Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0740.JPG7 viewsThe larger rainbow is just shy of 14". Both were caught in a grasshopper dry fly
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DSCF0752.JPG7 viewsIt is already 11 am as I reach the northeast side of Cove Lake; not an early start. The dry air made it much easier to pack up the tent and sleeping bag. I could have gotten and earlier start. I figure I will take my time since there is no thundershower threat, and it is much cooler. D. O. Lee Peak on frame right.
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DSCF0754.JPG7 viewsLooking south southeast; the pass is just left (east) of the lowest part of the saddle. A direct route diagonals up and left through all that unstable talus to the rock ridge coming down from the right skyline. I would much rather descend and climb the much more aesthetic route which starts just above Island Lake.
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DSCF0758.JPG7 viewsIsland Lake just north of my route ascending toward the pass between Big Boulder Lakes Basin and the Boulder Chain Lakes Basin (the "Cheese Grater").
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DSCF0759.JPG7 viewsThis route may not be as fast as "sidehilling" through the unstable talus directly from the southeast side of Cove Lake, but it far more enjoyable. Upon reaching the first of three tarns, I climb out of the drainage onto the ridge on the north side of the drainage to avoid the talus at the tarn inlet.
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DSCF0763.JPG7 viewsAfter reaching the lower saddle, I took this shot (north) to document the route I took from the ridge below. As one can see, it is best to traverse up and around, utilizing the most stable rocks.
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DSCF0767.JPG7 viewsRather than camp on the southeast side of Hummock Lake at what has been dubbed the 'primo' spot, I've decided to head across that isthmus, and climb to Scoop Lake. I'd prefer to forego the big packer campground for something more protected; a bit more intimate. I never seem to catch fish in Hummock.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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DSCF0787.JPG7 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).
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DSCF0788.JPG7 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.
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