This was my first solo trip and visit to LCW. I did the counter clockwise loop beginning at Goose Creek TH. Trails: Goose Creek -> McCurdy -> Brookside -> Hankins Pass. Not sure of the exact mileage but I think it was approximately 27 miles over the 3 days.
As you can see, the weather was nice.
Though my new Osprey Exos 58 pack felt great, my boots were another story. I did wear them around the house a bit and did a local 5 mile hike thinking they were broken in. Guess not. I even had my normal socks with silk liners. Nothing a little moleskin and duct tape couldn't fix.
Aspen's still have no leaves at this time.
While talking to myself out loud on the trail, I also pretended to be the dictator of the canyons. I had many followers.
I took this shot for my kids. We have a song we sing on the trail, "Switch-back single track. Sweet. Sweet."
I arrive at a nice spot to set up camp. Before I unpack, I enjoy a beverage to celebrate the day. The juice was completely frozen before leaving 8 hrs ago and it was now a perfect slushy.
Not a bad spot, eh?
Another view. Thanks for the tent, Gary!
"Ahhh, this is the life." After dinner I enjoy a cup of vino and watch the fire do its thang.
Another day with some great weather for waking up to.
I have always been timid about crossing streams on skinny logs. The last thing I want to do is fall in and soak my pack. I discovered using downed trees as a third leg (like rowing a boat)to prevent falling in. I am sure this is standard for others but new to me and I felt as though I just invented it.
I had to do a selfie with the canyon below.
It was a long way down as I was looking on top of the tall trees.
After continuing in the wrong direction for about a mile and scrambling up a boulder filled, bush-wacking canyon, I lose an hour but finally make it back on trail. I end up here (above). This is where the big climb out of McCurdy begins.
I really liked this section. It was steep and full of switchbacks. Just a few patches of snow…..at this time.
UGH!!! Closer to the top there were huge thigh-deep snowdrifts that I had to chug through for about a mile and a half. I need gaitors!!!!! Post holing sucks!
My feet were drenched but I was not cold at all. I'll just change my socks.
Ut-ohhhhhh. This is not good. Though, it shouldn't be a problem, I only have another 10-14 miles to go :/
I discovered a convenient way to filter water directly into my bladder. I connect it onto my pant's belt loop and then pump away.
This is where the big descend down the Brookside trail begins. I will connect with the Hayman Pass trail and find a spot to camp for the night back up top.
I awoke early in the morning to a slight dusting of snow.
This shot was taken just before the sun popped up over the trees.
The easy 3-4 mile trek back down to the trailhead was filled with killer stream crossings and green meadows.
Here are a couple bonus shots I took while playing around with the image effects on my camera:
This hand blister was actually from doing yard work the weekend before the trip. I just think it captures the mood from long hours on the trail.
