Yesterday, we had our first lab in the field. Our team broke up into groups (4 groups of 3, more or less), to go conduct the research that we have been learning about so far this week. The data we have covered so far includes the Air Temp, Water Temp, Wind speed, Wind direction, Barometric Pressure, Relative Humidity, Water Conductivity, Water pH, Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.) in the water and Stream Flow. We managed to get almost all of that except the Stream Flow (mostly because we only have one set of equipment so we all need to take turns).

Yost Lake is relatively excluded and is hidden behind a rather rigorous hike. The hike is not extreme, it’s about 3 miles and 1,000 feet up, but be prepared for an hour of intense uphill. The second half  (probably about the last third) is way more relaxed, and almost flat all the way to the lake. Yost Lake is stunningly beautiful, as are most of the High Sierras. It’s got a rocky shore to the south, and marsh plants to the East, North, and part of the West. Along the west shore however is a pleasant path between towering pines that gets you right to the rock shore.

4 of us went up to the lake, Will, Reid, Erin (our T.A.) and myself. I enjoyed the time spent immensely, and look forward to going back next week, most likely to spend the night. It’s still quite cold up there, and there is plenty of snow to find as well. It made hiking difficult at times, but we all made it up to the top with smiles. The photo linked with this post is of Yost Lake from the path along the western side.

Until Next Time,

Joe