Idaho Exposure

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

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DSCF0937.JPG2 viewsThe route is more obvious in this shot from the pass which leads to Ocalkens Lake, and the entrance to Bighorn Basin.
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DSCF0938.JPG2 viewsI still need water for the ascent to the saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9. Last year I was able to get water out of the stream flowing into Ocalkens Lake by crossing the meadow on the right, intersecting the stream well above the lake. This year I had to descend all the way to the lake. The climb from the lake is east of Bighorn Basin, and although steeper, the trees provide welcome shade most of the way up.
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DSCF0939.JPG2 viewsCalkens Peak on the skyline right (S) of the cumulous cloud just behind the skyline. The western-most is the higher summit according to the Lopez book. This peak is the next peak N of WCP-9. It is usually ascended from the E.
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DSCF0940.JPG2 viewsThe view N past Ocalkens Lake (hidden). Interestingly, a trail leads S from state highway 75 (W of Clayton), following Slate Creek, passing by Slate Creek Hot Spring, climbing all the way to Ocalkens Lake. I like to do a loop, so I continue to repeat this hike from Fourth of July trail head.
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DSCF0944.JPG2 viewsI was told last year by a biologist I met above Sapphire Lake that this is a Mormon Cricket. This one is not nearly as big as those I saw last year. I only saw a few this year, but last year there were two to three per square foot. They were concentrated immediately below the start of the ascent to saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9.
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DSCF0946.JPG2 viewsThis may be the western-most is the higher summit of Calkens Peak, just N of WCP-9.
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DSCF0947.JPG2 viewsThe view N past Ocalkens Lake. The entrance to Iron Basin is high above the lake on the left (W). The drainage below the lake, extending all the way to frame right, follows a trail down Slate Creek. Smoke from the Wapiti fire is drifting E from Stanley. Fortunately, it has stayed well to the N.
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DSCF0948.JPG2 viewsFrom just below the saddle, Cirque, Sapphire, and Cove Lakes of the Big Boulder Lakes Basin. I plan to camp at the inlet to Cove Lake, the lower of the three lakes. There is noticeably less water flowing into Cirque Lake from the S. Green algae has been left behind by the receding water level.
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DSCF0950.JPG2 viewsThe outlet of this tarn marks my descent route. Nice to be out of the worst of the wind!
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DSCF0958.JPG2 viewsLooking SSE across the inlet to Cove Lake. It is still breezy. After setting up the food hang and tent, I've decided to fish in the morning. The light suggests picking up the camera, rather than the fly rod.
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DSCF0960.JPG2 viewsESE across Cove Lake from the inlet on the W side where I've camped once more. The breeze is still blowing.
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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.
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