Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0713.JPG5 viewsAnother stream flows into the south end of Cirque Lake. The lake is very shallow at the inlet of this stream. It's already 6 pm, and my hopes of getting a line in the water at Cove Lake are dwindling. Still have to set up the tent, set the hang for the food, pump water, and make some dinner.
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DSCF0750.JPG5 viewsWCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle; alpenglow at dawn from inlet at Cove Lake, Big Boulder Lakes Basin. As predicted, this morning is unseasonably cool at 34F. The monsoonal moisture has departed, leaving it clear and cold. The sky is cloudless; no threat of thundershowers, but photographically less interesting.
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DSCF0757.JPG5 viewsThe ridge leads up a stream drainage on intermittent grass and rock buttresses just behind the right skyline.
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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.
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DSCF0798.JPG5 viewsThis green meadow is north of the trail about 40 minutes out of Fourth of July Creek trailhead.
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DSCF0799.JPG5 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".
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DSCF0649.JPG4 viewsThirty minutes into the climb, I find what appears to be a pretty decent trail!
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DSCF0652.JPG4 viewsI find what I recall from the first time I did this loop; water. It is located in a fairly flat section immediately above the initial steep-walled gorge. I stop and pump enough water to mix a hydration drink. It's worth getting enough water here for the night, in the event you fail to find the creek near the 8700' level in the basin above.
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DSCF0662.JPG4 viewsThe first of numerous meadows, interspersed with pine, climbing toward the higher, eastern end of Iron Basin. I'm always alert here for wildlife on the steep canyon walls.
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DSCF0675c.JPG4 viewsThe goats seem just as interested in watching me, as I am in observing them. This is the first time I have seen mountain goats in Iron Basin. This is the only cropped photo in the entire gallery. Original is 200 mm on an APS-C sensor equipped camera (300 mm focal length on a full-frame 35 mm sensor). Crop is roughly 50%.
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DSCF0684.JPG4 viewsThis is the first glimpse of the high saddle between WCP-9 (left) and D. O. Lee Peak on the right (south) leading to Cirque Lake in the Big Boulder Lake basin.
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DSCF0688.JPG4 viewsThe stream that eventually flows into Ocalkins Lake is visible not far below. I will get 2 liters here for the climb out of Bighorn Basin.
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