Roadside view: the mountains beckon |
a temporary bridge replaces a washout |
aiming to camp in the trees |
back to the Jeep for gear |
setting camp at sunset |
In the morning, a fallen branch becomes food |
sunrise on the trail |
Marcy Dam |
soon the snow softens and I am breaking trail toward Lake Arnold |
nearing the ridgeline |
a nice view from the shoulder of Colden |
but I still have a way to go |
the trail goes under this rock; in fact, |
there is so much snow on the summit, that the view over the scrub is unusually wide |
great care is necessary descending on the steep side |
the trail between rocks |
descending past a snow roll |
view from Colden Dam |
packing in some calories |
dripping wet boots |
not a day for a swim |
the cable bridge |
a favorite waterfall on the Opalescent |
up hill lean-to is a fine spot for lunch |
and dry socks |
I ascend to Lake Tear of the Clouds with Marcy in view |
and then 4 corners |
dead tree on the climb |
lots of ascending |
above treeline |
on top |
the ravens play |
I have the summit to myself |
but the other side of the mountain has clearly been a busy playground |
parting view of Marcy |
Indian falls view into the glaring sun |
a bridge that has memories of a rescue |
I make it back to Marcy Dam and tuck my head for the last miles as the sun sets |