The Adventure: Hike 20+ miles into the Olympic Mountain Range back country. Camp in the primative wilderness. Exist on outdoor survival skills learned just previous to the trip or while on the trail. Witness flora and fauna never before seen by many of the group. Partake in scenery and panoramic views like never before imagined. Stand at the lowest points looking up, being truely amazed. Stand at the highest points looking down, being truely amazed. Return with a sense of appreciation for what God has given us.
The Trail:The High Divide Loop which starts at Sol Duc in the North End of the Olympic Mountain Range and circumnavigates the Seven Lakes Basin.
Back: Elliot, Chris Arnold, Chris Compton, Alex Holland, DJ Darby, Jamee Mahoney, Benjamin Braford, Ben Mahoney
Front: Billie MacDonald, Ben Holland, Bryan Darby, Will Hayes
A quick briefing before we hit the trail. There is so much to learn about going "back country".
Packed up and ready to hit the trail.
Rest at the Sol Duc Falls (about 1/2 mile in) to re adjust packs and get some water. This is where most people turn around to return to their cars. We were of the few who march forth. Those left behind at the falls watch us disappear into the rain forest and wonder what is out there
Sol Duc Falls
Rest Stop at the first camp site located in the valley. We will not be camping here as we need to make more distance to stay on track for making our next camp tomorrow, which is the longest day out of the 5.
Seven Mile Camp
Chris was pretty happy to have the sun shining on his face and his pack sitting on the ground next to him.
Crossing our first log bridge
We love this sign because it marks the beginning of a climb. This sign is present at every trail that crosses 3500' in the Olympics.
Beautiful mountain streams fed by glaciers divide the mountain side as we climb beyond the rain forest and enter the alpine flora.
This day we cover the most elevation gain and longest mileage of the whole trip. It introduces the boys to the heart of back packing right out of the gate...burning legs, sweaty faces, and aching backs!
Heart Lake with snow still decorating the glacier bowl and it is mid August! Marmots are whistling and scurrying on the hillside around the snow as well.
Looking back at Heart Lake (you can see why it is named so).
The views only get better as we climb.
Mount Olympus as seen from the High Divide Trail
Bogachiel Peak (the highest point on this hike) overlooks the Seven Lakes Basin like a guardian standing watch over a precious treasure which can only be enjoyed after proving yourself worthy.
Mountain Goat hair is shed on pines along the trail as they loose their Winter coats.
The walking stick in my hand was unfortunately lost during this hike.
Lovin' the snow!
Alpine flowers decorate the fields and fill the air with a perfume not to be described, but experienced.
The interior of the Olympics.
Hoh lake made for a much needed stop as we made for our campsite for the night. Most of the group decided to take a quick dip...there were ice burgs floating in the middle of the lake! Although you got an instant brain freeze upon diving in (which was the only way to get into the water without chickening out at your ankle level) it was well worth the refreshment and quick clean-off from the days grime.
Camp on the second night.
Wild animals were bunked together in the same tent as to not harm anyone else. These two had incredibly bad gas after a couple days of camp food!
A bear made its way onto the trail in front of us and we had to wait for it to wander off. You can see it on my right (the left side of the trail).
Climbing Bogachiel Peak looking back at the others still on the trail. That is the location the bear joined us.
The summit of Bogachiel Peak with Olympus behind us.
Ben playing the Didgeridoo at Lunch Lake in the Seven Lakes Basin
Deer Lake and the site for our 4th night camp.
A boardwalk crosses the marshland that stands between us and our tent sites
Once again, a dip sounds just right. Although not AS cold as the other lakes, it is still COLD! CHeck out the kickin tan lines on Benjamin's arms!!! We tried to talk him into taking his white t-shirt off for the pic...wait a minute, he did =)
"if we all bunch together in this huge lake, maybe we can keep warm with body heat?"
Everyone except for Bryan, who resembles a polar bear more than a boy.
Notice the three camp stoves! It takes alot to feed 12 men/boys in the wilderness.
Chris, trying to teach good table manners by chewing with his mouth open...
Thus, why the call it Deer Lake. This big boy walked right through our camp without a care in the world
Back at the trailhead on day 5. No major injuries and a whole bunch of stories to tell! Next stop, the Hot Springs and swimming pool at the Sol Duc Resort.
