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DSCF0490.JPG11 viewsThe final approach to the ascent to the D. O. Lee/WCP-9 saddle is strewn with huge potato bug looking insects I later learn from Tempe Regan, a biologist studying at BSU, are Mormon crickets. The plan is to climb the firmer rock on the buttress on the left, to the horn, pass it on the left, and traverse to the ridge on a goat trail. The route is steeper than it appears here, using a 30mm (35 mm equivalent) wide lens. I’m concerned about lightning, having already felt a few passing raindrops, but have heaAug 28, 2022
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DSCF0487.JPG11 viewsThe objective comes into view; the D. O. Lee/WCP-9 saddle on the skyline (mid-frame). I plan to leave the trail just above that rock outcrop near the bottom of the frame below D. O. Lee Peak, which is on the skyline, just right of center. My route climbs through the trees to the right of the frame, entering Bighorn Basin (about mid-frame, on the vertical axis). I believe the trail descends to Ocalkens Lake (on the extreme left of frame); I’d rather not lose that much elevation.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0486.JPG8 viewsThe trail appears when the sides of the basin constrict the choice of path. Finally heading downhill, toward some steep switchbacks. Someone I asked to do this trip with me years ago complained, “too much up and down!”. Isn’t that what the mountains are about?Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0485.JPG13 viewsThe upper reaches of Iron Basin are wide open, making for pleasant travel. I'm now getting views of the steep ascent above Bighorn Basin. Clouds have moved in, a relief from the heat of the direct sun, but also making me anxious about the possibility of thunderstorms. I had hoped to get an earlier start.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0482.JPG13 viewsNo bighorn sheep to be seen. I’m disappointed, wondering where they are. I spot an interesting natural arch, which I missed on my previous excursion.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0481.JPG16 viewsI arrive at the west side of Iron Basin. There is a cool tree here. Watson Peak, rising on the left, marks the entrance. Through the tree branches is the slope on the northeast side of the basin where I spotted 4 bighorn sheep last year. I’m switching to the telephoto lens now, just in case! Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0480.JPG13 viewsThe drainage has forked. Here, the east side is dry, but the west side is feeding the stream where I camped last night. There is a packer’s camp, complete with tree stump stools, just ahead in the shade of those pines. Other than that, there is no sign anyone has passed through here. It’s a short climb to the entrance of Iron Basin proper.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0477.JPG16 viewsA most welcome site; the stream is running! I ran out of water descending to the canyon floor. The next water is Ocalkens Lake, at least 3 hours away, which I would rather not even descend to. There is a tarn at 8912’ just east of where I am. I have not been to it, and was not quite far enough north to see it while descending the ridge, so I’m not certain it has water. It’s after 7 pm, so I decide to set up camp and get some needed rest and an early start for the ascent tomorrow.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0475.JPG14 viewsI climbed to the east until I could see down into the proper canyon which led to Iron Basin, 1000 feet below. The ridge abruptly turned north at this point, climbing east to the summit of Watson Peak, marking the west entrance to Iron Basin. I was able to contour down to the 8700’ level safely, where I had camped 2 years before.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0472.JPG17 viewsSoutheast up the Warm Springs Creek drainage to the Born Lakes. The familiar profile of Castle Peak rises above, in the distance.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0471.JPG20 viewsI descended further to the west before entering what I thought was the correct chute. Once again, I realized it was not. The angle of the slope never lessened, but I had climbed high enough to reach the ridge without much more effort. On the ridge, I realized I was even further west than the day before. It was easy going on the ridge.Aug 28, 2022
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DSCF0467.JPG16 viewsWarm Springs Creek still had plenty of water; more than I recall two years ago. I descended to the west too far before entering what I thought was the entrance to the canyon leading north to Iron Basin. The angle of the slope never lessened, and there was no water in the drainage. Rather than trying to reach the ridge, I decided to descend, and camp at the creek. This would allow me to find the correct entrance, and climb in the cool of the morning with plenty of water and some needed rest.Aug 28, 2022
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