Enchantments Through-hike - August 24, 2018

It had been 21 years since I first hiked the Enchantments on a five day back-pack trip. I have been planning a return since we have had the Leavenworth place. I won an overnight permit last year only to have to give it up due to an injury. After failing to win a permit in this years lottery the girls and I decided we should try do do the whole thing in a day with a day use permit. We almost had to scratch this attempt as well because of smoke. But when the day finally arrived the smoke cleared and we set off. It was a grueling but magical day.

Dragontail Peak above Isolation Lake

Colchuck Lake and Dragontail peak. Aasgard Pass to the left of Dragontail.

The boulder field at the far end of Colchuck was our first challenge.

Colchuck Lake from partway up Aasgard.

Emily and I taking a break on the climb up Aasgard.

It was very slow going for me.

 Topping Aasgard

Lynnelle and Emily enjoying the view from the top.

 "We made it!"

Prusik Peak

Descending to Inspiration Lake.

 Perfection Lake with Little Annapurna in the background.

 Sprite Lake

 Leprechaun Lake.

 Above Lake Vivianne

Lake Vivianne

The Temple above Nada Lake.

Craft Island - August 11, 2018

I have wanted to do this hike for some time and finally got it done. It turned out to be beautiful. The marsh was wet and muddy but lush and the flowers were colorful.

 Corn dog plant

Nancy, Kay, & Kay strolling the flats

Craft Island is located where one arm of the Skagit River enters Skagit Bay.

It was a - 2.8 ft tide so the exposed sand could be walked for a considerable distance.

 The ladies enjoy a break on the island after walking the flats.

Stuart Lake - August 1, 2018

I got an early start in order to avoid the heat. It took a bit less than two hours to reach the lake and I was there before 9:00 AM. the early timing also helped me avoid the fire haze that had been plaguing  the area lately.

 Mt. Stuart rises dramatically above the Lake.