Remember when we tried to push the conditions and do our annual Spring Ramparts Tour in early June? It didn't go so well. The weather was so bad we couldn't find the Gully of Doom even though we've used it to access the Ramparts multiple times every year.
Yeah, well. Lesson learned.
Even though summer doesn't officially* start in the Northwest until July 5 we were blessed with a spectacular July 2. How was this different than last time out?
We were able to drive to the trailhead without destroying the paint job on the truck.
We didn't have to battle through slide alder at the trailhead.
There was no snow until we got to the lake. (Not that this is a good thing.)
Open water at the lake. (Bummer. It's more fun to walk across the lake.)
We actually found the Gully of Doom.
Success gaining the Ramparts plateau.
And what did we get once we were on the plateau? Flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Glissades to the lakes. Snow-covered lakes ringed with blue melt water. Marmots. Goats. Bears. Oh, my.
Definitely worth the return. But isn't it always?
* No, not officially. But you suffer through enough rainy July 4 fireworks shows followed by beautiful July 5s and you'll feel the same.
