Here we are, hiding in a cave while a wild Sierra monsoon storm crashes around us. Snow, hail, thunder, lightening a gust front that is blowing over trees.

We packed camp early today among crowds of JMTers at Palisades Lakes hoping to cover ground over three cross-country passes. Sadly we are in this case, half way up Cirque Pass, the first, waiting for the storm to pass. It is very cold but we are dry and happy. Soon the gentle wilderness that we know will return.