Born to Hike
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- Jan 14, 2017
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This trip was a 4 day jaunt in search of solitude to an area I have wanted to scope out: Reconnaissance Lake in the upper Rock Creek Basin, High Uintas. It has been an wet one in this area and this trip was no exception: Apparently the week prior was high and dry, but the moment I parked the car at the Highline TH storm clouds were gathering..![20190905_164759.jpg 20190905_164759.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82656-3ea858fac2533064c3a62144da4f33c6.jpg)
and the rain began - was grateful for the rain gear.
![20190905_175125.jpg 20190905_175125.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82657-d27c02dca320fe56f35f700911eb57a0.jpg)
It rained off and on for the next 2.5 hours as I boogied to Pigeon Milk spring before the climb up Rocky Sea Pass. The rain I could handle - it was the lightning that worried me climbing over that pass all alone with the dogs. Gratefully though the storm seemed to hold back behind me long enough to climb up and over the pass.
Then came again in its fury as we descended into the basin.
Brinkley Lake.
![20190905_180645.jpg 20190905_180645.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82658-5c9a93810658be05204780538981bce9.jpg)
![20190905_181005.jpg 20190905_181005.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82659-90635687c691012005b461c444a07e45.jpg)
Recent reports of good fishing at Black Lake led me there to camp that night. The weather did clear out that evening and yes the fish were biting - no photos though - sorry!
The next morning was ominous again with rain.
Leaving Black Lake.
![20190906_100212.jpg 20190906_100212.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82660-41e446602b636593d9468ff8fb87a116.jpg)
I made my way up and around the "high route" of the basin as the storms came off and on as well as my rain gear as I tried to keep from sweating too much while attempting to keep dry as nature had her way.
![20190906_101727.jpg 20190906_101727.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82661-8e35f2380b4a6fd3618a0e923f0d9c19.jpg)
![20190906_110058.jpg 20190906_110058.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82662-3785b8cf41f219060c0f9d35ce82c089.jpg)
![20190906_110408.jpg 20190906_110408.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82663-e9ebaa5e91b6a757a0bc7be0e957016b.jpg)
![20190906_110417.jpg 20190906_110417.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82664-00d5d0e137142a6c7b7ece4653ed771f.jpg)
Rosalie Lake.
![20190906_111338.jpg 20190906_111338.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82665-0a9089d11badea437c22cbde50fe7689.jpg)
After Rosalie the trees began thinning out while the high alpine meadows and views opened up as I made my way to Reconnaissance Lake.
![20190906_113605.jpg 20190906_113605.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82666-8d582b1bdd6ae0dd79e543adfc49e1b6.jpg)
![20190906_113615.jpg 20190906_113615.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82668-f4cacd79be370aba3305af26c9b50b37.jpg)
Looking down on Gladys Lake.
![20190906_114222.jpg 20190906_114222.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82669-e4d14901a19f6dcfc1d54a2ace6e37ec.jpg)
I'm not sure what is more irritating: domestic sheep or cows in the high country? This late in the year it was the cows - no sheep.
![20190906_120908.jpg 20190906_120908.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82671-24fb38207db1d35ad1cf0fd81ed57b07.jpg)
Then the rain/wind/hail really started to come down. It was a good time to shelter under the leeward side of some thick pines and make lunch hoping the storm would eventually break..
![20190906_122133 (1)_lunch in the rain.jpg 20190906_122133 (1)_lunch in the rain.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82731-a92f920c2f8b3f374841ffe1a68a79e2.jpg)
After 30 minutes or so it did lesson and we continued on. Soon after I left the trail and headed North cross-country to Reconnaissance and about that time the weather broke, the sun came out and the country opened up. Love those moments!
![20190906_132523.jpg 20190906_132523.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82672-65ac6c5b18b27079e1d55cf541e86de6.jpg)
Close to Reconnaissance looking for the perfect camp site.
![20190906_140729.jpg 20190906_140729.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82673-5f4f9363777f7300e2676e73880026cd.jpg)
This spot will do.
![20190906_150123.jpg 20190906_150123.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82675-e134b1cdb83d6dba528a8f4a63493b24.jpg)
Side note: This Collie/Shepherd mix is 13 years old and still handles these trips just fine - I think Ollie would rather die trying than not come at all.
![20190906_150108.jpg 20190906_150108.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82674-591fedbe43d7ef23e8cbd66299aae997.jpg)
I quickly setup my wet tent and aired out my sleeping bag from the previous night. Thankfully the sun kept shining and I was able to explore around the outlet stream of the Lake with my fishing pole for a bit. Not sure why I did not take any photos of Reconnaissance Lake that first evening - but don't worry they will be in this TR..
![20190906_164813.jpg 20190906_164813.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82676-98915bcb26cf374b80489f617129164f.jpg)
The fish were not trophy size by any means, but fun to catch while enjoying the views around me and watching the next round of storms come over the basin.
![20190906_171143.jpg 20190906_171143.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82677-ce9d6df5c275bc17d4ec007fa6f85154.jpg)
![20190906_173028.jpg 20190906_173028.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82679-1c3160a00bf4369c4bd60a6d8c5c387a.jpg)
![20190906_173136.jpg 20190906_173136.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82680-8ed39ec17dd90b7346793c726d6d758e.jpg)
After a few hours I was retreating back to my tent.. Nature controls everything out here..time to feed my loyal dogs and make dinner for myself - in the tent and out of the storm.
![20190906_173340.jpg 20190906_173340.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82681-e34bba582fc10048935e26903537e416.jpg)
Around 8 pm nature gave a spectacular treat of rainbows, setting sun and a picture of clouds impossible to describe. My smartphone camera does not do justice for the panorama views given that evening, but I'll post a few anyway - that is part of what this website is for, right?![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![20190906_191525.jpg 20190906_191525.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82683-387b9bb8b470f5090b723c18ec652111.jpg)
![20190906_193635.jpg 20190906_193635.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82684-779132314ff6de92a72aed3a1079913e.jpg)
![20190906_193851.jpg 20190906_193851.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82685-3db4b1c248bed679fce32feff355c582.jpg)
![20190906_194737.jpg 20190906_194737.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82686-b9c3b363212adaceceb7a9a240adac43.jpg)
![20190906_194757.jpg 20190906_194757.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82687-c997e4c3892eaef9d83ecf15b2487787.jpg)
![20190906_194828.jpg 20190906_194828.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82688-60a8a904d7d047fe015ad100d72bd3f6.jpg)
I just stood there a few strides away from my little camp site, awestruck at the quiet and awesome beauty on display that evening - all around me at 11,230 feet..
![20190906_195407.jpg 20190906_195407.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82689-10c007aceef46822eb276fa5e389402f.jpg)
![20190906_195455.jpg 20190906_195455.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82690-85def1bbee4d49c1f16e5f8dc2378d09.jpg)
The next morning did not disappoint as the sun came up. This is the view outside my tent door..
![20190907_075750.jpg 20190907_075750.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82691-922e48f6d7441081ab9e99bf85dd1e91.jpg)
Sunrise at Reconnaissance Lake.
![20190907_081237.jpg 20190907_081237.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82694-e984f1cab6e3bf63f4f859c270019a75.jpg)
A few more pics of Reconnaissance
![20190907_081253.jpg 20190907_081253.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82695-ff0d0d621fb284604d3b3f864b82f21b.jpg)
![20190907_080949.jpg 20190907_080949.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82693-b0de1acf2b894c9d6431cbb98b696258.jpg)
![20190907_081728.jpg 20190907_081728.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82696-dd7a79e0ede08890e8df6385503c928d.jpg)
After a leisurely breakfast the hatches were battened down for any afternoon storm fury that might come through: Its pretty exposed out in the open at over 11,200 feet and I wanted a dry tent and gear to come back to after a day hike checking out Continent Lake, Deadhorse Pass and whatever else in between.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![20190907_110602.jpg 20190907_110602.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82698-5614754d67a718ca89d68d1281b774a1.jpg)
Doug Lake.
![20190907_111616.jpg 20190907_111616.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82699-660b5779f102bdd9a0d21f72ad68a502.jpg)
Came across this lovely spot exploring off trail. Looking South over Rock Creek Basin.
![20190907_114929.jpg 20190907_114929.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82700-4d5736a74859166db256a7d65e1d041a.jpg)
The waterfall above Ledge Lake. I followed the water source upstream assuming it would eventually lead to Continent Lake.
![20190907_124253.jpg 20190907_124253.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82701-4eeef4cd553961bc4926c0330cc95590.jpg)
It was a line of meandering streams and small waterfalls - gorgeous all the way.
![20190907_124807.jpg 20190907_124807.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82702-20cedb725ff52391a5fc8664cdef2551.jpg)
![20190907_124933.jpg 20190907_124933.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82703-a71ce9f90f86e0fb3e4ecb5074d3d721.jpg)
![20190907_125044.jpg 20190907_125044.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82704-66df2b1338aa97bb782d4e5102fb4db3.jpg)
![20190907_125126.jpg 20190907_125126.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82707-c2dbce2f60b8fbfa29e23697e12a9c61.jpg)
![20190907_125546.jpg 20190907_125546.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82710-84c86b5e760b46c74da232042119f29f.jpg)
![20190907_125606.jpg 20190907_125606.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82711-a5712252c2dda6b7c95b313b30c3bd22.jpg)
Continent Lake. Smoke from a local valley fire came in that afternoon - I could taste it.
![20190907_132621.jpg 20190907_132621.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82714-0b0d11878fd25cd542f584263f72f042.jpg)
The water was crystal clear and you could see the fish swimming around.
![20190907_131531.jpg 20190907_131531.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82713-fbc5af150863135ab1676049cbbfafcd.jpg)
I headed East past Continent Lake and soon made it to the top of Deadhorse. The smoke was a downer, but the views and hike were good.
![20190907_134959_Moment.jpg 20190907_134959_Moment.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82717-31483b56f26ddf28e555082c7ed23b7b.jpg)
![20190907_135315.jpg 20190907_135315.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82718-74cdcd95f7b534535b8f0acd8a44669a.jpg)
Tucker checking out Deadhorse Lake below. We eventually made our way back to camp.
![20190907_135318.jpg 20190907_135318.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82719-dc293e313e19c7a3fc69c4a04c181e0e.jpg)
Lunch break just down from Deadhorse pass. Not a soul around except for the dogs and I.
![20190907_143751.jpg 20190907_143751.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82722-449c55fc12693b5fb5b0bca7529730fa.jpg)
The sun kept shining so on the way back to camp I found a small lake with no inlet which means warmer water compared to the snow melt temps of most of the lakes. With the sun out, and no one around it was bath time for me and the 3 day-old clothes I had been wearing. I brought along a set of and clean clothes with me that day if the opportunity presented itself.
![20190907_162908.jpg 20190907_162908.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82723-799d0fee97e2691b62391214d0d75981.jpg)
Another picturesque shot of Doug Lake in the quiet evening. No storms rolled through that evening or night - peaceful and quiet.
![20190907_180255.jpg 20190907_180255.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82724-85bdec219160aa6076e8c000b6269709.jpg)
![20190907_193958.jpg 20190907_193958.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82725-9c6c3bfafe6f02a7755535a3e6c8c4cd.jpg)
All was quiet and well till about 3 am, then BAM! A new storm front and yes, this is snow at 10 am..
![20190908_105435_Moment.jpg 20190908_105435_Moment.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82733-62461c52959c26d5a69c086cd3c1ea9c.jpg)
![20190908_105432.jpg 20190908_105432.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82726-73b8121446a53a83d98294201697729b.jpg)
I was in no mood to hike out in THAT. I packed up everything inside the tent (except for the tent) and waited for break in the weather which came around 12:30 that day.
![20190908_095222 (1)_Moment.jpg 20190908_095222 (1)_Moment.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82734-ec4f1b3bacadfe98ef222e7a71438e1a.jpg)
I literally ran on much of the downhill portions of the trail trying to stay ahead of the next storm - didn't make it though and slogged through rain/sleet/snow and hail till I came to the pass, then the skies opened up again as I climbed the pass - lucky!
View from close to the top of Rocky Sea Pass.
![20190908_151819.jpg 20190908_151819.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82727-5d8e4599f44efee6f326008328ce484a.jpg)
The sun shone the rest of the trip as I packed out a went tent, a wet pack, rain gear, and wet clothes - which all added over 9 lbs I later found out! Crazy.
It was worth it.
Selfie at Pigeon Milk spring after the pass.
![20190908_162031.jpg 20190908_162031.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82728-b1235c4072699d792f5598200f8cef5c.jpg)
I
![20190905_164759.jpg 20190905_164759.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82656-3ea858fac2533064c3a62144da4f33c6.jpg)
and the rain began - was grateful for the rain gear.
![20190905_175125.jpg 20190905_175125.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82657-d27c02dca320fe56f35f700911eb57a0.jpg)
It rained off and on for the next 2.5 hours as I boogied to Pigeon Milk spring before the climb up Rocky Sea Pass. The rain I could handle - it was the lightning that worried me climbing over that pass all alone with the dogs. Gratefully though the storm seemed to hold back behind me long enough to climb up and over the pass.
![20190905_170703.jpg 20190905_170703.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82729-bf99de0c7c8e17f8d058d4a8139dd660.jpg)
Then came again in its fury as we descended into the basin.
Brinkley Lake.
![20190905_180645.jpg 20190905_180645.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82658-5c9a93810658be05204780538981bce9.jpg)
![20190905_181005.jpg 20190905_181005.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82659-90635687c691012005b461c444a07e45.jpg)
Recent reports of good fishing at Black Lake led me there to camp that night. The weather did clear out that evening and yes the fish were biting - no photos though - sorry!
The next morning was ominous again with rain.
Leaving Black Lake.
![20190906_100212.jpg 20190906_100212.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82660-41e446602b636593d9468ff8fb87a116.jpg)
I made my way up and around the "high route" of the basin as the storms came off and on as well as my rain gear as I tried to keep from sweating too much while attempting to keep dry as nature had her way.
![20190906_101727.jpg 20190906_101727.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82661-8e35f2380b4a6fd3618a0e923f0d9c19.jpg)
![20190906_110058.jpg 20190906_110058.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82662-3785b8cf41f219060c0f9d35ce82c089.jpg)
![20190906_110408.jpg 20190906_110408.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82663-e9ebaa5e91b6a757a0bc7be0e957016b.jpg)
![20190906_110417.jpg 20190906_110417.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82664-00d5d0e137142a6c7b7ece4653ed771f.jpg)
Rosalie Lake.
![20190906_111338.jpg 20190906_111338.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82665-0a9089d11badea437c22cbde50fe7689.jpg)
After Rosalie the trees began thinning out while the high alpine meadows and views opened up as I made my way to Reconnaissance Lake.
![20190906_113605.jpg 20190906_113605.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82666-8d582b1bdd6ae0dd79e543adfc49e1b6.jpg)
![20190906_113615.jpg 20190906_113615.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82668-f4cacd79be370aba3305af26c9b50b37.jpg)
Looking down on Gladys Lake.
![20190906_114222.jpg 20190906_114222.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82669-e4d14901a19f6dcfc1d54a2ace6e37ec.jpg)
I'm not sure what is more irritating: domestic sheep or cows in the high country? This late in the year it was the cows - no sheep.
![20190906_120908.jpg 20190906_120908.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82671-24fb38207db1d35ad1cf0fd81ed57b07.jpg)
Then the rain/wind/hail really started to come down. It was a good time to shelter under the leeward side of some thick pines and make lunch hoping the storm would eventually break..
![20190906_122133 (1)_lunch in the rain.jpg 20190906_122133 (1)_lunch in the rain.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82731-a92f920c2f8b3f374841ffe1a68a79e2.jpg)
After 30 minutes or so it did lesson and we continued on. Soon after I left the trail and headed North cross-country to Reconnaissance and about that time the weather broke, the sun came out and the country opened up. Love those moments!
![20190906_132523.jpg 20190906_132523.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82672-65ac6c5b18b27079e1d55cf541e86de6.jpg)
Close to Reconnaissance looking for the perfect camp site.
![20190906_140729.jpg 20190906_140729.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82673-5f4f9363777f7300e2676e73880026cd.jpg)
This spot will do.
![20190906_150123.jpg 20190906_150123.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82675-e134b1cdb83d6dba528a8f4a63493b24.jpg)
Side note: This Collie/Shepherd mix is 13 years old and still handles these trips just fine - I think Ollie would rather die trying than not come at all.
![20190906_150108.jpg 20190906_150108.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82674-591fedbe43d7ef23e8cbd66299aae997.jpg)
I quickly setup my wet tent and aired out my sleeping bag from the previous night. Thankfully the sun kept shining and I was able to explore around the outlet stream of the Lake with my fishing pole for a bit. Not sure why I did not take any photos of Reconnaissance Lake that first evening - but don't worry they will be in this TR..
![20190906_164813.jpg 20190906_164813.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82676-98915bcb26cf374b80489f617129164f.jpg)
The fish were not trophy size by any means, but fun to catch while enjoying the views around me and watching the next round of storms come over the basin.
![20190906_171143.jpg 20190906_171143.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82677-ce9d6df5c275bc17d4ec007fa6f85154.jpg)
![20190906_173028.jpg 20190906_173028.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82679-1c3160a00bf4369c4bd60a6d8c5c387a.jpg)
![20190906_173136.jpg 20190906_173136.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82680-8ed39ec17dd90b7346793c726d6d758e.jpg)
After a few hours I was retreating back to my tent.. Nature controls everything out here..time to feed my loyal dogs and make dinner for myself - in the tent and out of the storm.
![20190906_173340.jpg 20190906_173340.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82681-e34bba582fc10048935e26903537e416.jpg)
Around 8 pm nature gave a spectacular treat of rainbows, setting sun and a picture of clouds impossible to describe. My smartphone camera does not do justice for the panorama views given that evening, but I'll post a few anyway - that is part of what this website is for, right?
![20190906_191525.jpg 20190906_191525.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82683-387b9bb8b470f5090b723c18ec652111.jpg)
![20190906_193635.jpg 20190906_193635.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82684-779132314ff6de92a72aed3a1079913e.jpg)
![20190906_193851.jpg 20190906_193851.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82685-3db4b1c248bed679fce32feff355c582.jpg)
![20190906_194737.jpg 20190906_194737.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82686-b9c3b363212adaceceb7a9a240adac43.jpg)
![20190906_194757.jpg 20190906_194757.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82687-c997e4c3892eaef9d83ecf15b2487787.jpg)
![20190906_194828.jpg 20190906_194828.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82688-60a8a904d7d047fe015ad100d72bd3f6.jpg)
I just stood there a few strides away from my little camp site, awestruck at the quiet and awesome beauty on display that evening - all around me at 11,230 feet..
![20190906_195407.jpg 20190906_195407.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82689-10c007aceef46822eb276fa5e389402f.jpg)
![20190906_195455.jpg 20190906_195455.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82690-85def1bbee4d49c1f16e5f8dc2378d09.jpg)
The next morning did not disappoint as the sun came up. This is the view outside my tent door..
![20190907_075750.jpg 20190907_075750.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82691-922e48f6d7441081ab9e99bf85dd1e91.jpg)
Sunrise at Reconnaissance Lake.
![20190907_081237.jpg 20190907_081237.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82694-e984f1cab6e3bf63f4f859c270019a75.jpg)
A few more pics of Reconnaissance
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After a leisurely breakfast the hatches were battened down for any afternoon storm fury that might come through: Its pretty exposed out in the open at over 11,200 feet and I wanted a dry tent and gear to come back to after a day hike checking out Continent Lake, Deadhorse Pass and whatever else in between.
![20190907_110602.jpg 20190907_110602.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82698-5614754d67a718ca89d68d1281b774a1.jpg)
Doug Lake.
![20190907_111616.jpg 20190907_111616.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82699-660b5779f102bdd9a0d21f72ad68a502.jpg)
Came across this lovely spot exploring off trail. Looking South over Rock Creek Basin.
![20190907_114929.jpg 20190907_114929.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82700-4d5736a74859166db256a7d65e1d041a.jpg)
The waterfall above Ledge Lake. I followed the water source upstream assuming it would eventually lead to Continent Lake.
![20190907_124253.jpg 20190907_124253.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82701-4eeef4cd553961bc4926c0330cc95590.jpg)
It was a line of meandering streams and small waterfalls - gorgeous all the way.
![20190907_124807.jpg 20190907_124807.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82702-20cedb725ff52391a5fc8664cdef2551.jpg)
![20190907_124933.jpg 20190907_124933.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82703-a71ce9f90f86e0fb3e4ecb5074d3d721.jpg)
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Continent Lake. Smoke from a local valley fire came in that afternoon - I could taste it.
![20190907_132621.jpg 20190907_132621.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82714-0b0d11878fd25cd542f584263f72f042.jpg)
The water was crystal clear and you could see the fish swimming around.
![20190907_131531.jpg 20190907_131531.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82713-fbc5af150863135ab1676049cbbfafcd.jpg)
I headed East past Continent Lake and soon made it to the top of Deadhorse. The smoke was a downer, but the views and hike were good.
![20190907_134959_Moment.jpg 20190907_134959_Moment.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82717-31483b56f26ddf28e555082c7ed23b7b.jpg)
![20190907_135315.jpg 20190907_135315.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82718-74cdcd95f7b534535b8f0acd8a44669a.jpg)
Tucker checking out Deadhorse Lake below. We eventually made our way back to camp.
![20190907_135318.jpg 20190907_135318.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82719-dc293e313e19c7a3fc69c4a04c181e0e.jpg)
Lunch break just down from Deadhorse pass. Not a soul around except for the dogs and I.
![20190907_143751.jpg 20190907_143751.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82722-449c55fc12693b5fb5b0bca7529730fa.jpg)
The sun kept shining so on the way back to camp I found a small lake with no inlet which means warmer water compared to the snow melt temps of most of the lakes. With the sun out, and no one around it was bath time for me and the 3 day-old clothes I had been wearing. I brought along a set of and clean clothes with me that day if the opportunity presented itself.
![20190907_162908.jpg 20190907_162908.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82723-799d0fee97e2691b62391214d0d75981.jpg)
Another picturesque shot of Doug Lake in the quiet evening. No storms rolled through that evening or night - peaceful and quiet.
![20190907_180255.jpg 20190907_180255.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82724-85bdec219160aa6076e8c000b6269709.jpg)
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All was quiet and well till about 3 am, then BAM! A new storm front and yes, this is snow at 10 am..
![20190908_105435_Moment.jpg 20190908_105435_Moment.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82733-62461c52959c26d5a69c086cd3c1ea9c.jpg)
![20190908_105432.jpg 20190908_105432.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82726-73b8121446a53a83d98294201697729b.jpg)
I was in no mood to hike out in THAT. I packed up everything inside the tent (except for the tent) and waited for break in the weather which came around 12:30 that day.
![20190908_095222 (1)_Moment.jpg 20190908_095222 (1)_Moment.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82734-ec4f1b3bacadfe98ef222e7a71438e1a.jpg)
I literally ran on much of the downhill portions of the trail trying to stay ahead of the next storm - didn't make it though and slogged through rain/sleet/snow and hail till I came to the pass, then the skies opened up again as I climbed the pass - lucky!
View from close to the top of Rocky Sea Pass.
![20190908_151819.jpg 20190908_151819.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82727-5d8e4599f44efee6f326008328ce484a.jpg)
The sun shone the rest of the trip as I packed out a went tent, a wet pack, rain gear, and wet clothes - which all added over 9 lbs I later found out! Crazy.
It was worth it.
Selfie at Pigeon Milk spring after the pass.
![20190908_162031.jpg 20190908_162031.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/82/82728-b1235c4072699d792f5598200f8cef5c.jpg)
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