Before the onslaught of California wildfires forced me out of the mountains, I had a blissful 48 hours camping at Brightman Flat in the Sierras. My site was right next to the Stanislaus River, and it was pure bliss. (More about the hike soon...)
I landed here on Labor Day, and it was practically empty. A stark contrast to the circus and hordes of people at nearby Pinecrest Lake. Just drive a few miles away from the crowds, and you'll find peace...
A tall tree with moss-covered bark and sprawling, exposed roots stands at the edge of a river, its trunk reflected in the golden light on the water鈥檚 surface.
A hand holds up a copy of The Wisdom of John Muir against a backdrop of pine trees, river, and a hillside dotted with burned tree trunks beneath a clear blue sky.
A low-angle view of a mountain river flowing between two large rocks, with pine trees lining both banks and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds above.
A small green tent is pitched on forest ground between two large trees, with backpacks and camping gear resting nearby.