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June Lake, Mt. St.
Helens |
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March is here already with two weeks before finals, and it is time yet again to head to June Lake for an overnight with Amber. With permit in hand and on truck, we went straight across the parking lot and up to the trailhead. The snow was thick from recent showers as there was a well tamped out snowshoe trail to follow.
The snow was melting as it was above freezing and things were looking mighty fine in the sky above. We continued on looking for the June Lake trailhead. We missed it last time as the Swift Creek trail had 4 feet of unconsolidated power on it, and with 50 pounds on my back, I did not have the energy to break trail. This time was not much different. There was so much new, unconsolidated snow, that we again took the eastern approach to the junction to June Lake.
The lake junction as well had so much unpacked powder that I decided it best for the both of us to just continue on above tree line. We continued well above tree line and found a great spot, protected from the wind, overlooking the lake with the mountain at our doorstep. We tamped out a spot for the tent. As there was ample snow and the temperature was well above freezing, you could not do a thing without snowshoes on. At one point, I fell through along a band of trees as it amply frightened Amber.
By myself, my tarp would have sufficed, even above tree line in these conditions. Since Amber is still rather new and young to boot, I took all my heavy gear to make her feel a little more at ease. I erected the tent and strung out all the line in case of wind of which there was not any so far today.
With nothing else to do than to melt water for snow, I swilled a bit of a pre-dinner cocktail while Amber worked on a melting, weeping snowman. I threw some clothing on the top of the tent while the sun was out to dry. The clouds blew away and left the summit in perfect view.
The scenery all around the tent was exquisite. I wondered how much water was flowing under all this stationary snow.
I made some dinner as Amber built up quite an appetite. We ate, then talked about nothing and everything. Out here, everything said is heard as there are no interruptions to disturb the attention you give another. The time is well spent.
Amber is a true outdoors girl. By the time we are done with this trip, she will be ready to go home. By the time we are home, she will be ready to plan the next trip. We played some cards, then, more cards. We played until the sun went down and a full moon came out to light up the sky. The moon was full and lit up the entire area enough that I could read sans headlamp. A little Thoreau was all I needed to complete the day.
In the morning, I popped my head out the tent expecting a light eastern wind that bit through my base layers. What I was treated with was a mid 40s breeze, making the softening snow we had the prior day, into slush today. 40 minutes later, we were packed up and plodding back down the trail. Amber was on fire to get home as she was quite home sick even this morning. We threw our gear in the 4runner and had a quick chat with the friendly, local ranger. Another great weekend passed, blessed, spending quality time with those who mean most to me.
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