Into Rachel Lake

Rachel Lake's south cove. From here, you have an idea of what's up above on Rampart Ridge.

Sunday, June 26, 1983
Day Two, 3:52 PM
Rampart Lakes

D. dropped me off last night at about 5:30 PM and I have to say that the trip has not started off so splendidly. The first bad sign was not being able to get to the trailhead – the bridge was out. So after D. drop me off, I had to ford the stream. It wasn't a real big deal but it was annoying. And my boots, socks and lower pant legs were wet for the rest of the day.

So, up the trail I went with my boots making the all-too-familiar "squish-squish" noise.

I pitched camp at a spot about four-miles in, right before the beginning of the big climb up to Rachel Lake. Of course, it poured all night long – continually and plentifully. When D. and I left town at around 11AM, it was overcast but there were just a few showers now and then… nothing like the biblical deluge we experienced the first night.

Rachel Lake was packed last night!  I suppose it seemed that way because there is still quite a bit of snow around and only six to eight snow free camp spots available. That meant all the campers were concentrated into a pretty small area. Most of the sites were occupied by the time the dogs and I arrived at roughly 1:30 in the afternoon. We met a ton of people going out and the lake was still pretty populated when we arrived.

So, the decision was made – in the rain – to head for Rampart Lakes. I figured, “Hey it's only a short mile or so further!”

Famous last words.

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