Backpacking Baker/Johnson Lakes

I know, I know, I've disappeared.  It's been busy out here in the desert, but not a busy worthy of a blog post.

My roommate from last summer, Jennie, is moving with her fiance to Oregon in a few weeks and I'm going to miss them both dearly.  Before they start their new adventure, Jennie and I were able to do a backpacking trip together.  She is a pro and there were a lot of times I wished I'd had a tape recorder to capture all her wisdom.

About to leave; holy cow, I'm so excited.

 The trail up to Baker Lake was beautiful.  It was a steady climb, but nothing too strenuous. 

 Looking east into Snake Valley.

We reached Baker Lake a little before sunset.  It was simply beautiful.  We found a camping site, pitched the tent, filled up and treated our water, and got started on dinner.  Nothing makes food taste better than a good six mile hike with a 35ish lb pack resting smartly on your hips.

Jennie's watch/alarm woke us early the next morning and we both looked at each other, rolled over, and slept for another half hour.  We got up, enjoyed a lovely breakfast, broke camp, loaded our packs, and headed for the ridgeline that divides Baker Lake from Johnson Lake.  Jennie took this picture before we started up; it looked a little hairy.

Once we hit the ridge line, Pyramid Peak was only a few more feet up so we dropped our packs and scurried up to enjoy the view.  In the picture below, looking east, you can see an avalanche scar.

 On top of Pyramid Peak.

Looking down at Johnson Lake from the ridgeline.  Notice the 'stuff' in the top edge of the lake; this is an avalanche termination point.

The Johnson lake area and the Snake drainage have a lot of historic sites from the mine and mill.

It even has historic trash.  Don't touch it or move it or you will suffer the wrath of our archaeologists.

Jennie and I reached the trailhead, and soaked tired and sore feet in Baker Creek.  It was really, really cold and my poor toes only lasted a few seconds in the water.

I am really going to miss Jennie.  She was a great roommate and is a great friend.  I thoroughly enjoyed her company on this adventure.