Thousand Island, Garnet Lake Backpacking August 2022

August 10-12, 2022
My oldest son and I hiked up the River Trail leaving our car at Agnew Meadows. We camped at Thousand Island Lake the first night. From about 10pm to 12:30am there was a helicopter searching a wide area of Thousand Island lake. The next morning we saw a Boy Scout troop hike out past our camp carrying 2 extra packs. The report in the news more than a week later says that an 18 year old went missing from the group and was recovered that night. The article inferred drowning, likely from cold water issues. And that his father was also on the trip so both of them were flown out via helicopter.
The sadness at the lake was palatable.
The next morning we took our time and made our way over the short bumps past Emerald and Ruby lake and to the camp way down the spur trail on Garnet Lake. Brad chose a site high on a cliff above the lake. In the fish eye lens shots it looks much closer to the water than it is.
We hiked down the unmaintained trail from Garnet Lake to the River Trail. That trail is a quite steep and does require hands a couple of places in the first chute. It’s a toe banger and if your shoes are hurting your feet this trail will speed that up.
There were no mosquitoes to speak of and crossing the San Joaquin was no problem at all. This was an easy breezy hike and I was so grateful to be able to take this little unplanned trip with my oldest.

[@lopezexplora]

What a beautiful place!! Thank you for sharing 🥾🥾

[@anngagnon8036]

Thank you for posting this. I came across your video on the equinox on my son’s 16 birthday. It brought tears to my eyes. I love hiking and I miss the mountains. We live on east coast of Canada but lived in British Columbia for 14 years. I miss the mountains their solitude and strength. Beautiful video ! Thank you !

[@peggyflick2999]

Amazing as always...😉

[@XJarhead360]

It is always a great day when you can spend some time with your children. I enjoyed your video vicariously because none of my two boys, now grown men, never liked hiking or backpacking. You do great videos.

[@jillyelston6145]

What a stunningly beautiful hike, the scenery was breathtaking, and your photography, as always, was brilliant.How fabulous to have your son Brad along with you! Thank you for posting this video!

[@MomWentBackpacking]

I really enjoy your videos ❤

[@inyobill]

Almost forgot to leave a thumbs-up. Derr. Lovely video of a loved area. Love the glacial polish at 15:09.

[@exoplanetnomad]

What trailhead did you take to the lake and did you need any special permits? Thanks, very nice video!

[@rkatrails]

Such a spectacular place and you captured it all with your camera. I'm wondering what your opinion is of the use trail you took from Garnet outlet back down to the River Trail. I've wanted to try it but not certain if there's some sketchy places to navigate.

[@XJarhead360]

@Nikki K: I commend you if you raised those two boys by yourself because it is a tough job. My mother raised my brother and me by herself. We didn't have the money or the car to the places you've taken these young men. But Mom did take us to museums, parks and theaters to expose us to another life. She ingrained into us that education was the key out of poverty. Mom did see her two sons become highly successful men. I wish you and your sons the best.