Most viewed - So-called "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop", August 24, 2020
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DSCF0265.JPG23 viewsWatson Peak above Iron Basin. The bighorn sheep were on the scree slope about one third from the right edge of the frame, and one third down from the top of the frame.
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DSCF0296.JPG22 viewsMorning light, reflections; inlet, Cove Lake.
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DSCF0298.JPG22 viewsMorning light, reflections; looking east across Cove Lake from the inlet.
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DSCF0317.JPG21 viewsHeading southeast above Island Lake to the ridge leading up the right skyline.
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DSCF0319.JPG21 viewsThe lower of the two tarns encountered alternating between the ridge and the drainage. Here I move right (N) to re-gain the ridge.
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DSCF0315.JPG20 viewsDespite foregoing fishing in favor of an earlier start crossing south to the Boulder Chain Lakes, it is already 11 am when my goal, the saddle (on the skyline, hidden behind the black buttress mid-frame), becomes apparent from the southeast end of Cove Lake. I decide to drop down to Island Lake to take advantage of a ridge climbing southwest to the same point reached alternatively by contouring across the loose talus on the right of the photo. This ridge is evident below the sharp peak on the skyline.
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DSCF0318.JPG20 viewsAbout 1 pm, I am rewarded with cool running water in the grassy drainage below two small tarns. It’s the perfect spot to re-hydrate with an electrolyte-infused sports drink. Island Lake is far below on the right.
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DSCF0234.JPG19 viewsLooking back to the saddle in the first photo (225) and the ridge on the left (E), which continues up to Blackman Peak. Washington Peak in the distance.
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DSCF0278.JPG19 viewsThe thunderstorm moves east after unleashing thunder, lightning, and hail at the worst possible point of the crossing; the tedious traverse in loose scree leading to the exposed ridge. Though carrying raingear, I did not dare stop for a moment. Reaching the saddle, I knew the fastest descent route, having climbed here two years ago from the east side. Nestled into the rocks, below the saddle, I put on dry clothes and warmed up. This was one of the more frightening experiences I have had with lightning!
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DSCF0286.JPG19 viewsSunrise; saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP9. In the foreground, reflections, inlet stream, Cove Lake.
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DSCF0359.JPG19 viewsThe middle of the Born Lakes. I’d love to fish this lake, as I have nice memories of fishing here, but it is already 7 pm, and I want to take advantage of the beautiful light.
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DSCF0284.JPG18 viewsAbove Cirque Lake looms the saddle I crossed in the height of a thunderstorm, just an hour before. After descending to Cove Lake, I hurry to get the most important things out of the way; tent, food hung, water pumped. No sooner do I accomplish these tasks, all hell breaks loose; thunder, lightning, wind and hail for forty minutes. The storm moves east before dark, and with half an inch of hail on the ground, I am able to start dinner. No fishing this evening!
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