Decided to take advantage of some sunshine and long days by exlporing the lower Enchantments. Arrived to a crowed Stuart Lk. TH at 8:50am. Didn't really have a certain destination in mind, so I decided to start with Colchuck Lk.
Mountaineer Ck.
bridge 1
bridge 2
The snow begins right at the lake. There is a distinct booth bath on the trail wrapping around Colchuck.
Colchuck Lk
Colchuck Pk.
Dragontail reflection
I pondered the idea of climbing Colchuck Pk since I had my crampons and ice axe. I made it up to a ridge about 1/3 of the way up the gap and called it quits. The snow was soft, and I didn't bring gaitors. Plus I was concerned with ice-fall from Dragontail (no helmet either)
Colchuck Lk.
Mt. Cashmere
after suntanning (burning) on a boulder at the Lake for a while I decided to head back to the junction and turn towards Stuart Lk.
The snow becomes steady on this trail about 1/2 mile before the lake.
Stuart w/ sherpa and ice cliff glaciers
Ice cliff glacier
Stuart Lk
North face of Stuart
Stuart Lk. pano
Made it back to the car around 4:50, and decided I had enough time to head up 8-mile. Ditching my pack at the car I made quick work up to little 8-mile Lk.
lupine
paintbrush
little 8-mile
105_0384
Calypso Orchid
I wasn't sure how much more distance to 8-mile lake, so I decided to call it a day with the sun setting behind the ridge.
Probably about 20 miles in all, and I have zero idea on elevation gain and losses. Just another fun day in the mounains.
When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
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When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
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