Black and Blue Lakes

I will never get tired of this hike. It passes through so many of my favorite places with so many memories. We reached Mills Lake by 8am as the sun was hitting the western slopes. Shady, cool and breezy on the eastern side, we didn't stop for long. On through the mile of blowdown area that still looks post-apocalyptic 18 months later. As we approched Black Lake, the last pockets of snow were still holding out near Ribbon Falls.

At Black Lake, Bruce received his 250 mile patch. Muneca was lucky enough to join in the celebration again this year.

With only minor krumholz fumbling, we made it to the bench which holds Blue Lake. The view of upper Glacier Gorge from here is hard to comprehend. It is a huge bowl scoured out, with 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks surrounding it.

Thanks to Pat's prediction, the wind did soften enough for us to enjoy lunch at Blue Lake, including some of Ken's delicious chocolates.

From the north side of the bench, you can walk out and look back down Glacier Gorge. Jewel and Mills lakes lie below.  

Another stop at Black Lake on the way down allowed us to sprawl on the grass and take in the imposing mass of McHenrys.