Crater Lake

Eight hikers enjoyed a cloudy day and a brisk hike into (1:45) and out from (2:00 hours) Crater Lake--one of the emerald gems of our area.We climbed above timberline, enjoyed rich floral hillsides along a stretch of the Continental Divide Trail, then dropped down the other side into spruce. Little waterfalls and cascades destined for the Pacific added musical rhythm to our tread.

After crawling over numerous toppled spruce trees, we stood above the green/blue-green water of the lake's outlet.
Across the little canyon, campers were about to face three other camping groups--including four Knudtson's (relatives of Jim and Diane of S.F.) We met them as we climbed back to the CDT. We wore our rain gear but barely needed it.

The San Juan NF could do well to clear out an impeding, accumulating windfall of trees near the lake. The Rio Grande NF has trail (707) that has deepened into uncomfortable and almost dangerous deep ruts.

Next two weeks:

Tuesday August 9: 9 a.m. start from Visitor Center in SF. Hike to top of Alberta Peak (reasonably short hike--can be lengthened out and back. Wayne Moulds and Barbara Thiesfeld coordinating.

Tuesday August 16: **8** a.m. start at Visitor Center in SF. Hike to Archuleta Lake from Big Meadows Reservoir--7 miles one way; 14 miles to supper. All on a trail. Archuleta Lake, just below timberline, near the Continental Divide Trail, is another gem of these mountains. (See it before the environmentalists' favorite bug kills them all.) Few in our group have been there. Our last trip of successful hikers there included an 11-year-old boy and a 69-year old man. Wayne Moulds will coordinate & watch the weather.

(Judy and I will be headed to Minnesota for a family wedding. I'll see you Aug. 23.) --Doug Knudson