Near by is Bear Lake, about the same size and appearance as Watson Lake, its overflow emptying into the Rubicon.
Close at hand to the north and west are Barker's Peak, Barker's Pass, and Barker's Creek, and these decide us to go home by way of Barker's Pass instead of the way we came.

Accordingly we drop down, returning a short distance to the south, over the western slope of Ellis Peak to Ellis Valley.

Both peak and valley receive their name from Jock Ellis, a Squaw Valley stay-behind, who entered the cattle and sheep business, and pastured his animals in this rich and well-watered region.
On our way we pass through the most remarkable white fir nursery we have yet seen.

Not far away were a few hoary monarchs from the still hanging but burst open cones of which winged seeds were flying before the breeze.

These potential firs were carried in many cases over a mile before they found lodgement.