[Hulksmash]

I wasn't going to post i TR on this one since i have been to Blanca Lk so many times. But what the heck. I got to a late start on Saturday. I decided to sleep in when i looked outside at the dreaded marine layer. Later i noticed it was breaking up..so i jetted out the door. I made it as far as Monroe when i realized i forgot my camera. So i back tracked all the way home to retrieve the camera. I eventually made it to the trail head after 2pm I counted 25 cars at the trail head. With such a late start i did not mess around. Just headed up hill as fast as i could handle. I counted groups as the came down. By the time i reached Virgin lake i realized Blanca would be crowded. As i suspected it was packed...all the established sites were taken. Fortunately that does not matter when you pack a hammock

Campsite

Just need two trees. I hung out for the night over a dry creek bed. It was warm most of the night. It was not until the sun rose, did it cold briefly as the marine layer rolled in. Then began to rise above the lake level.

reflection

When the fog began to lift i had breakfast and headed up to Columbia Glacier.

Fog

The talus slopes between the lake and glaicer was full of active Pika an Marmonts.

pika

pika2

pika3

No close ups of Marmots they were to shy. The cloud layer broke up as i climbed the talus slope. With ever changing views of the peaks.

Kyes

I even spotted a climber on a summit ridge.

being watched

I found the double water fall visible form the outlet of Blanca lake, not as impressive up close an personal for some reason

doubble falls

falls

Troublsome creek

Just above the falls is Columbia Glaicer.

Columbia Glacier

Blanca

Rock

Blanca

Blanca Lake

bozo blocking the view

I have lots more photos but most of them for some reason randomly have this UFO in exactly the same place on the frame. Dirty sensor?

UFO

[Magellan]

Nice pictures Hulk. Brownie smudge?

[the Zachster]

I'm really glad you went back for your camera! Love the shots of the falls and that view of Blanca is a nice change. What a gorgeous lake.

[touron]

Nice perspectives of Blanca!

[klock]

Outstanding photos of the Pika. Your TP and photos make me really want to get up there this year.

[jeremybe]

Waterfalls, pika, Blanca: good stuff!

[Hulksmash]

Ok i managed to crop all the UFO's out, and make a 360* pano.

360* Pano

[Backpacker Joe]

How was the hike around the lake Hulkster? I figure you walked as opposed to rafting.

[goats gone wild]

Glad you did post a TR, hulk. Great pictures of the pika.

[Hulksmash]

Well last year i did pack a raft in last year. With the idea of floating across the lake. Of course i don't have a Curtis inflatable. The lake shore looks rugged, and i figured it was. What i found is that it's not that bad. It is easy enough that IMO it's not worth the extra effort to pack in even 1 pound of raft. There was only one spot that i had to briefly use my hands, but only because the weight of an overnight pack changes my balance.

[GeoHiker]

Great job! I've only been in there when the lake has been frozen, so that's been on top of my list for a return. What BPJ said. How is the trail/scramble to the N. end of the lake? PS, see you answered BPJ, thanks doesn't sound too bad then.

[Bluebird_Daze]

Nice to see ya made it to those double falls, thanks for sharing.

[peltoms]

How did you get that pika to hold still, nicepanorama

[Hulksmash]

The little cute-n-fuzzy demonstrated absolutely no fear. It was actually attracted to the sound of my camera shutter.