Gold Rush! » The upper lake
Steve leaving the upper lake.
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- Jill and Chris bike past in a flash.
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- Jill plays Flash Gordon.
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- Steve navigates some fallen logs on the way into Monte Cristo.
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- We’re going camping!
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- Steve brakes to a stop in front of the Monte Cristo townsite marker.
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- Walking our bikes across a small creek crossing, we made our way into the abandoned townsite of Monte Cristo.
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- One of the fascinating pieces of history still left in the abandoned town of Monte Cristo.
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- From another perspective…on top of.
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- A abandoned cabin overlooks the creek. This very cabin was being torn down the following weekend due to the eventual collapse from erosion and no longer stands.
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- Looking down the “main drag”, Monte Cristo, WA.
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- This sign marked a mine which had been opened again in 1917, after the desertion of Monte Cristo in 1915.
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- Ancient mountains watch over old ruins.
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- An old building site in Monte Cristo.
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- Details show the border of the wilderness area as well as designated fire closures.
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- Beginning the moderate climb up to Poodle Dog Pass.
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- A lone snag accents the spires in the distance.
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- This one was dated 1959. There is also one to be found in the townsite of Monte Cristo.
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- Jill displays an estatic attitude for her surroundings.
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- Looking down the trail to Silver Lake.
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- Silver Lake and Silvertip Peak towering in the distance.
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- Anything that wasn’t a tree was an edible berry bush…and everything was perfectly ripe.
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- There they are all standing in a row…
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- Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head!
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- Large waterfalls cascade down the mountains for thousands of feet, creating unmatched ambiance.
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- I still vote nature.
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- Resembling a primitive graveyard, the granite blocks near the ridge created an almost “sacred” feeling…
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- Graveyard? Outdoor temple? Whatever it was, it deserved an alter.
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- Ullr, the snow god, will be appeased. We offered this granite carin in hopes for a plentiful powder season!
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- A granite pedestal lends a position for spectacular views into the valley.
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- Chris makes his way across the ridge.
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- First view of Twin Lakes.
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- Steve at the Twin Lakes vista.
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- Twin Lakes.
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- Steve (in the bottom, center) navigating the steep descent down to the lakes.
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- The upper lake shrouds in secrecy.
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- Lower Twin Lake.
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- Upper Twin Lake.
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- Columbia Peak as seen in Upper Twin Lake.
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- Chris and Jill finish packing up.
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- With some spectra, duct tape, a trekking pole, and a fly I tried to make a fishing rod.
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- Making use of the early morning hours.
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- Although I got quite a few hits, I was determined to return with good gear.
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- Steve trys his luck fishing. Apparently, the trout are not afraid of hooks in these parts.
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- Steve leaving the upper lake.
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- Upper Twin Lake.
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- Climbing up from the lakes.
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- Finishing the last few steps from the Twin Lakes valley.
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- Climbing down the nearly 1000 ft. of elevation down to the lakes makes for a strenuous hike back out.
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- Deep valleys and steep rugged peaks make this one of my favorite areas in Washington.
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- Making our way back to Monte Cristo.
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- I really like these little guys.
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- Jill and Chris hit the pedals to begin the enjoyable downhill trek back to the car.
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- Chris comes cruising down the road.
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- Jill rockets back to the car.
