Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited (again!), August 19, 2024
|
DSCF0935.JPG2 viewsJust ahead is the steep drop to Ocalkens Lake, and the entrance to Bighorn Basin further S. The saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 is now in view on the right skyline marked by a pine in the foreground. From that same pine, one can see the start of the route up which lines up with the ridge in the foreground and the left edge of the foreground pine. The route digonals up 45 degrees to the left, ascending to a rock outcrop almost to the skyline. This is difficult to see clearly because WCP-9 is still backlit. It becomes much clearer the closer one gets.
|
|
DSCF0945.JPG2 viewsThe saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 from the somewhat protected rock outcrop, before traversing the goat path to the ridge. The winds I encountered during the ascent were the strongest I have ever experienced; 40 to 50 mph! It was a great relief to get to solid rock at this outcrop and out of the worst wind.
|
|
DSCF0951.JPG2 viewsD. O. Lee Peak rising from the saddle. A few years ago I climbed the route leading due S up the ridge. I remember it being very windy, but not as bad as what I just experienced ascending to the saddle.
|
|
DSCF0954.JPG2 viewsA few years ago I came upon five mountain goats that descended at high speed from the saddle above, directly to this tarn. I quietly turned my back, swapped the wide angle lens for the telephoto, turned around and they had already vanished. No goats so far, but lots of signs they are out and about. Nice to see there is still some snow remaining here.
|
|
DSCF0956.JPG2 viewsThis inflow E of Cirque Lake usually requires finding a place to cross, perhaps some leaps from boulder to boulder in late August, but not this year. On the other side (NNE) of this peak are Slide, Neck, and Sheep (9875') Lakes. I have never been those lakes...yet! The higher is Slide Lake at 10225', slightly higher than Cirque Lake.
|
|
DSCF0959.JPG2 viewsNot sure why I bothered with this photo. Backlit peaks don't look good unless there is a spectacular sunset, or interesting clouds. D. O. Lee Peak due W.
|
|
DSCF0962.JPG2 viewsSame angle, but with a 24mm focal length. The breeze calmed down a bit while swapping lenses; I was now able to pick up some nice reflections in the water.
|
|
DSCF0963.JPG2 viewsThe saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9, backlit, but dramatic high clouds have improved the sky, and their reflections are seen in the inlet stream adding interest in the foreground.
|
|
DSCF0964.JPG2 viewsDue S from the inlet at Cove Lake. There is a veil of high clouds which adds a subtle quality to the hard light, softening the light and saturating the color. The reflections are diffused by the water rippled by the breeze. I'm thinking about where the almost-full moon will rise, setting up the camera before making dinner.
|
|
DSCF0965.JPG2 views9:50 pm when the moon finally rises above the peaks due S from the inlet at Cove Lake. 78 mm, the wide end of the telephoto. The lens has optical stabilization, but I still used one one-hundredth of a second, and was able to utilize a reasonably low ISO of 1600. The Fujifilm XT-2 lacks the low light capability of my Canon 5D II, but it is so much lighter! This has been a long day. I'm looking forward to a good night's rest, and a layover day in the Big Boulder Lakes basin.
|
|
DSCF0978.JPG2 viewsD. O. Lee Peak, morning light from the inlet at Cove Lake; 55 mm.
|
|
DSCF0980.JPG2 viewsAlpenglow, due S from the inlet at Cove Lake. This is the same angle as DSCF0964, but taken in dramatic, early morning alpenglow. Looks better for fly-fishing this morning!
|
|
| 132 files on 11 page(s) |
 |
|
|
|
6 | |
|
|
|
|
Home
Login
Back to Main Gallery
Album list
Last uploads
Last comments
Most viewed
Top rated
My Favorites
Search
