Idaho Exposure

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

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IMG_3405.JPG20 viewsClimbing south toward the Thompson/Williams Saddle at the head of the hanging valley in which we are camped.
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IMG_3410.JPG20 viewsJust before 10 am, the professor checks the route description on the Thompson/Mickeys Spire Saddle. Castle Peak, 11,815', the highest peak in the White Cloud Mountains can be seen on the skyline about 1/3 from the left edge of photo.
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IMG_3429.JPG20 viewsThe "unnamed lake", and the use trail to it intersects Alpine Way trail about where the ridge leading down from the left frame of photo meets the trees. 5 mile long Redfish Lake lies southwest of Little Redfish Lake.
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IMG_3476.JPG20 viewsThe summit of Williams peak from the summit of Thompson Peak.
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IMG_7851.JPG20 viewsOur camp in pristine meadows at the 8900' level.
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IMG_7970.JPG20 viewsEvening alpenglow on Thompson Peak as viewed from our camp at 8900'.
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DSCF0315.JPG20 viewsDespite foregoing fishing in favor of an earlier start crossing south to the Boulder Chain Lakes, it is already 11 am when my goal, the saddle (on the skyline, hidden behind the black buttress mid-frame), becomes apparent from the southeast end of Cove Lake. I decide to drop down to Island Lake to take advantage of a ridge climbing southwest to the same point reached alternatively by contouring across the loose talus on the right of the photo. This ridge is evident below the sharp peak on the skyline.
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DSCF0317.JPG20 viewsHeading southeast above Island Lake to the ridge leading up the right skyline.
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DSCF0318.JPG20 viewsAbout 1 pm, I am rewarded with cool running water in the grassy drainage below two small tarns. It’s the perfect spot to re-hydrate with an electrolyte-infused sports drink. Island Lake is far below on the right.
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