Over the next half hour, the crew trickles in to Cathedral Lake and we break out the food.  The day was about perfect for hiking.  Temp was in the 50's, much warmer than the 30's at takeoff time earlier that morning.  Seems we're pretty good at finding scenic spots for lunch each day.

With this many people, twelve in all, we had no hope of keeping everyone together.  Groupletts formed around friendships and pace rates with the idea of maximizing enjoyment.

What a great place!  All of us had maps and the only absolute in our plan was to arrive at the same evening camp site.  But beyond that, it was do-your-own-thing.   Some chose to take side trips for better views, some chose to make miles while the sun was shining, and some kept to the path but spent time smelling the roses. 

Whatever... this IS California.