Beartooths Backpack 2009

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On an overcast Sunday morning in Late August, we arrived at the Island Lake trailhead. Susie was ready to rock n' roll. I think she was anxious about potential rain and bugs. Lonesome Peak is in the distance on the right.

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One of the great things about the route we had planned was the lack of big climbs. Some nice reflections in Island Lake.

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As we climbed above Jeff Lake, this marmot came out to keep an eye on things. It was not until I got home that I noticed the pika in the rear of the photo.

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You would not know it looking at the path, but we have left the maintained trail and are following the "route" descending to Jeff Lake. By this time, Susie had heard from other backpackers that the bugs were pretty bad at Albino Lake, our planned camp for the night.

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Roger and Andy crossing an inlet.

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That's yours truly passing some small ponds, at this point still on maintained trail.

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I did see this pika by him or herself.

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Boy, for the end of August, the wildflowers were spectacular.

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Looking down on the south end of Becher Lake.

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Lunchtime above Becker Lake. Showers threaten, but my rain jacket is on mainly to keep the bugs at bay.

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As I was descending toward the lake, this young man, with a fully loaded backpack, came huffing up the trail (his father is in the background). It was so great to see this seven year old out and enjoying himself. I asked him if he minded if I took his photo because I was so proud of what he was doing. You could tell he was thrilled.

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Coming around the north end of Becker Lake.

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There is a bit of a climb before reaching Albino Lake, but the path is pretty visible. Here, we are looking back toward Becker Lake.

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OK, a bit dreary at Albino Lake. There are only a few trees around, but the weather has kept the bugs away.

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A little after 7 pm, and the rain has stopped. The next wave hit at 7:35. It would turn out to be an exceedingly rainy night.

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The rain broke for a while. We started cooking dinner without the tarp, but eventually, were pushed under it. Does this not look like fun??

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The next morning, our gear is soaked, even with pack covers, but there are some patches of blue, and the ceiling is lifting slightly. So we pack up and head NW to Jasper Lake.

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Not too long after we set up camp, it rained pretty hard. Not looking like an auspicious start.

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Looking around the SW corner of Albina, here come the guys.

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These young marmots were keeping an eye on us. Mom was behind the boulder when this photo was taken.

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The saddle we have to cross is in the distance, center of the picture.

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A last look at Albino. Under the cloud deck, we could even see a road in the distance.

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Ron, and Jasper Lake.

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Descending along a path. You can tell that this is a very popular route so far. We think there is a lot of camping at Becker Lake with day hiking to fish in Jasper.