A Walk Together

Written by Tyson Baker

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“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” 

– Walter Hagen

I read this quote right before my girlfriend Ashley and I left on a backpacking trip up to Mineral King. I thought about how true those words were as we trekked along to Eagle Lake. This was Ashley’s first time in Mineral King and her very first backpacking trip. Though the trip was a quick two days in its entirety, I wasn’t in any hurry and I definitely had no worries on my mind—even with several things going wrong. Along the trail I was reminded to actually take the time to smell the wildflowers and other shrubbery. I was really awakened to the idea of slowing down and taking in the view, one step at a time. I don’t want life to pass me by without appreciating the things around me. In a spiritual sense, I truly believe we are all travelers here in this world. We are only here for a short while, passing through this beautiful creation.

Our Wednesday started off with cruising up highway 198, a swift morning breeze coming through the window. We took a sharp right turn onto Mineral King road and our destination couldn’t come any quicker. Ashley was excited since it was her first time backpacking and I was overjoyed to guide her to my favorite lake in the backcountry. While on the drive we discovered that we had forgotten several items and seriously contemplated turning around, but, in the end, we decided we could do without and continued forward, eager to get to the trailhead. Along the mountain road Ashley and I took in the sights through the car windows, which helped ease her worry of the new experience of backpacking. All-in she went, confident and with a happy heart, ready to see the backcountry of Mineral King that I had long talked about over the years.

Once at the trailhead parking lot, we marmot proofed our little car. We took a huge sixteen by twenty-foot tarp that engulfed the whole vehicle, making it seem like we were wrapping a huge gift for a surprise birthday party. Little do the marmots know, they aren’t invited, and this huge wrapping job is both for their safety and the well-being of the car itself.

And so, the trek began as we went up, up, and away straight past the first trail crossing and through the switchbacks. We traveled up the trail without a hitch until we were about a mile and a half in. Ashley started to feel tired, so we stopped for a short break, a small snack, and drank some water to replenish out thirsty bodies. At this time, I could tell Ashley was starting to get altitude sickness, so I didn’t want to push her too hard. I knew it would be wise to take our time for the rest of the hike. Tapping into my patience, I was reminded to take things slow and steady, enjoying the view around me, while also caring for Ashley and making sure to take plenty of breaks along the way. The final mile—scrambling up the boulder field—was rough for her, as it can be for anyone. The toughest point of the hike had Ashley wanting to give up, but once we reached the top, and she saw the lake, she knew it was totally worth it.

Still feeling sick from the altitude, Ashley took an ibuprofen, ate a quick lunch, and drank plenty of water before laying down for a nap, while I set up the tent. Once Ashley fell asleep, I took off on a short walk around the lake with my camera, taking in the sights and tranquility of the lake. I sat at the edge of the water, put my feet in, and absorbed the never-ending charm of Eagle Lake. After about forty-five minutes, I returned back to camp to check on Ashley. She was just waking up and starting to feel better, a comforting relief to both of us because now she could actually start enjoying the pleasures of the lake.  Our first order of business was to walk down to the lake to filter water and I taught Ashley how the filter works. We intentionally relished this time we had together in the backcountry.

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As the day passed, our bellies grew hungry, so we pulled out the bear canister to prepare dinner. At the same moment as I pulled out my camp stove, I realized that we also had forgotten to bring a lighter. Luckily for us, some fellow backpackers came to our rescue! Two guys that had made camp nearby let us use one of their spare lighters. This kind act allowed us to enjoy a much-needed hot meal that evening. We set fire to our stove and cooked up pasta alfredo, along with peppermint sage tea to a wash it all down. With our stomachs jam-packed with carbs and tea, we were indeed happy and ready for a walk together around the lake.

We grabbed our jackets and my camera and set off on our walk. We checked out all the trees, rocks, plants and any wildlife that crossed our path along the way—cultivating smiles and creating memories. We suddenly found ourselves sitting on top of a tall rock as we watched a spectacular sunset dipping below the horizon. A perfect way to end the day and start a dazzling night under the stars.

We walked back to camp and made another pot of hot tea, curling up in our sleeping bags under the starry night. A rare sight to see from the light-polluted city we came from—evoking curiosity to what the sky might hold above. We savored this elegant, quiet evening that wasn’t cluttered by a single television show, social media feed, or news article about what’s going on in the world. One night of wilderness, away from the confinement and comfort of our homes, under the dark hours of the night tide.

The sun rose the next morning like an elaborate symphony in tune with the lake, so still like glass, as the beams of light woke us up out of our tent and on to our feet. We drank our instant coffee and ate breakfast while staring out at the lake, watching the wildlife start to awaken with every beat of the morning sun. The mirrored lake started to ripple at the surface as fish began to jump for flies for their morning feast. Sitting there, watching the trout jump for a fly over and over again, is so rich and striking in activity that it leaves you with an experience that will almost change your life—like watching an educational documentary up-close in person. True, raw nature that we had the privilege of experiencing firsthand over a hot cup of coffee.

We packed our backpacks slowly and went for one last walk around the lake before heading home. Taking our time and welcoming any last-minute calls to nature, we strolled along the lake’s edge, enjoying the pleasure of our short overnight trip in the vast magnificence of Mineral King. The short walk was a nice way to warm up our bodies and ease ourselves into the big hike downhill that was shortly upon us. We took in one last look at the crystal blue beauty, grabbed our bags, and headed back down the trail. We stopped at the boulder field just below Eagle Lake and took in the one hundred and eighty-degree view of the surrounding landscape—staring out at Sawtooth peak, the amazing colors of Empire mountain, and all the other wonderous peaks aligned in a perfect panoramic. After taking in one of the best views in Mineral King, we high-tailed it down the trail quicker than we could blink. The thought of a juicy gourmet burger from Silver City Resort had our mouths watering the whole hike down. That meal wasn’t the best part of our backcountry trek to say the least, but we sure did enjoy that burger that refueled our bodies with every bite.  

Though our trip was short, and Ashley was sick for a portion of it, we cherished our time and tried not to have any expectations. We truly had a great time! Taking a mid-week backpacking trip allowed for a break from our everyday lives and was a great way to spend quality time together, free from distractions, to work on building up a bond that’s forever lasting and always improving. Ashley’s first trek is far from her last and she is already raving about her next trip to Mineral King.

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Tyson Baker, a California Central Valley native, is more than familiar with what the surrounding landscape has to offer. Tyson has traveled all across this glorious state, picking up nuggets of insight, culture, and what it means to have true grit. As a skilled Barista and Roaster for a local coffee shop, he enjoys slingin’ those espresso shots and bringing a cup of perfectly crafted caffeine-deliciousness to the town’s customers. Aside from coffee, he has a deep passion for writing and creating. His recent endeavor has been to share his writings and stories in hopes that they will inspire, harmonize, educate, and encourage those that read them. You can read more of his little musings on his Instagram page @tysun.baker.

On his days off, Tyson is likely out on some adventure—be it exploring the backcountry in the nearby Sequoia National Park, road-tripping with his buddies, or cruising through country roads, enjoying the uninhabited hillsides, until he reaches the coastline to hunt for coves and sea caves that are calling his name. Though not all adventures are on such a large scale. Sometimes adventures are found in the small things too: like cozying up with a good book that takes his mind away from reality for a bit, or sharing a laugh and a good meal with the people that matter most.

Whatever your adventure is, Tyson wants to tell you this: Don’t be afraid to get out there and experience something new. Explore. Create. Share. And love one another.