21 Jul Day 3 – Bushwhacking
Surprise Lake to Desolation Lake
6 miles
In order to rejoin the PCT we hiked in the trail alongside the east side of surprise lake. The correct trail (if one exists) climbs to a ridge line to the left. We crossed boulders at the top of the lake and started spreading out as we ascended and bushwhacked up the steep slope toward Glacier lake. After a long time of yelling through the woods and redirecting all of us rejoined at the shore of Glacier lake. Together we made our way around the lake and up steep slope to find the PCT. We were soon climbing through rock fields toward Desolation pass.
Early morning photo session at Surprise Lake while waiting on other hikers to break camp. Here I am attempting to get into “pose position” after activating the 10 second timer on my iphone camera.
Got it right this time. Love those timers! By the way, Left to Right is Kathy, Dan, and me (Mark).
Insane scramble toward Glacier Lake. This was only the beginning. With no trail it got worse.
Glacier Lake
Hot climb toward Desolation Lake. Zoom in and try to find some of our group on the trail in the middle of those rocks.
Zoom in on the photo and try to find the hikers in the rocks.
Above Glacier Lake. We actually hiked well away from the lake so I thought we would never see this lake again. For an hour or so we climbed only to circle back toward the lake where had this view. It seemed like if we jumped we would land in the lake. See Glacier Peak in the distance?
Glacier Peak is one of the 2 most active volcanos in Washington. You can guess the other one. This bad boy last erupted around 1700 and has been erupting around every 400 years so you better get ready. Photo taken during climb to Desolation Pass.
Joe at Desolation Lake campsite. See the tiny tent on the right? That is mine. No rain fly tonight. Only stars and cool air. Ahhhh, so refreshing. Much better than the humidity of Georgia in July.