I had a couple of extra things to do after church on Sunday, but I left as soon as I could. Got home at 3 pm, packed up and left the house by 4:30. I left the trailhead at 7 pm, later than I would have liked. I hiked at a good pace because I wanted to get to the lake before dark.
I made it to the trail junction and then continued on upward to the pass. Then down the other side, with the sun shining on the ridges above me. I was getting tired as I came down to the creek. I passed a young family, a mom and dad with four little kids. They were all very cheerful.
I struggled up to the lake, arriving just before dark. I was surprised to find that there were many campsites filled with people. Luckily I found a small meadow and laid out my sleeping bag. I hung my food in a tree just as the family I'd passed on the trail arrived. I offered to share the little meadow with them and they were grateful.
It was nice listening to them making camp because the mom and dad were very patient and the kids were so cheerful. No complaining, no back-talk. They dad asked two of the older kids to get water and they took off into the darkness, coming back shortly with a pan full of water.
I slept under the stars, watching the meteor shower. One flared into a bright red streak before burning out. There was a cool breeze all night and my bag got slightly damp. Luckily I slept pretty well anyway.
Making breakfast
My camp at Silver Lake
In the morning I made breakfast and was hiking by 7:30 am. I left my pack and hiked up the pass above Silver lake. The views were wonderful and the morning felt fresh and cool. What a beautiful place!
I got lots of photos:
Looking down onto Silver Lake
At 8:45 I picked up my pack and started back to the car. I was tired and hiked considerably slower than the night before. By 11:45 I was at the trailhead.
The switchbacks on the west side of the pass. Silver Lake is just below the patch of snow on the saddle.
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