We
started with a desire to escape the mosquitos, hopefully they would not
be as bad at higher elevation. Turned out to be mostly the case,
and the breezes did wonders also! Scenic day as we continued
uphill past two unnamed lakes and then some partially frozen ponds up
to a saddle above the headwaters of Senger Creek. We then
traversed what turned out to be our only peak on the trip, named only
by its elevation. This "peak" is actually a series of very open
"bumps", we were never sure which one was actually the highest
one! But we had tremendous views the whole way across. The
last part of the day, the descent to Wampum Lake, was one of the most
challenging sections of the trip due to the heavy snow last winter. Journal Entry: Mosquitos again this morning after it warmed up a bit, and they were swarming for the first mile or so. Breeze kicked in before the lakes and it got much more pleasant! Long slog uphill following the creek. Upper ponds were mostly snow covered still, crossed a fair amount of snow. Reached the saddle with views of Three Island Lake and barren Sharp Note Lake, continued uphill to Peak 11840+, which has several summits. After the last one we had a long down climb, starting with a short section of fairly steep snow, which luckily was soft. Then it was talus hopping, and down climbing grassy areas and slabs to Wampum Lake. Camped above the inlet creek. A few mossies here, but nothing like yesterday! Tomorrow we head downstream and traverse around the Pinnacles to East Pinnacles Creek. Hopefully a bit easier than today. |
looking down valley (south) |
Unconcerned mule deer that we saw before the lakes |
upper lake on Senger Creek |
snow to cross on the way up |
Sharp Note Lake | Three Island Lake |
view north from Peak 11840+ |
Upper Turret Lake and view south from Peak 11840+ |
Big Chief Lake in the distance | our descent route to Wampum Lake |
The Pinnacles over Wampum Lake |