This page introduces my 1996 Evolution-Goddard Photo Essay.

I've been on backpacking trips to this area, or close by, during 1976, 1977, 1978, 1982, and (briefly) 1995. The place makes a big impression on all who visit; if you've been there once, you want to go back.

In August 1996, after about 20 years of dreaming and planning, I finally completed a 7 day backpacking and mountaineering trip to the Evolution Basin.

My companion was Mr. Ron Karliner. We had a great time and shot over 300 photos. Here are some of the best. You may view them as a slide show or an indexed list. There is also a trip map (BIG, 400K).

We started with a ferry ride across Florence Lake (7,328 ft), and hiked up the San Joaquin River. The first night we camped in Goddard Canyon, just west of the confluence of Evolution Creek and the San Joaquin River. On the second day, we climbed into Evolution Valley and camped at McClure Meadows. On the next day, we ascended to Evolution Basin, above the timberline, and hiked to Sapphire Lake. We spent a windy night there, but were pleased that the cloudiness of the previous days was now dispersed. The fourth day saw us leave the John Muir Trail at Wanda Lake, enter the Davis Lake Basin between Mt. McGee and Mt. Goddard. This began a very rugged phase of the trip, with lots of rock-hopping and cross-country travel. We passed Davis Lake and emerged in the headwaters of North Goddard Creek. On the fifth day, we turned south and traversed a number of 11,200 ft ridges to reach Martha Lake, right next to Mt. Goddard. From there, we descended the upper Goddard Canyon and camped near the junction for the Hell-for-Sure Pass trail. The sixth day was a long one, as we descended the remainder of Goddard Canyon, passed the Evolution Creek junction, and made camp at the Blayney Meadows Hot Springs. On the seventh and last day, we hiked about 6 miles to the Florence Lake ferry landing and took the boat back out.

This was a great trip! The memories will last forever, but it made me eager to explore other areas in the Southern Sierra.

Best Regards,

Frank R. Farmer

ffarmer