Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

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IMG_7534.JPG7 viewsFinally, just after 3 pm, we arrive at Ship Island Lake. We have descended 1000 feet in about 2 hours, and still have to climb back over the saddle to get back to our camp.
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DSCF0418.JPG7 viewsThe view north to the saddle, bisected by the shadow of a passing cloud, half the brilliant white sedimentary limestone still in sunlight.
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DSCF0456.JPG7 viewsThis low point, to the southwest, I soon realized, was not the correct saddle to descend to Hummock lake.
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DSCF0416.JPG7 viewsOne of the easier log crossings over Trail Creek, well before arriving at Trail Lakes.
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DSCF0415.JPG7 viewsWildflowers encountered with the first 2 miles high above Trail Creek.
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DSCF0417.JPG7 viewsLooking back, SW, toward Trail Lakes.
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DSCF0418.JPG7 viewsTo the N, the turnoff to McGown Lakes to the E is near the low point on the skyline.
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DSCF0425.JPG7 viewsMt. Regan above Sawtooth Lake from the saddle above the W side of lake. We were blessed with a WSW breeze with gusts to 29 mph, and cumulous clouds, which kept the high down to 70, and made for some nice photo opportunities.
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DSCF0427.JPG7 viewsThis is the most snow I have seen at the saddle overlooking the lake.
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DSCF0433.JPG7 viewsI try to clue them in on the best approach to Lake 8771, as well as the challenges descending the N Fork Barron Creek, without spoiling surprises. I suggest the safer way to regain the trail from our current position, and how to protect the descent using trekking poles as one would use an ice ax.
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DSCF0437a.JPG7 viewsAmanda returns the favor with a rare photo of the author in his element!
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