| September 16: Island Lake | |
Well, since I wasn’t actually ON a trail, I navigated my way south. First, I had a very interesting climb down next to a waterfall created by the outlet from the lake that I camped at. It was rocky and steep, and I had to use some caution on this bit of terrain. When I got down, I was standing at, yup, another mountain lake. This one was a bit smaller, but every bit as nice and the sound of running water was a nice touch. From there, it was some pretty straightforward navigation around a few more lakes until I got to one long ridge that I had to climb up over.
From the top, I could see the Unnamed Lakes below, and just on the other side a trail that would lead me back to the CDT. The views were once again spectacular as I walked along the shores of the Unnamed Lakes. The reflections were amazing as well, since the water surface was like glass, it was difficult to see where the mountains stopped and the water began. I hooked up with a trail near the lake and descended a bit down to a major trail intersection and the fine shores of Summit Lake. This open area is great, a large lake surrounded by both peaks and open fields, and was a perfect spot for a mid-morning break. I just can’t believe that this place is real.
From Summit Lake, it was a "slog" over to the Shannon Pass area. First, the trail descended back to where there were actual trees. This section was nice, but of course that means that I was going right back up. The trail lead me back up and into the Elbow Lake area, which gave me pause it was so beautiful. I was finally entering the heart of the range and I could really tell it from the views I was getting. Everything was so BIG that it was intimidating, and while the views were unreal, the hiking was difficult. I reached the Shannon Pass Trail and I was exhausted!
As A breather, I decided to drop my pack and take a quick trip up to Shannon Pass to see what I could see. The views up here were nice, but I was unable to see Gannet Peak, the high point in Wyoming, and I wasn’t willing to drop all the way down to Peak Lake for that. On my way back to the trail junction, I was taken aback once again, a view that almost scared me. Big, nasty, pointy, snow-covered mountain ranges loomed to the south. Fortunately, I don’t actually climb over any of them, but I do hike near them and they look quite intimidating.
The next stop along my way was a series of Jean Lakes, clear, green lakes to my left as I dropped down a bit from the trail junction. What can I say, this place keeps getting better. Each view seems better than the last, each new lake seems a bit more green, a bit deeper.
Well, let me tell you, I saved the best for last today. My destination for the night was Island Lake, as several people that I encountered so far had recommended it. So, while it was a bit off the trail and out of the way, I decided that I was going to head there and camp. It was a long trail that climbed to the top of a pass before descending to the actual lake. When I hit the top of the pass, I was almost knocked backwards with what I was looking at.
This large, deep blue lake is surrounded by enormous peaks on the divide, with two large glaciers in clear view. This is the best spot yet on this trip (or any trip I have taken for that matter) I can’t believe that this place actually exists! It is like something out of a dream. I am SO happy to be here, so happy that I just can’t find a way to express it.
Anyway, I need to go cook dinner since it is starting to get cold already tonight. It looks like the great weather is about to end, as snow is forecast for the morning and the rest of the day tomorrow! Yikes, should make for some interesting stories.
-Chomp