We fell asleep knowing that we were already one mile behind schedule but optimistic we could make it up. That was until we woke up to ice.
Luckily my trusty hand warmers had left me comfortable enough at night while I was sleeping, but getting out of bed when it’s frigid outside, putting on ice-cold clothes, and breaking down camp when everything is covered in frost is decidedly not fun.
I don’t care what anyone says, nothing is more shocking than exposing your boobs to freezing temps and then having to follow up with a sports bra partially frozen from yesterday's sweat. Lovely! The hot breakfast and instant cider helped but getting our bodies moving helped even more.
We had an easy five miles passing through more of Lakes Basin, through more meadows, and into the trees mostly downhill.
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| Horseshoe Lake |
Not much of a view but that was a blessing since it allowed us to move quickly without much stopping. Joe was the lucky one in front who got to see a giant buck, which was long gone by the time I turned the corner, but other than that we just had an easy go and made excellent time.
The most exciting part of the morning was definitely coming across a trope of llamas. Over ten llamas all loaded to the max with gear and tied to each other with a single rope being orchestrated by two hikers making sure they kept in line. Turns out people hire the llamas to carry all their gear to the campsites - the lack of actual backpackers we had seen loaded up with packs like our suddenly made a lot more sense. I was overcome with a sense of pride for not only toughing it out with a fully loaded pack up all the passes but also having everything I needed for survival on my back.
Seeing all the llamas lined up though was still a fun thing to see and it was enough to add some added pep in our step to start another gorgeous ascent to Frazier Lake.
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| Approaching the climb to Frazier Lake |
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| Climbing the "hill" to Frazier |
We arrived at the lake before well before one, a true accomplishment since that meant we had tackled nine miles in under four hours. We decided to set up camp, have lunch, then take a small detour up to Glacier Lake with our packs only loaded with the bare necessities - snacks, first aid, and water.
However, there’s definitely something that happens mentally once you’ve laid out your bed for the night. Motivation escapes you like a popped balloon and suddenly the soreness catches up. Even with packs as light as they were, the two miles up to the lake was pretty grueling. It was two in the afternoon by the time we began the climb so the sun was bearing down on us and even with the lightened packs it was no easy feat.
Joe had a brief and humorous standoff with a chipmunk but sadly chipmunks were about all we saw with no other signs of wildlife.
Who could blame the animals really, it was hot! Luckily the views were not lacking despite the harsh uphill. It honestly felt like a dreamscape to be surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever seen in my life.
Finally, we made it to the lake and we’re blessed with yet another landscape that just didn’t look real. The most crystal clear water glittering in the sun with picturesque trees on miniature islands, and busy chipmunks scurrying to and fro everywhere. All surrounded by the very same mountains we had spent the last two days navigating through and around. It was a true oasis.
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| A view of Eagle Cap from Glacier Lake |
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| Glacier Lake |
We spent a few minutes dipping our sore feet into the chilly clear waters, had a quick snack, and regretfully had to say goodbye sooner than we would have liked since the day was getting late.
The descent down, while the same path as the way up, was still just as magical and mesmerizing especially now that the sun was starting to dip and give the mountains a lovely late afternoon glow. Going downhill also offered a completely different perspective than going up so I was able to see an entirely new view and notice things I had completely missed on the way up.
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