1982: The Pasaytan Loop, page 17

Lower Goat Lake catching the golden light of the late afternoon sun.

Anyhow, Micki and I stopped for lunch (and the much ballyhooed hair-washing) in a small basin just before we hit the Rock Pass summit. It was a darn good thing, too – the roaring little stream on the west side that we stop by on Monday is now just a trickle!

We found an old bleached-out marmot skull on the way up to the pass. Micki was disinterested in my find, but I thought it was pretty cool.  (I’m sure the marmot would disagree.)  And on Rock Pass itself we had the highlight of the day – we saw a mountain goat! I took a couple of photos with the wide-angle lens that was on the camera, but we were about 300-feet away, so I don't think I will get much. But that little white dot will serve to prove that I saw it.

I just heard rifle fire again, this time from above where I think Upper Goat Lake is located. Swell. I wonder where the gunslingers are camped. At least they're not anywhere near me, thank heavens!  As a matter of fact, we have the lower lake all to ourselves.  Nor were there any tents down at Goat Basin that I could see. Still, Micki and I shall both have to be cautious in our movements.  Wouldn’t do to get plugged by some antsy hunter.

See up there just off-center to the left? Doesn't that look like a watchtower to you?

I thought I saw a watchtower up on the ridge crest, but it is not shown on the map. It made me remember Ranger Linda saying something about Goat Peak being used as a relay station.  Hmmm…

I rinsed out one of my T-shirts earlier today when I washed my hair. And I also rinsed out my Lifa turtleneck.  Since these were the shirts I've worn for last seven days, this was quite a big deal in my world. I guess I write down these mundane little details to illustrate how, once you get away from the trappings of the city life, the things that really matter are pretty basic: a dry roof over your head; a full belly; and a warm sleeping bag.  The funny thing is, this list is common to both the human as well as the canine members of this party.

Goat Lakes Camp.

When we got here I pitched the tent and then proceeded to lay out laundry on the nearby trees and boulders.  Half of my camp is laid out to either dry or air out. It looks junkie, but I'll be gone tomorrow and it will all be going with me. Unlike the crap that hunters leave behind! I am still constantly amazed at how they can pack up (via horseback) scads of cans and bottles and then leave all their garbage in the fire pit like it will magically disappear once they are gone.

I have to say (as I listen to the retorts of gunshots off in the distance) it's a little nerve-racking being this close to hunters because you never know what the hell they're shooting at half the time.

Well, it is time to collect the camera and go take some photos.

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