Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited (again!), August 19, 2024
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DSCF1054.JPG2 viewsThe clouds had already closed in, shading the steep climb (S) out of Scoop Lake toward Windy Devil. A wet sleet began falling. I thought about digging in the top packet of the pack for the rain cover I remembered to bring this trip, but figured it would stop by the time I found it. I kept climbing. The peninsula I enjoy fishing from is in the foreground. The breeze continues to blow across the lake.
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DSCF1057.JPG2 viewsNot quite to Windy Devil, the Serrate Ridge on the left (N) extends down from Castle Peak further (S). By now I was hearing thunder and getting a bit concerned about lightening, which, thankfully, did not develop.
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DSCF1062.JPG2 viewsAt Windy Devil, the sun pops out briefly, lighting the foreground, and the N end of Serrate Ridge. The ominous dark sky tells me the drama is not over.
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DSCF1065.JPG2 viewsFrom Windy Devil, the pinnacle standing above and immediately S of the Devil's Staircase comes into view WSW.
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DSCF1068.JPG2 viewsThe first of three or four switchbacks leading to the top to the Devil's Staircase.
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DSCF1074.JPG2 viewsThe second highest of the Born Lakes. I've always caught trout here. It looks very inviting, however, it is supposed to get much cooler tonight. After five days, I'm ready to sleep in my comfortable bed.
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DSCF1077.JPG2 viewsNot a lens flare; it is a dust devil high on the slope to the S, before the initial climb leading to Ants Basin. Interesting that the topographic map I have been relying on (National Geographic TOPO!) does not even show the well-established trail between the Born Lakes and Ants Basin. I haven't looked at it the entire trip, but I have used it extensively documenting these photographs.
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DSCF1093.JPG2 viewsShadows drifting across the face of WCP-8 (10557') from the top of the ridge SW of Ants Basin. (58 mm)
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DSCF0919.JPG1 viewsThe entrance to Iron Basin. There is an intermittent trail. There is usually some water flowing down to Warm Springs Creek. I didn't see it this time as I began angling up too soon. The initial steep climb levels out, and there is a small creek to get water. I took enough to camp for the night in the event I did not find the stream around the 8700' elevation in Iron Basin. The next water was Ocalkens Lake.
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DSCF0923.JPG1 viewsWhen The full moon rose last night, it was so bright I had to shade my eyes with my hat to sleep well; so much for the stars and what was left of the Perseid meteor shower.
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DSCF0930.JPG1 viewsIron Basin is wide open. The gradual climb from one meadow to the next is enjoyable, and still cool at 9:30 am.
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DSCF0942.JPG1 viewsThe route to saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 is seen clearly above.
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