Carson Pass, 2018

I arrived at the peak of a fantastic wildflower season in this Sierra wildflower Mecca. The 15-mile "big loop" hike, with its 4000 feet or so of climbing, was more day hike than I am comfortable with, but I really can't complain. It is one of the best places on earth.

As usual, I camped at Woods Lake National Forest Campground, where site #7 featured a private view of beautiful Round Top, a giant sawtooth mushroom (Neolentinus ponderosus) of mindboggling size, and, in the site next door, a rubber boa quietly shedding its skin. Awesome. You can camp there and enjoy dinner at the historic Kirkwood Inn, just a short drive down the hill, where the food is mediocre but the pint of Deschutes Black Butte porter tastes as good as any beer you have ever quaffed. Thanks to longtime campground hosts Larry and Mary, who are retiring after this summer and will be missed.