Hiking Mania

This weekend, we hiked from the Hell's Canyon trailhead to the area around Toquer Lake (shown above).

We took a "shortcut" on the way in, passing this inexplicable buck and rail fence in the middle of nowhere. We reached it only after climbing over lots of rockfall and downed trees. The fence is located close to the High Uintas Wilderness area boundary, so maybe that's its reason for being.

Soon after passing the fence, we stumbled upon the "real trail", which was a heck of a lot more pleasant than bushwhacking.

We passed several lakes, and meadows with small streams inhabited by brook trout like this one:

Even in the rockiest areas, there were compensations, like these beautiful columbines:

A mile or so farther down the "trail" (which had again become non-existent), I rested in this lovely meadow at 10,800 feet (3300 m):

admiring these wildflowers:

while Steve climbed to an overlook above the snowfields:

If you enlarge and look closely, you can see a speck on top of the ridge in the middle of the photo. That's Steve. Daisy's up there somewhere, too.

Here was his view from the top (11,600 feet/3550 m):

My part of the round trip walk was 10 miles and 2200 feet (650 m)elevation gain. Steve's adventure was a little farther and higher, which only goes to show he's tougher (or more maniacal?) than I am.

For views from other worlds, click here.