kokopropelli
06-11-2013, 01:26 AM
Its not often that I get away from the hustle and bustle of the valley, and its an even rarer event that I get away with just myself. Given, I love bringing my family camping.
The plan was to camp somewhere along Mirror Lake Highway and do some easy hiking, and have lots of relaxation and decompression time. Some friends on mine headed up there the day before to get a camping spot and scope things out. We ended up at the Cobblerest campground. Very nice spot, very close to the river and nice views.
The next morning we headed up to check out the trail for Bald Mountain. We didn't get far, within a 100 yards of the turnoff there was snow. Wet and deep, needless to say, we turned around and initiated our backup plan.
66999
This was taken from the hairpin looking back up towards Bald Mountain.
We drove up to the Crystal Lake trail head to check things out over there. Judging from the amount of vehicles it was clear that the trails were a little more manageable at this altitude. The trail to Wall lake was for the most part clear, there were still drifts now and then. As we made our way up the last 1/4 mile we encountered some larger drifts, and right before we came to the lake there was a drift that was still probably 6' deep, but was still firm enough to walk across.
67001
I was surprised that there was still ice on the water. And the howling wind across that ice reminded me that we are in the high country, and I was glad I had packed a light jacket.
670026700367004
There was a small camp along the base of the cliffs on the west side, a couple people trying to fish in the breaks in the ice, and really that was it as far as other people up there.
67006
It really was just what I needed. I did however, get a kick out of Jim the camp steward who made his rounds 3 or 4 times a day to make sure you've paid and your tickets were current. You'd hear the bright red, older generation Land Rover before you actually saw him, he or someone had spent A LOT of time and money restoring it. The low rumble of the engine is how you'd know he was coming. Then you might see the very large antenna on the roof rack. Once the whole vehicle was in view it really was impressive. That thing must of had every bell and whistle you could think of, big ole winch, jacks, Hella lights, shovels. And the whole thing was like it had just rolled out of a paint shop. I wish I had taken a picture of it. Anyways, it really was a nice getaway. I forget how close that area really is.
The plan was to camp somewhere along Mirror Lake Highway and do some easy hiking, and have lots of relaxation and decompression time. Some friends on mine headed up there the day before to get a camping spot and scope things out. We ended up at the Cobblerest campground. Very nice spot, very close to the river and nice views.
The next morning we headed up to check out the trail for Bald Mountain. We didn't get far, within a 100 yards of the turnoff there was snow. Wet and deep, needless to say, we turned around and initiated our backup plan.
66999
This was taken from the hairpin looking back up towards Bald Mountain.
We drove up to the Crystal Lake trail head to check things out over there. Judging from the amount of vehicles it was clear that the trails were a little more manageable at this altitude. The trail to Wall lake was for the most part clear, there were still drifts now and then. As we made our way up the last 1/4 mile we encountered some larger drifts, and right before we came to the lake there was a drift that was still probably 6' deep, but was still firm enough to walk across.
67001
I was surprised that there was still ice on the water. And the howling wind across that ice reminded me that we are in the high country, and I was glad I had packed a light jacket.
670026700367004
There was a small camp along the base of the cliffs on the west side, a couple people trying to fish in the breaks in the ice, and really that was it as far as other people up there.
67006
It really was just what I needed. I did however, get a kick out of Jim the camp steward who made his rounds 3 or 4 times a day to make sure you've paid and your tickets were current. You'd hear the bright red, older generation Land Rover before you actually saw him, he or someone had spent A LOT of time and money restoring it. The low rumble of the engine is how you'd know he was coming. Then you might see the very large antenna on the roof rack. Once the whole vehicle was in view it really was impressive. That thing must of had every bell and whistle you could think of, big ole winch, jacks, Hella lights, shovels. And the whole thing was like it had just rolled out of a paint shop. I wish I had taken a picture of it. Anyways, it really was a nice getaway. I forget how close that area really is.