Start – Spectacle Lake (1300 m)
Finish – Ridge Lake (1620 m)
Daily Distance – 16 km (+several for off-trail water collection and return to trail from Spactacle lake)
Ascent – 1150 m
Descent – 740 m
The hardest climb of todays hike was the one to the Spectacle Lake toilet. After the initial sign and second cairn had led me up a path mountain goats would be more at home on, I was beginning to question if breaking out my trusty toilet trowel wouldn’t have been a wiser course of action. Also, how many people have soiled themselves on this hill because they didn’t realise a strenuous 5 minute climb was required at a time when straining is probably a thing best avoided? Certainly, fibre is a dangerous substance at Spactacle Lake. Quite what a picture I would have made sweating profusely, perched atop a wooden throne in the woods, I don’t know and prefer not to imagine. If I could be so bold as to request enhancements to the sanitary facilities of Washington, I can’t help but feel that some rudimentary walls would lend greatly to the ambience.
After such an inauspicious commencement, it can come as no surprise that almost every other uphill has felt difficult today. Water sources were scarce, shade meagre and infrequent, and temperatures high. Not that the walk wasn’t quite beautiful, rather that reaching tonight’s lake to rehydrate was most welcome. I still feel rather sleepy, but imagine dinner (or 3rd lunch, followed by dinner) will perk me up. Laboriously filtering water is tedious when thirsty, so I’m glad to have that chores completed. Not that this lake made it easy. Perhaps I was at a bad point, but the water was shallow and kicked up lots of sediment if care wasn’t when filling my dirty water bottle. Fortunately, I will reach town tomorrow and can clean my filter, as the flow rate is beginning to slow down.
Unexpected happening of the afternoon was 4 military jets racing through the valley where I was walking. I never expected to be in a position to almost look down on fighter planes as they banked and rolled between the nearby peaks. It was all very much like Top Gun, only with considerably less topless vollyball.
I bet the view from the jets is somewhat fleeting, you get a much longer look. You seem to be well sorted for rocks to hold your tent down.
What a gruelling day. It must have been frustrating having such a steep climb to a toilet with no walls. At least you could see what was around. And of course you’d be able to watch the jets do a fly by.
You’re looking well.