Last additions - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0799.JPG4 viewsIt's warmer at this lower elevation. The sun has set into the clouds rolling in from the west; monsoonal moisture is returning. The trail usually seems to go forever in this last stretch, but less so this trip. I'm making good time. I recognize the terrain to the north when I am near the trailhead, as that is where I started my "epic loop".Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0798.JPG4 viewsThis green meadow is north of the trail about 40 minutes out of Fourth of July Creek trailhead.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0795.JPG6 viewsI put the 35 mm prime lens back on for the hike to the trailhead. The light is fading, and this is the fastest (widest aperture) lens I have. There are still a few tarns with water high in Ants Basin. The color of the light is changing.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0794.JPG7 viewsAt 55 mm, the wide end of the telephoto takes in Watson Peak on the far left (northwest) to WCP-8 on the far right (east) towering above the Warm Springs Creek drainage.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0793.JPG6 viewsI reach the top of the ridge above Ants Basin before 7:15 pm. I change to the telephoto and have a well-deserved snack while taking photos in the fading light. The entrance to Iron Basin is on the left edge of the frame. Watson Peak on the west side of Iron Basin is the highest peak visible in this shot.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0791.JPG7 viewsOne can see the two chutes of the “Devils Staircase” shot from the ridge above and west of Ants Basin. The north chute I descended is entered at the tree on the skyline, just left of the smaller pinnacle left of the highest pinnacle. The chute is wide, and many paths crisscrossing back and forth. I have not explored the south chute. Much of it is shadowed by a subsidiary ridge, hidden from view.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0792.JPG8 viewsWCP-8 (10557') towers over Ants Basin to the northeast. D. O. Lee Peak is due east of WCP-8, hidden from view.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0790.JPG6 viewsThe steep climb to the ridge above Ants Basin is in the shade by the time I reach it. In the center of the skyline is the pinnacle just south of Devil's Staircase. The trail to Born Lakes is on the right (south) of the photo.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0789.JPG5 viewsThe trail opens up to this view north into Ants Basin after making a steep climb within the first mile after leaving Born Lakes. The entrance to Iron Basin is marked by those two peaks on the left (northwest) edge of frame, above the ridge in the foreground, and below the ridge on the skyline.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0788.JPG6 viewsBorn Lakes is a popular destination. There are numerous paths around the lakes. This welcome signpost confirms I am on the trail headed in the right direction. A right turn here would descend Warm Springs Creek, taking me to the where I was on day one after crossing the creek at the base of Strawberry Basin.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0787.JPG6 viewsA grassy meadow between the lakes. Since I'm carrying the camera on the shoulder strap, I don't hesitate to take the photo. If I had to take the pack off to get the camera out, I probably would have kept right on g is on the right (east).Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0786.JPG8 viewsThe west side of the same lake. I have camped here numerous times. The fishing is usually pretty good. It thunder showered here on my way out last year. There always seems to be at least one party camped here.Sep 11, 2023
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