"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0683.JPG3 viewsWatson Peak looms above the entrance Iron Basin proper, to the west.
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DSCF0684.JPG3 viewsThis is the first glimpse of the high saddle between WCP-9 (left) and D. O. Lee Peak on the right (south) leading to Cirque Lake in the Big Boulder Lake basin.
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DSCF0685.JPG3 viewsFurther southeast into the upper reaches of Bighorn Basin east of D. O. Lee Peak. The high pass I will cross is still visible in the upper left frame.
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DSCF0686.JPG4 viewsThe view from the pass between Iron Basin and Bighorn Basin, looking down at Ocalkins Lake. I am almost out of water, having missed the stream at the 8700' elevation in Iron Basin. I don't want to descend to the lake. I appears I can find water in the drainage well above the lake, northeast of Bighorn Basin.
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DSCF0687.JPG5 viewsCrossing the meadow due south and well above Ocalkins Lake. It appears that the stream is flowing beyond those trees ahead. I should be able to find water without going out of my way.
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DSCF0688.JPG3 viewsThe stream that eventually flows into Ocalkins Lake is visible not far below. I will get 2 liters here for the climb out of Bighorn Basin.
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DSCF0689.JPG4 viewsFollowing the drainage just east of Bighorn Basin. This is not the route I usually take, but it is has welcome intermittent shade, and is not much longer. I'm happy to have water!
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DSCF0690.JPG4 viewsThis route will lead directly to the base of the climb to the saddle between WCP-9 and D. O. Lee Peak. It is a warm day, so any shade is welcome.
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DSCF0691.JPG3 viewsI can see the route I will be taking rising directly ahead. I'm aiming for that large outcrop visible on the slope high in the middle of the frame.
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DSCF0692.JPG4 viewsThe path opens up into Bighorn Basin at about 9600', nearing the beginning of the steep climb to the saddle. The weather is looking good.
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DSCF0693.JPG5 viewsThe route follows a slight ridge further north, which is quite a bit more stable than the talus directly below the saddle. The outcrop I'm headed for is the darker rock, three quarters of the way to the top.
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DSCF0694.JPG5 viewsThe meadows in Bighorn Basin are full of wildflowers. There are no mormon crickets, as there were last year when I passed this same spot. D. O. Lee Peak looms above.
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