Last additions - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0785.JPG5 viewsThe highest of the Born Lakes. I would love to stop and fish. If I don't fish, I can get to the Fourth of July Creek trailhead around 8:30 pm. That leaves enough light to get down that 11 mile gravel road. I opt to keep moving.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0784.JPG7 viewsThe more northerly chute is just right of center, about one quarter down from the top of the frame. The most tedious part of the descent was the lower one third. The talus is extremely unstable. That last section took longer than I recall-- it's already 5:30. Needless to say, I was happy to get off it.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0782.JPG9 viewsThe view down the steep west face to the Born Lakes. I'm told their are two chutes. The chute on the south side is supposed to be better for climbing, while the north chute is better to descend. I've only descended via the north chute, so I can't confirm this.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0781.JPG7 viewsFour switchbacks lead to the top. The vegetation keeps the trail from being eroded away. One can see in earlier shots that water from recent thunderstorms cut a path straight down the face.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0780.JPG10 viewsGetting much closer to the top, I take another photo of the keyhole with the same 35 mm lens.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0778.JPG8 viewsClimbing higher on the plateau, to the north side of the pinnacle, the keyhole is revealed.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0776.JPG8 viewsAs I move right to head him off, another female grouse appears from behind the boulder that is in front of the tree, heading in the opposite direction. They run off-- too fast to get them both in another shot.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0775.JPG13 viewsA sage brush, half way across the plateau below the "Devil's Staircase". He is well camouflaged.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0773.JPG7 viewsThe tarn, just below Windy Devil, the pass that leads to Boulder Chain Lakes Basin on the east. Straight ahead, the cross-country route leading to the "Devil's Staircase". Must the Devil have all the good passes?Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0772.JPG10 viewsThe pinnacle towering immediately south of the "Devil's Staircase", the steep pass leading to Born Lakes on the west, as photographed from just west of Windy Devil. Looking closely reveals the useful switchbacks leading to the top. A small pine sits in the low notch that is the passSep 11, 2023
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DSCF0771.JPG8 viewsI hiked up to Headwall Lake, and fished the deep water below the steep rocks half way around the far side of the lake. No luck. The top of the "Cheese Grater" is on the skyline about one third the distance from the pinnacle (directly above Headwall Lake) to the peak on the right of frame. This shot gives you an idea of how steep that route is.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0770.JPG8 viewsI fished a bit longer than planned, trying unsuccessfully to hook into that elusive 14" trout. It should take less time to pack up. It's almost 3 pm. I camped in those dead trees, left of the closer edge of the lake. Left my hydration reservoir tucked in by a log last night; some animal bit a hole in it. Fortunately, my extra 2 liter Platypus bottle will work.Sep 11, 2023
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