Solo Winter Camp

Self Portrait, Winter Night at the Sierra Buttes

I felt the overwhelming need to head into the Sierra for a solo night out and decided to ski into one of my favorite places, Upper Sardine Lake at the base of the Sierra Buttes. I’ve explored this area approximately 5 times on overnight winter ski trips with friends and on all but one occasion I got my ass kicked by the winter winds. Last night was no exception. Thankfully the winds arrived in the middle of the night so I got to enjoy a serene evening simply sitting in the landscape and watching the light get softer and darker until night arrived.

Ski touring around Lower Sardine Lake to get to the base of the Sierra Buttes.

My camp at the base of the Sierra Buttes. The clouds begin to thicken.

As night sets in and the clouds drop I take one last moment to take in the solemness of my camp.

Harsh winds violently shake my tent before dawn.

After a rough and stormy night I am greeted at sunrise with a break in the clouds to the East.

The tracks that I left while heading back home.

Upper Sardine Lake Winter Camp

Earlier than planned departure.