Day 3
5.07 miles, 765ft gain/1862ft loss. I think it was around 2 or 3 in the morning, the temperatures outside started to rise, along with the wind. Several times, you could see the tent roof push downward during the bigger gusts, as if God’s hand had reached down and pushed in on the roof of the tent. Along with the wind, came the rain. When we finally climbed out in the morning, the upper peaks were obscured by high clouds and mist. The first time we noticed a break in the rain, we quickly broke down the tent, and got our bags packed to go. We left this wondrous area under a light drizzle and fog, being thankful that we got a chance to capture on memory cards as much of this area as possible under great conditions the day before.
“…that, and I was now down to 5 pictures left!”
Before we had left High Camp, we added our names to the roster of people that wanted to leave by 12:00pm, so today we were on a bit of a schedule, and,
as there weren’t going to be as many photo ops as the day before, (that, and I was now down to 5 pictures left!) the way out went quickly. A bit wet and bedraggled, we reached High Camp around 11:30am, just in time for our ride back down the hill. Before leaving, we were able to have one more warm cup of High Camp Tea, their special blend. There’s always a pot of water on the wood stove and coffee mugs to pour yourself a cup, and after a wet trek back, it was welcome warmth.
After reaching our car, we drove back to Leavenworth for the customary burger at the Hiedelburger, then the long drive home.
So, twice this year, we travelled to Larch Lake, seeing it during the summer months, and again at the onset of fall, and I have to admit. I love summer, it’s sunny and warm days, allowing an occasional dip in a high mountain lake, but…For sheer beauty, color, and foreboding magnificence, I will always favor fall. That, and not having to fight the bugs…