the wind.
The dust came from sand/gravel piles near our rented townhouse.
Frank and Stella at the end of the hike
