Day4
Once again, the wind howled at night, and hours before we arose, we endured another soaking. That’s one good thing about the constant wind…It did a good job of “blow drying” the tent, and the ground did a good job of absorbing the rain.
Today, as planned, we have a whole day to explore the area, and decide to head up and over Prussic Pass, towards Shield Lake. Very different here from the Enchantments, more trees, grass, and shrubbery, which transforms the area into one of greenery, as opposed to the stark white of abundant granite, prevalent on the other side of the pass.
As we round the shoreline, we see several pan sized trout darting away from the banks, making us wish we had brought fishing poles. Once past Shield Lake, we continued on the west side of the creek that joined together 3 lakes, Shield, Earle, and Mesa Lake. Mesa was unusual, as there was a large granite hillside that plunged right into the east shore. Having reached our turn around point, we trek back to Earle Lake, and cross over to the opposite shore line this time, for different views. Lots of sign of bobcat, deer, and other critters here. One thing that we thought was interesting.
The whole time we ventured on this side of Prussic Pass, we never saw another person. Yet, we counted 3 toilets!!! I wonder if there is another time of the year that this place is more popular??? Back at camp, we take the plunge, and allow the afternoon sun to dry us out. The goats were waiting patiently for our arrival, hoping we’d leave some salt behind…We seemed to never get tired of watching them roam around, looking for something good to eat, never in a hurry, always the same plodding gait.
Not exactly a comforting feeling when you’re trying to go to the bathroom!
They seemed totally disinterested in us, until we got up to leave the camp site, then they eyed us eagerly, to see if we needed to go yet…I’m not kidding! The moment you had to relieve yourself on the rocks, here they’d come running, hooves clacking over the granite, in a rush to get there first! Not exactly a comforting feeling when you’re trying to go to the bathroom!
After turning in for the night, we are greeted by showers, again, and wind that tries vainly to blow over the tent…I can’t remember a time when I’ve been here in the Enchantments, that the wind did not howl…At least, the lightening is brief, and the thunder is only a distant rumbling.