The above picture is Packwood Lake. It's a big lake that is home to otters. We had the privilege to see several of them swimming. It looked like some of them were putting on a synchronized swim routine for us. I believe that's Johnson Peak in the background.
This was home the first night on the trail. Someone left a nail on a tree. It was the perfect spot to hang my backpack. Here it is with Dad's tent in the background.
We tried for an early start after our first night, hoping to get in some hiking before breakfast. We decided the following view was a perfect backdrop for breakfast. There was a good-sized creek on the other side of the river rocks. The mountain is Johnson Peak. Dad made a joke about thinking he saw our trail way up on the side of the mountain. I knew our trail didn't cross the creek though so I wasn't worried. Well, this was the day of unrelenting climbs. Little did we know at breakfast that later in the day we'd be nearly looking straight across at that "trail". The picture just doesn't do the view justice.
Now, here's the danger in "losing" pictures... I can't remember exactly where the following picture was taken. I THINK this was taken on Chimney Rock looking across the valley at Johnson Peak. Yeah, we did a little bit of climbing.
And here's another picture of Lost Lake, which was our home on our last night on the trail. It is also home to a mouse who wanted to experience sleeping in a tent.
I wonder if these areas are starting to get snow. I'd love to go back and find out! Unfortunately, I think it's going to have to wait until next September.
