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DSCF0440.JPG7 viewsYes, the previous shot is definitely better!
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DSCF0446.JPG7 viewsThe small lake just S of Sawtooth Lake is a beautiful alternative to the crowds camping at the S end of Sawtooth Lake.
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DSCF0508.JPG7 viewsAnother view of the D. O. Lee/WCP-9 saddle above the inlet to Cove Lake.
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DSCF0518.JPG7 viewsClimbing a ridge west of peak 9883 after descending almost to Island Lake. This ridge will take me to the pass, and my descent to Hummock Lake. Glad to be climbing up and away from the irresponsible pet owner’s noisy dog on the far side of the lake, spoiling everyone’s wilderness experience!
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DSCF0517.JPG7 viewsThe view southeast from my campsite at inlet, Cove Lake. I’ll be heading in that direction to cross into the Boulder Chain Lakes Basin.
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DSCF0520.JPG7 viewsMy route involves some elevation loss, but ascends this delightful grassy drainage along a stream, alternating with solid rock buttresses. A lovely place to stop for a snack.
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DSCF0537.JPG7 viewsA wide shot of the ridge I crossed yesterday. I descended just to the right (northeast) of the pinnacle on the skyline with the light on it. The two previous photos were taken below the pinnacle, where the angle in the drainage below it lessens, near the highest grassy area. That is roughly half way from the edge of the lake to the skyline.
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DSCF0538.JPG7 viewsClimbing out of Boulder Chain Lakes Basin, I stop just before reaching Windy Devil near the top of the climb. At 2:38, I’m roughly an hour past my plan to leave the basin at 1 pm. I fished Scoop Lake (closest in frame) from that isthmus. The fish started biting the mosquito I tied on, and I landed a 10” rainbow. The hook was deep, so I decided to pack the fish out in a plastic bag, rolled up in my ensolite sleeping pad to insulate it. The "Cheese Grater" is directly above the highest lake on the left.
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DSCF0539.JPG7 viewsFamiliar Castle Peak viewed from the vicinity of Windy Devil. The Serrate Ridge descends from Castle Peak on the right to the upper middle of the frame. I'm aware of the approaching thundershowers in the background.
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DSCF0543.JPG7 viewsArriving at the tarn southwest of Windy Devil. Castle Peak on the right; the Serrate Ridge descends dramatically all the way to the left frame line. Descending toward Castle Peak leads one to Shallow Lake, past Scree Lake, and eventually, Quiet Lake. I met a couple as I was leaving Scoop Lake who had come that route from Born Lakes. They were making extremely good time! I know from experience.
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DSCF0540.JPG7 viewsThe tarn southwest of Windy Devil comes into view. Beyond that, my next objective; the tower with the keyhole marking the top of the “Devil’s Staircase” on the skyline frame right. It is a gentle climb to the base, culminating in 4 steep switch backs to reach the saddle just right (north) of the pinnacle. I descend the more northerly chute to Born Lakes. See https://idahoexposure.com/hike/thumbnails.php?album=40 for more photos.
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DSCF0624.JPG7 viewsAcross the Sawtooth Valley, one can see Mt. Cramer on the north and Snowyside Peak to the south. The latter in encountered on the Petit-Toxaway loop between Alice and Toxaway Lakes. The 11 mile road leading to Fourth of July Creek trail head climbs the drainage in the center of the photo.
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