Sierra Backpack over Franklin/Shotgun/Farewell Gap

August 6-9 six intrepid backpacks under the leadership of Jim Warner headed out of Mineral King and over Franklin Pass (11,000'+); then down the slippery slope toward no-name lake and up and over Shotgun Pass (11,000'+) the next day. Trails in the Golden Trout Wilderness left something to be desired so we happily returned to Sequoia National Park at the top of Farewell Gap. However, we did experience a bit of WEATHER the night before....first rain, then hailstones the size of garbanzo beans for about 30 minutes. Fortunately we had just finished setting up camp so huddled inside tents and sleeping bags until the storm was over. The next day out dawned bright and sunny. More than 100 wildflowers were noted during the trip. Alpine flowers were at their peak. Thanks for Jim and Sequoia Natural History Association for making the trip possible.