When Joan and I awoke on July 19, 2022, clouds were scraping the high peaks, but after breakfast, pockets of blue rent the gray blanket. Somehow, it didn't feel threatening, even if the air was colder today.
We decided to visit Lake McArthur, feeling used and stiff after yesterday's cross-country hurdles and off-kilter bridges. Using the Big Larches route, we ascended and looked back at O'Hara. Few critters were visible in the rock pile today, and those were fleeting glimpses.
From Schaffer Lake, we took the left-hand trail, close to the flanks of Mount Schaffer.
Joan and I began to meet other hikers (but not in this photo),
then chose to use the Highline trail to McArthur.
Moss campion with blooms!
There are two high "steps" along the Highline, but they aren't as bad as they look. Here's a photo from 2019.
We encountered a browsing marmot on the last stretch before spotting the lake, and he completely ignored us, intent on his meal.
Then Lake McArthur spread out before us.
Joan and I picked out a high perch for lunch. Viewing opportunities cascade down all the way to the lake's surface.
This was the view from our sit-spot.
A closeup of the receding glacier's face. Click on the image to enlarge it and see the many seasonal layers.
A newly arrived couple pointed out mountain goats on the distant slopes of Mount Schaffer. Binoculars revealed incomplete shedding of their winter coats.
Perhaps they stayed so far away out of embarrassment for their bedraggled appearance. With slim pickings to browse on, the goats kept wandering to the next green patch.
The lunch was a rousing success. We loaned binoculars to a woman lunching near us, who had also seen "our" earlier marmot.
Every time we visit McArthur, I take a photo at a sign that, in 2012, stood in a few inches of water.
But not this time.
The critters up here are accustomed to humans. This Columbian ground squirrel was alert yet curious.
We returned to Schaffer Lake by the lower trail, which descended but imposed a return climb. Then Joan and I opted to return to O'Hara by the Big Larches trail.
We had another great day at O'Hara. The following day would be our last hike at his wonderful location.
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