Backpacking in the Ansel Adams Wilderness to see Thousand Island Lake

We started out heading north on the High Trail from Agnew Meadows late in the afternoon after Deja got off work. This is also a section of the PCT. We hiked in 2 miles and camped out for our first night. The next day we continued north for about 5 miles and set up camp in the early afternoon at Badger Lakes. We were both feeling tired so we napped for awhile. In the evening we walked up onto a rocky ridge for amazing views down the Middle Fork San Joaquin River Valley at sunset. For day 3, we left our camp set up and packed bags with just what we would need for that day. It's about 2 miles from Badger Lakes up to Thousand Island Lake. We decided to camp at Badger instead of Thousand Island because its slightly lower elevation and more sheltered in case any storms came over us, which is what was forecast. Also, Thousand Island Lake is so popular there is often a lot of people there, so it was more quiet and peaceful camping at Badger. At Thousand Island we enjoyed the views for awhile, had some snacks, then turned south on the JMT passing Emerald and Ruby Lakes on our way to Garnet Lake. We sat at Garnet Lake for an hour, eating and enjoying the views while dark clouds streamed over the Ritter Range. Thankfully we stayed dry! From here we followed an unmaintained trail down Garnet Creek to meet up with the River Trail at the bottom. Had to wade across the San Joaquin River as there isn't a bridge! From here we looped back to camp at Badger Lakes. About 7 miles total hiking for day 3. Enjoyed a beautiful sunset that evening. Day 4 we hiked 7 miles down the River Trail to return to our car at Agnew Meadows. Was awesome to see the headwaters of the San Joaquin River! Had a great time overall. - mammothjoe