Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

This view east shows what I ended up crossing to get back to camp.  The outlet of Imogene Lake is visible just below center on the right edge of frame.  I left the summit at 5 pm.  By 7:30 pm, just before I reached the lake at 8700' it was dark.  I had a compass and topo map.  I knew if I headed due east, I would eventually intercept the main trail below Imogene Lake.  I hoped to find the climber's path leading to the outlet of Imogene.  That did not happen.  I followed a star, or perhaps Mars, as it was red in color.  After passing many more lakes then I remember passing on the way up, I eventually found one I thought might be Imogene.  It was too small, but just east of it, I found the main trail.  It was past midnight.  I ascended to Imogene Lake, arriving at inlet and my camp at 1:45 am, lesson learned!

This view east shows what I ended up crossing to get back to camp. The outlet of Imogene Lake is visible just below center on the right edge of frame. I left the summit at 5 pm. By 7:30 pm, just before I reached the lake at 8700' it was dark. I had a compass and topo map. I knew if I headed due east, I would eventually intercept the main trail below Imogene Lake. I hoped to find the climber's path leading to the outlet of Imogene. That did not happen. I followed a star, or perhaps Mars, as it was red in color. After passing many more lakes then I remember passing on the way up, I eventually found one I thought might be Imogene. It was too small, but just east of it, I found the main trail. It was past midnight. I ascended to Imogene Lake, arriving at inlet and my camp at 1:45 am, lesson learned!

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