by Ed Martin     John's report     Photos

Our fun was planned to start Friday evening with a cocktail hour and dinner at Helga's summer home in Alta. This was delightfully fulfilled with barbecued London Broil as the main course. Unfortunately in a phone call from Sherryl we learned she suffered a car breakdown near Auburn and couldn't make it. Also a last minute cancellation, too late to find a replacement, reduced our number to 6 for the trip. After spending the night at Helga's and loading up with a hearty breakfast we set off for the trail head. I tried to lose the group before we left I80 but recovered well and got us to the Carr Lake parking lot for a 10:00am start.

We were a little shocked at the crowds but set off with enthusiasm. Surprisingly the crowds dispersed quickly and we met other hikers only occasionally. The hike to Island Lake was as easy as expected and in just one hour we were claiming our camp site, beautifully sited by the lake with a mixture of shade and sun. Tina had a little boot trouble which John relieved somewhat with duct tape. The temperature had been rising rapidly during the morning and the swimmers of the group, Helga, John and Ed, were quick to take advantage of the cool, the wimps would say cold, water. But no problem, there was plenty of opportunity to recover in just seconds on the hot rocks.

With that priority over we made camp, lunched and 5 of us, Tina stayed at camp to rest her feet, set off to circumnavigate the lake. Island Lake does not have a trail all the way around which gave us an excuse to rock scramble and pretend we were kids again.

Back at camp we relaxed over cocktails before preparing and enjoying (within the limitations of backpack food) our dinner. As expected in June the mosquitoes became hungry too but were controlable with Deet, higher concentartions working better. A fire also helped and we were envious of Mary's face net.

Sunday morning after breakfast we all set out on a hike to "the lookout", clearly visible from our site and apparently not far. As usual it was more of a hike than it looked with several snow fields to navigate but we made it enjoying the view as only hikers can. Boot trouble Tina made it in sandals and in high spirits despite a large blister on the sole of her foot. Near journey's end I was following her when she let out a shriek thinking I had splashed her from behind. It was actually her blister bursting and splashing completely up her leg.

Back at camp there was more swimming for the water lovers and our second dinner and mosquito fight. After another restful night - we all slept well again - it was time to pack up and leave. I couldn't resist another swim, a great freshener before the dusty hike, and we all got out in just 45 minutes.

So all in all, a very successful trip, easy for newcomers and a fine place to test equipment and learn more.

John's report     Photos