|
|
DSCF1021.JPG2 viewsThe higher two tarns, well below.
|
|
DSCF1023.JPG2 viewsI don't recall how steep these slabs are. I don't remember thinking this would have been a faster route. Hard to tell from the photograph.
|
|
DSCF1028.JPG2 viewsNE down Big Boulder Creek. This photo is the next drainage E of the route I ascended from Island Lake in photo DSCF1024.
|
|
DSCF1029.JPG2 viewsNE down Big Boulder Creek, from above the lower saddle, below the crossing. The clouds dapple the view with shadows.
|
|
DSCF1030.JPG2 viewsI head further E along the ridge, looking for the best place to start my descent into Boulder Chain Lakes basin. This was the spot I chose to make the crossing. It is marked by the distinctive rock 'fingers' jutting E from the pink granite boulder.
|
|
DSCF1034.JPG2 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.
|
|
DSCF1035.JPG2 viewsHere sits Derek, on a boulder (since he offered me his chair), posing for his portrait. He is setting up camp in a great place I have camped before, after taking a swim. He walked in from Fourth of July Creek trailhead, via Devil's Staircase, this morning.
|
|
DSCF1036.JPG2 viewsA rare shot of the author, with leg bloodied by a move on the descent that was a bit too dynamic, being updated on weather and fires by his neighbor. He shows me a few of the luxuries he carried in, including a chair and pillow. I'm tempted to stop right here and enjoy the camaraderie, but I know there is a trout with my name on it waiting for me at Scoop Lake, twenty minutes up the hill. I'm told nobody is there.
|
|
DSCF1047.JPG2 viewsThe wide end of the telephoto (55 mm) on the previous day's descent route; the 'cheese grater'. This descent involves good route finding and an ability to judge what will go, and what will not.
|
|
DSCF1048.JPG2 viewsThe Z Pack Duplex fit snugly into this spot near the outlet of Scoop Lake.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
| 3052 files on 255 page(s) |
 |
|
|
|
|
221 | |
|
|
|
|
Home
Login
Back to Main Gallery
Album list
Last uploads
Last comments
Most viewed
Top rated
My Favorites
Search
