XSL 2015 ~ Cross Country SEKI Loop ~ Day 7

Cyrstal clear water in Kaweah Basin

~ Day 7: Pyra Queen Col  ~

Lisa, Michael and I got an early start and headed to Pyra Queen Col, one of the few passes that provide access into or out of Kaweah Basin. Pyra Queen Col is a Class II cross country pass and involves steep and loose boulder and scree fields which make for slow going at times. . . but the views are worth the effort.

Michael, Andy & Lisa

Andy & Lisa in Kaweah Basin

Starting the climb to Pyra Queen Col

Michael in Kaweah Basin

Kaweah Peaks.

Climbing steep boulderfields to Pyra Queen Col.

Cross country route to Pyra Queen Col

Cross country route to Pyra Queen Col

Near to the top of Pyra Queen Col

Panoramic views from Pyra Queen Col

The view of Mt. Whitney & Mt. Langley from Pyra Queen Col.

Lisa took the lead down the steep and very loose scree chute on the west side of Pyra Queen Col.

Lisa heading at the top of the steep chute on the west side of Pyra Queen Col.

A courageous hiker visible on the bottom right.

Looking back up the steep chute on the west side of Pyra Queen Col. 

Look closely for Michael making his way down the west side of Pyra Queen Col.

Michael is barely visible (in the middle) of this pxt looking back towards Pyra Queen Col. 

Looking back up toward the west side of Pyra Queen Col. 

Water awaits us at the bottom of the endless talus. 

Finally water! A beautiful clear lake in a desert of boulders. 

"We Make It!"

The view back toward Pyra Queen Col.

Cyrstal clear reflections. 

Cross country terrain on the way to Nine Lakes Basin. 

Our route down the final lower section leading to Nine Lakes Basin.

Searching for a good place to make camp. 

Alpenglow somewhere in Nine Lakes Basin.

Alpenglow reflection in Nine Lakes Basin.

Endless waterfalls and creeks somewhere in Nine Lakes Basin

Camp somewhere in Nine Lakes Basin.

Home for a while: Six Moon Designs Skyscape X, Zpacks Arc Haul and homemade quilt. 

~ Go To Days 8 & 9 ~