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DSCF1025.JPG1 viewsThis last traverse to the lower saddle is probably the crux of the ascent because the scree is so loose! Everything wants to slide and take me with it!
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DSCF1026.JPG1 viewsArriving at the lower saddle, looking SSE. The crossing is on the skyline, roughly, the middle of the frame. There are several places one can cross, in fairly close proximity. The only way to be sure is to look down and see if it will go safely.
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DSCF1028.JPG1 viewsNE down Big Boulder Creek. This photo is the next drainage E of the route I ascended from Island Lake in photo DSCF1024.
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DSCF1029.JPG1 viewsNE down Big Boulder Creek, from above the lower saddle, below the crossing. The clouds dapple the view with shadows.
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DSCF1030.JPG1 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.
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DSCF1032.JPG1 viewsAfter a full hour of descent, I must feel comfortable enough to take this photo of Hummock Lake to the SE.
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DSCF1033.JPG1 viewsForty minutes later I am finally out of the steep scree, on to much nicer grassy slopes. I've already decided to skip the so-called primo horse camp on the SE side of Hummock Lake, in favor of Scoop Lake. I can expedite that by using the isthmus on the W side of Hummock. The route on the right of frame looks like it involves some boulder-hopping I prefer to avoid after a long day.
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DSCF1035.JPG1 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.
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DSCF1036.JPG1 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.
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DSCF1042.JPG1 viewsAlpenglow; peaks SW of Scoop Lake. In the time I spent talking with Derek, a group of four arrived at Scoop Lake and set up camp at the spot I was heading to on the other side of the peninsula near the SW end of the lake. I backtrack to a site near the outlet of Scoop Lake. Last year, that site was occupied by another party. The tent was a tight fit, and surprisingly, I was able to easily sink all but one of the 8 stakes. I set the hang, made dinner, and got my rod prepared for morning. No trout tonight, so I made the heavier of the remaining dinners to lighten the load for the hike out. The 6 day old weather report remained accurate. We were in for some weather!
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DSCF1044.JPG1 viewsFrom my camp, NNW to the 'cheese grater', about on third of the from the left edge of the frame. Hummock Lake is hidden from view.
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DSCF1046.JPG1 viewsCloser (200 mm) on the previous day's descent route; the 'cheese grater'. Again, I prefer the solid rock to the scree trails. Solid handhold on steep terrain offer so much comfort.
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