"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited (again!), August 19, 2024
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DSCF1062.JPG1 viewsAt Windy Devil, the sun pops out briefly, lighting the foreground, and the N end of Serrate Ridge. The ominous dark sky tells me the drama is not over.
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DSCF1063.JPG1 viewsThe NE face of Peak 10857' drops down to Shallow Lake (hidden), due S. The SE face, hidden from view on the left, drops all the way to Quiet Lake.
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DSCF1065.JPG1 viewsFrom Windy Devil, the pinnacle standing above and immediately S of the Devil's Staircase comes into view WSW.
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DSCF1066.JPG1 viewsPeak 10857' above the tarn just SW of Windy Devil. Didn't need to carry as much water from Scoop Lake. The water level of the tarn looks low.
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DSCF1067.JPG1 viewsThe pinnacle marking the descent down the Devil's Staircase to Born Lakes is just ahead. This tedious route cuts a full off of the backpack into Boulder Chain Lakes. Not that Four Lakes Basin and Quiet Lake are not worth visiting. Note the hail on the ground. Fortunately it was soft like snowflakes, rather than hard like marbles.
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DSCF1068.JPG1 viewsThe first of three or four switchbacks leading to the top to the Devil's Staircase.
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DSCF1069.JPG1 viewsA closer look at the 'keyhole' in the pinnacle.
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DSCF1070.JPG1 viewsThe Born Lakes SW of the Devil's Staircase. The horizon is surprisingly clear of smoke. I've read the more northerly of the two chutes is best for a descent, while the chute just S (bottom foreground) is better ascended. I cannot confirm this as I have only descended the more northerly of the two chutes. That chute seems to go on and on, the lower third being the most tedious due to the loose scree. I try to stay close to the solid rock on either side of the chute.
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DSCF1071.JPG1 viewsThe descent took just under an hour. Looking back at what I think is the worst (most tedious) section; the lower third. Glad to be on firm terrain!
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DSCF1073.JPG1 viewsThe view WSW past the uppermost of the Born Lakes. Ants Basin is hidden on frame right (N), just below Blackman Peak.
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DSCF1074.JPG1 viewsThe second highest of the Born Lakes. I've always caught trout here. It looks very inviting, however, it is supposed to get much cooler tonight. After five days, I'm ready to sleep in my comfortable bed.
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DSCF1076.JPG1 viewsI sensed this signpost was just ahead. I always keep a lookout for it. There are numerous paths around these lakes. Don't want to end up going a mile or so out of my way down Warm Springs Creek.
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