My good buddy was getting married Friday evening and I would not miss it for the world. After work, I drove to Latham and checked into my hotel right down the street from the venue. I had looked to see if there was a place nearby to camp. There was, but it being a place I was not familiar with, I opted for the hotel instead of hiking in the dark to an unknown location.
The wedding was fantastic. The officiant entertained us as well as performed his duties in a delightful way.
Congrats Keri & Justin.
On Saturday I drove to the trailhead only to find the IP road was gated. Had to switch to a plan B location. No big deal as I have plenty of options. Looking back I should have planned a different spot from the get-go. I pulled into the parking area near 13th lake. A few cars already here. Not surprising as the lake is a good fishing/camping spot and the nearby mountains are easily accessible from this trailhead.
I loaded up my pack and ventured down the gravel trail. Right after the trail register was a brand new ADA compliant outhouse. Soon the trail switched to rocks, roots and mud. Was not that bad, just no longer wheelchair accessible. I passed by some campsites; in use and vacant. A hiker came up from behind and I let him pass. Some boats and canoes on the lake fishing.
The trail meandered along the shoreline only heading up to avoid major wet or steep sections. Soon the junction to Peaked Mtn and the continuation of my trail around 13th lake. A couple swollen streams cascading from the hillside to cross. About midway down the lake, the trail turned up a draw towards my destination. A long steep climb marred by considerable blowdown. The trail was well marked and in some places the tread was obvious. Still, it did not seem like the trail got much use. The creek through the draw was very nice. Some neat cascades and pools. Open hardwoods and giant boulders on the hillside.Reminded me of the NPT in the Silver Lake Wilderness. Evetually I made it to the saddle and headed down to the next junction. From here a major tree had come down obscuring the trail I was on, the junction signs were broken and scattered. I placed the signs against neaby stumps. A short break and then North to Hour Pond.
The trail here seemed to be an old roadway. It approached a beaver pond whose dam has significantly increased the natural size. The trail used the 100m dam to skirt the depths. I picked up a stick to aid in balance. The temp was in the high 40s and the sun was shining, but I had no interest in taking a swim.
At the far side, I leaned my balancing stick against a tree for the return trip. The trail swung around and soon Hour Pond was visible, just barely. A sign for the lean-to guided me away from the water and slightly up hill. There was plenty of downed wood in the area so a fire would be easy.
I set up camp and gathered a bit of wood. Sun was still shining, but I expectrd this to change. Had some lunch and poked around the pond a bit. The shelter log shows the atea gets little use. Also a crew regularly comes in clearing the trail. They have some work to do after this past winter. Much appreciated. A few mentions of fishing.
The wind was picking up which made being down by the water unpleasant as it was strong enough to be throwing water sideways. When it would calm, I would head down to throw a line in the water but the winds would immediatly pick back up. Instead I checked out the other campsite down by he southern end. A large area suitable for many tents. The site is hidden from the main trail and protected in the trees.
After dinner and an unremarkable sunset, the stars emerged. A saw a momentary bright flash, possibly a fireball meteor from the Lyrids but cannot be certain. I was soon in bed watching the nying fire.
I awoke a few times overnight. The mostly full moon illuminated the area such that a headlamp was not necessary. Also a huge wind storm came through. Certainly this toppled some trees in the area. I tried to sleep in, at least it was light when I got up.
Made some coffee and packed up. The trail out was quick. Mostly downhill. The wind had finally calmed down.
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