Because they knew their drive to and from South Dakota and Wyoming would be a long drive, Dave and Jan made it their aim to stop along the way for some breaks in their summer travels in July (2017). Thinking that they had five days to arrive in South Dakota, and calculating that four days would be enough, they planned a stop for two nights of camping and a day of exploring in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Driving north on California’s Highway 395 they arrived in the Twin Lakes area just west of Bridgeport, California.

The drive toward Twin Lakes from Bridgeport already presented some tantalizing views of the rugged terrain.

Dave and Jan found the view of nearby mountains from the Forest Service Crags Campground where they set up camp also very appealing.

The campground was shared with others who live there on a more permanent basis.

Tuesday’s hike toward the Matterhorn followed the route of beautiful Horsetail Creek.

The stream came crashing down the mountainside with a pretty impressive roar.

Though they were not overly abundant, there were very nice wildflowers to enjoy.

There were some very peaceful water scenes in the saddle area above the first climbs.

Farther along the trail the Matterhorn began to come into view on the horizon.

We are told it is possible to climb to the top, but that will have to wait for another day!

The Twin Lakes region clearly deserves more exploration, but it was a refreshing stop “along the way.”  Dave and Jan never cease to enjoy the expansive beauty of the Sierras and the many other displays of God’s creative genius in the world around us!