Lost Lake, Packwood Lake, Home

 



We tried again to reduce the time it took to break camp in the morning without success.  And, once again, we decided to skip breakfast in lieu of granola and trail mix.  This morning however, we took the time for a warm drink before beginning the descent to Packwood Lake and the trailhead.

 

This is Beaver Bill Creek.  We stayed at Beaver Bill Creek on our first night, but it was much further down the mountain and much bigger.  This little creek was beautiful--it meandered back and forth with wildflowers in between.  I really need a better camera!  It's on the list.

Hiking was fast this morning as the trail was almost entirely downhill.  We stopped at Packwood Lake for breakfast and were treated to the antics of two groups of otters in the lake.

From the lake, we retraced our route from Monday in the opposite direction to the trailhead.  We met a couple whose son had hiked the PCT in 2011.  We enjoyed visiting with them and hearing about their PCT adventure from the previous year.

While you're always anxious to see the car at the end of the hike, we were in no hurry for this trip to end.  We took the time to cook one more meal at the trailhead and enjoy the peacefulness of the wilderness and the view of Rainier while we ate lunch.  We repeated a favorite meal of beans, rice, fritos, cheese and taco sauce.  We pulled the 2 cans of soda out of the glove box that my sister had sent with us.  Mmmmmm...good.

Dad's feet held up and my equipment test was a success.  Granted, we had perfect weather so there wasn't a chance to test rain gear.  That will have to wait for another trip.  I enjoyed the hike immensely and getting to share it with my Dad made it even better.