Cottonwood Lakes, Super easy

Sorry I had to cancel Cirque Peak. originally planned for this day but looking at the snow conditions from a view point on Wollyback yesterday, I decided there is too much snow for my comfort. I will plan it again later this summer.
Instead we can explore all the lakes in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin. Some I have not seen in years and a couple I have never been to before. This will be an easy but somewhat long hike but we will be on trails most of the time so if anybody wants to exit early, that will be fine.
Also from Wollyback we could see most of New and Old Army passes covered in snow so that will be interesting to view from the lakes.
We can also visit South Fork Lakes and exit on the old trail.
This should be an easy and fun hike but not for really slow hikers.
Plan on 12-15 miles but very little elevation.
Meet at Cottonwood Lakes trailhead at 9am

NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THIS HIKE
15 ESSENTIALS YOU MUST CARRY ON ALL HIKES
Besides the obvious 1 1/2-2 liters of water, lunch, snack, warm jacket/wind breaker, rain gear if needed, warm hat and gloves, the following is a must to have in your day pack:

1. Map of the area, even if you are using a gps
3. Headlamp or small flashlight with extra batteries.
4. Knife or utility tool such as a Swiss Army knife
5. Fire starter. You can make your own with cotton balls and Vaseline or

Esbit fuel cubes.
6. Emergency space blanket
7. Emergency water purifier or filter.
8. Light weight base layer (Thermasilk is very light weight)
9. First aid kit
10. Extra food (2-3 power bars)
11. Waterproof matches (or regular matches or lighter kept in zip bag)
12. Sun screen
13. Small plastic trowel and toilet paper (in zip bag)
14. App. 2’ duck tape.
15. Whistle to scare away bears or to be found if lost.
Every hiker needs to carry these items on all day hikes. No sharing.
*** PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY *** No one in the group is a guide or in any way responsible for your comfort or safety. Please be prepared with adequate gear and supplies for the trip. Please remember that going out into wilderness has risks associated with it and you should be aware and prepared to address any changes in weather, road conditions or to look out for/avoid random acts of nature, including insects, wild animals and natural hazards. It is your responsibility to evaluate the difficulty of any activity you participate in, and decide whether you are prepared by having the experience, skill, knowledge, equipment, and the physical and emotional stamina to safely participate.
*** WAIVER OF LIABILITY *** The Organizers and members in this group are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Southern Sierra Hiking Club Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities.