Most viewed - Idaho Exposure

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DSCF0867.jpg4 viewsTo the east, across the Stanley Valley are the White Clouds. The most prominent summit is Castle Peak, on the skyline, just right of center. Also on the skyline, about one quarter from the left edge of frame is the WCP-9 / D. O. Lee saddle. It is strikingly white; more so with a fresh dusting of snow. I crossed this saddle a little more than 6 weeks ago (see Epic White Cloud Backpack Loop Revisited). Hell Roaring Lake is hidden from view by the ridge in the right foreground.

DSCF0869.jpg4 viewsThis view east shows what I ended up crossing to get back to camp. The outlet of Imogene Lake is visible just below center on the right edge of frame. I left the summit at 5 pm. By 7:30 pm, just before I reached the lake at 8700' it was dark. I had a compass and topo map. I knew if I headed due east, I would eventually intercept the main trail below Imogene Lake. I hoped to find the climber's path leading to the outlet of Imogene. That did not happen. I followed a star, or perhaps Mars, as it was red in color. After passing many more lakes then I remember passing on the way up, I eventually found one I thought might be Imogene. It was too small, but just east of it, I found the main trail. It was past midnight. I ascended to Imogene Lake, arriving at inlet and my camp at 1:45 am, lesson learned!

DSCF0872.jpg4 viewsThe outlet below Imogene Lake crosses the trail coming from the west.

DSCF0903.JPG4 viewsHeading N toward the saddle overlooking Strawberry Basin. There always seem to be a few tents here. The view is nice, but there is no water. Not sure why anyone would camp here. Maybe hunters preparing for bow season.

DSCF0904.JPG4 viewsThe view across the Sawtooth Valley to Mt. Cramer. The smoke is staying out of sight to the N, fortunately!

DSCF1034.JPG4 viewsLooking back up at the 'cheese grater'. A gal guiding a group of kids a few years back told me that is the name of the crossing between Big Boulder Lakes and the Boulder Chain Lakes. So I am about one third of the way across the isthmus on the W side of Hummock, and I hear a voice call out, "Hey Tom, do you know who it is?" I recognize the voice of my neighbor who lives a few houses W, an avid cross-country backpacker.

DSCF1094.JPG4 viewsDescending toward Fourth of July Lake from the top of the ridge SW of Ants Basin, looking W across the Sawtooth Valley. One can see the smoke from the Wapiti fire S of Stanley on frame right (N). Yesterday I was told the road from Stanley to Grandjean was still closed. I'm hoping that has changed, but not counting on it.