THE ENCHANTMENTS
The lone goat, a mouse in the tent, and a black bear.
Enchantments Core permit, take two. Both Rebecca and I were able to snag Core permits this year, with dates just over a week apart. Saying these permits are hard to get is an understatement—similar odds to winning the golden ticket for the JMT lottery out of Yosemite. Somehow permits are where I have been lucky for once. The hope was that one of them would have good weather, to make up for last year's snow storm. Well, we lucked out! Well, at least Rebecca’s permit didn't This week's weather was absolutely gorgeous, barely a cloud in the sky all week. We did end up leaving a day earlier than planned due to winter weather coming in. This ended up being a good idea based on later reports.
DAY 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake (4.5 miles and 2300' ascent). This was my fourth hike to Colchuck, second overnight. Last year (end of September) we were met with approximately six inches of snow at the lake, so this year we came prepared for the possibility of winter weather (just in case the forecast was wrong). This year it was sunny and warm! We set up camp along the shore, with a perfect rock slab for relaxing by the water. Tank top and shorts in October!
DAY 2: Aasgard Pass. This sucker makes the passes on the JMT look like easy walks in the park. Over 2200' of elevation gain in 1 mile. No clear trail for the better part of that mile, simply following cairns as you make your way up boulders and scree. Some parts are sketchy, one step forward and two steps back as you try to secure your feet and dig your trekking pole into the ground. Despite the difficulty, I felt great! Hiking 220+ miles before attempting Aasgard definitely helped. My legs felt strong and my lungs full. Looking forward (note: some sarcasm) to seeing if I can solo it next year in 3-4 hours ornless. After Aasgard, we made our way across the Upper Core. I had considered making came above Crystal Lake, which would make easy access for Little Annapurna, but the wind was strong and there was little cover. We made our way down to the Lower Core and made camp above Perfection Lake. We were still exposed, but the wind was slightly less than the last campsite. And the views...it doesn't get much better. This is one campsite that I had wanted to stay at after seeing it two years before.
DAY 3: We set up camp at Sprite Lake, relaxed in the sun, then day hiked to Crystal Lake. I explored the area behind Sprite Lake. We watched sunset from a granite slab overlooking Leprechaun Lake and Prusik Peak. A mouse decided my tent would make a comfy home for the night and was promptly evicted. It was a cute little bugger…but never again! Apparently I forgot to zip my tent all the way after taking off my shoes.
DAY 4: Day hike up Prusik Pass and then Gnome Tarn for a stunning reflection of Prusik Peak and larches. Packed up camp and hiked down to the area between Upper and Lower Snow Lakes.
DAY 5: Hiked the last 8 miles and 4,000ish feet down to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Saw a cinnamon black bear about 75 feet off trail. 20 days on the JMT and I never saw a bear...first hike back in Washington and I finally see one! Only my second while hiking in the last decade, between Washington and California.
