Chocolate Lakes Backpack · Day 2
October 25–26, 2013
23 Photographs
1
Mindy watches for the sunrise at the start of Day 2. We’re in a deep valley, so we don’t get direct sun for a while.
2
We climb the slope to the pass between Chocolate Peak and Cloudripper. There are ocassional cairns to mark the trail, but the poodles can sniff it out better than us scent-challenged humans!
3
The trail up the pass from Chocolate Lake heads straight up the contours. There are no switchbacks to make it easier!
4
“Who needs switchbacks?” muses Mindy, as she gets in touch with her inner mountain goat!
5
The poodles patiently wait for us near the crest of the pass, with Picture Puzzle peak (13,280’) appearing in the background.
6
Once over the crest, Ruwau Lake (11,044’) comes into view.
7
We descend toward Ruwau Lake…
8
… and we’re rewarded with a sunny panoramic view over Ruwau Lake, towards Bishop Pass. The steep northern face of Mt. Goode (13,085’) is in the distance on the right.
9
Bill is always on the lookout for fish in these lakes, and he spots some just offshore.
10
Taylor is also a seasoned fish spotter, and there’s no keeping her dry when she goes on a fishin’ mission!
11
We enjoy a last look at Ruwau Lake before continuing on towards Long Lake.
12
Although still covered with some snow, the trail towards Long Lake is now easy to follow.
13
We reach Long Lake and find a gorgeous tent site near the shore. It gives us a great view towards Mt. Goode in the center, and Mt. Johnson (12,871’) near the right. I’ve summited both of those on earlier trips (around 2000).
14
Bill takes care of the water duties, and Taylor is never far away.
15
There’s plenty of room at this site for our palacial 4-person tent. I can’t recall ever having a more aesthetic camp site!
16
We lose the sun over the mountains and the temperature immediately drops. An exhausted Mindy finds the coziest place to rest, on top of my down sleeping bag of course!
17
Taylor hangs out by the lake, practicing her fish spotting...
18
Bill prepares for the evening catch, as the fish become a bit more active now. Mindy doesn’t quite understand his excitement over those wet, brainless creatures in the water!
19
The smile on Bill’s face tells it all! He ends up hooking a feisty rainbow trout and landing some more mellow brook trout this evening.
20
Mindy looks on as Bill keeps fishing. Her quilted Ruffwear jacket was the perfect antidote to the freezing evening temps.
21
“I could get used to this backpacking business. I just don’t understand that fishing part…!”
22
Fish aren’t the only wildlife on the lake. Some coots make their leisurely evening excursion to the northern end of the lake.
23
The wake from the coots leaves diamond reflections on the water. It’s a nice, serene sight at the end of our day. [Return to the Chocolate Lakes Backpack Oct 2013 page to continue to Day 3.]