Early on the second day, we pass the Roaring River Ranger Station, which is the last source of outside emergency assistance until after lunch on day 5. Here Robert and Steve take advantage the facilities before the big wilderness.

In the lower reaches of Cloud Canyon the creek cascade down several long stretches of granite pools and slabs. Typical Sierra show-off material. The is one of the best spots, discovered by navigating off the trail at a promising place, where keen ears could hear the telltale sounds of water on smooth rock. Good luck.

On day two after clearing the lower forested section of Cloud Canyon this view of the upper valley pops up. The trail continues to the base of the Whaleback then heads up left in the gap before the mountain.

In 2004 there were stretches of very faint trail in the Cloud Canyon/Colby Pass region. It seemed a long time since trail crews were in here, adding to the awesome sense of solitude found on the first 4 days of this backpack.

Beautiful Colby Lake, 10500'. The pass is up around the corner to left, just out of sight 1500' higher. Surfer and guide Tim Bluhm in the frigid water.