All south facing slopes were pretty much snow free, hence the climb up out of Junction up Wallace creek, the trail stays on the south side, while the north side contained snow.

I suspect that if I could have somehow climbed out of Wallace toward Crabtree, the snow, once on the ridge (more sun)would have been a lot less. The JMT going north at Wallace was snow free.....go figure.

As for Mr Rattler...... he is the first that I have encountered during my some 12 Kern River hikes. I have heard people talk about encounters, but this is my first. The same goes for the bear.....it's been 10 years since my last bear sighting.

I am going to head up to Center Basin the second week in June, hopefully with a new camera. I like the Junction Pass route both for views of Tyndall, Williamson and Forester Pass.

Thanks

paul