[loper]

This weekend WAS going to be my weekend to do a solo trip to Tomyhoi.  That is until my husband asked a few pointed questions like, 'You are bringing a rope just in case?' and the weekend quickly became a reunion of sorts as five of us set off Sat morning to Yellow Aster Butte and Tomyhoi.
Day one,
We hiked in to beautiful sunhine and a splash of fall color.  As we approached the lakes we realized we were not alone.  Apparently everyone AND their dog had the same idea to camp at the Yellow Lakes.  Not to worry as there was lots of room.  We quickly found a spot and set up camp.  After lounging at camp awhile we headed up the ridge towards our destination.  This is a wonderful ridge run with a few tricky spots along the way.  We did use crampons for the short traverse along the snow to 'the notch' as the snow was very hard.  A short while longer and we had our first view of the 'improbable' summit block.  'No way in Hell' was my first thought, but, since so many before us (including Trailpair) noted that it looks worse than it is, we scrambled down to the saddle for a closer look.  Was surprised to find that we found nice third class (albeit exposed) scrambling to the summit.  Being a confirmed exposure-phobe I was surprised how doable this summit was. (I kept thinking that just ahead it would get to be too much but it was fine).  We lucked out and had the summit block to ourselves for a time before the hoards started scrambling up behind us.   We downclimbed and started our trek back to camp in that magical time a few hours before sunset in the fall when the colors are ablaze.  Back at camp the guys enjoyed a few beers and a mean game of UNO before turning in for the night.
Day Two
Enjoyed a relaxed morning wandering around the Yellow Lakes and then headed up to Yellow Aster Butte before hiking out.  On the return trip we realized that Everyone AND their Dog were still arriving.  Reminded me of the Mt Si trail only prettier.  Lunch at the Beer Shrine and home before dinnertime.
All in all, a relaxing, beautiful trip.
L
PS my husband was right, for me anyway, not a good solo trip.  And it is always fun to scramble with friends.
L

[Magellan]

Thanks Loper!  We are headed up next weekend.  I am praying the weather holds.

[Layback]

Thanks for posting L.  It's hard to believe that fall colors are beginning to become a reality.   

[Hulksmash]

  I love the fall colors.  I've got to put my eyes back in there sockets now

[Matt]

Darn, I thought the colors wouldn't come out till next weekend.  Looks like I should have gotten out in the sunshine this weekend.

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“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien

[the Zachster]

We were watching you (with our dogs... ) going up the Butte this morning!  Glad the climb went well!

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"May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am"

[loper]

Matt, no worries, the fall colors are just beginning.  They will be better and better I think the next few weeks!
l

[loper]

[Gabigabs]

Wonderful photos. Great area for fall colors.

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Life is simple... Eat, Sleep, Hike!