Glacier Pass
Shortly after starting down, I noticed something moving on a nearby outcrop. It was a scruffy and fearless pika. He posed for me as I took a couple of photos.
Pika Below the Divide - This scruffy but fearless pika looked like he hadn't stored enough hay for winter.
A little while later, I arrived at Spring Lake, the destination for the day.
Spring Lake in Morning Light - I began my climb to Cyclamen Lake before Spring Lake was in full light.
The next morning, I got moving pretty early and began the climb toward Columbine Lake, the highest of three lakes at the head of Cliff Creek. The ascent to Cyclamen Lake, the middle lake, from Spring Lake was routine. I arrived at Cyclamen to find it completely coverd with snow.
Snow-covered Cyclamen Lake - Cyclamen Lake was completely covered by snow. I'd never seen a lake with snow on it before this trip.
The way up to Columbine looked steep and snow covered in places. When I arrived at the first large snow field, I was happy to see boot prints across it. Not long before, someone had crossed wearing crampons and leaving ice axe divots. I followed the tracks and they delivered me safely across the snowfields.
Crossing Snowfields on the Way to Columbine Lake - I'm sure glad somebody had crossed the snowfields before I did. I just followed in their footsteps.
Looking back on the experience, it still seems to me to have been one of the most foolish things I have ever done in the backcountry. One slip and I would have ended up in Cyclamen Lake and I would not be telling this tale.
Cyclamen and Spring Lakes from Above - Cyclamen Lake was completely covered with snow while a few hundred feet lower, Spring Lake was almost clear of snow.
Finally, I arrived at Columbine Lake, and to my surprise, it was not covered with snow even though it is several hundred feet higher than Cyclamen.
Columbine Lake and Sawtooth Peak - The sky was completely clouded over by the time I caught the reflection of Sawtooth Peak in the crysal-clear water of Columbine Lake.
I turned east and walked down Lost Canyon.
Lost Canyon Campsite - I shared this campsite with a hiker who was hauling supplies into Kern Canyon. Note the vintage 1970 model Kelty pack, North Face poncho and five piece Eagle Claw fly/cast rod - all antiques now.
I was looking for a place to catch my dinner and set up camp. After a lot of flailing around, I managed to catch a couple of small trout from the small stream in the canyon. Another hiker joined me that evening and the company was welcome.
On the final day, the weather turned interesting. By the time I passed by Sawtooth Peak and got to the top of Sawtooth Pass, storms seemed to be coming at me from every direction.
Sawtooth Peak - Clouds form the backdrop for this truly beautiful peak.
Clouds were blowing in from the west and up Cliff Creek canyon at the same time. Without warning, lightning began to strike. The first bolt struck so close that I could smell the burnt rock. I dropped my (metal-framed) pack and headed for lower ground until the storm lifted. I hurried down to the trail head where I was happy to see our green Volkswagen in the parking lot. It was a great feeling to be reunited with my mate who encouraged me to go on the adventure even though she was worried I might not make it back in one piece.