TRIP NARRATIVE: The Dads chose Pete Lake for the inaugural father-son backpacking trip, and a good choice it was. This trail has an appropriate distance to get the hips sore, moderate incline (but not too much), a clear destination, and wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. Plus there is variety in the surroundings, and a few streams to cross (what boy doesn’t love to walk on logs?). Plus, the trail is mostly in the shade.

One van of two Dads plus two ten-year-old boys headed out around lunchtime on Friday, while, due to some work commitments, the second van of 2 + 2 left a few hours later. A quick dinner snacking on pasta, applesauce, pudding, chips and hummus resulted in an abbreviated parking lot shakedown and those of us in the second van hitting the trail about 5:45 pm.

At 8:00 pm, we strolled into our Pete Lake campsite to find most tents already set-up and the kitchen area assembled by the advance guard. We quickly devoured dinner, celebrated a birthday with chocolate and a song, and stared at the stars. The absolutely clear skies made for perfect star-gazing with bonus points given for finding satellites. Most people hit the sack around 10:30.

On Saturday, the eight of us explored the trail up to Waptus Pass (and a bit beyond). The weather was great – warm in the sun and cool in the shade. The meadows around Waptus Pass are gorgeous, and the blueberry bushes are already showing some green berries in certain areas. We took two small lunch breaks – once at the intersection to Escondido Lake and once in the aforementioned meadows.

After our dayhike, the boys played on the lake shore most of the late afternoon, while the Dads took turns napping or cleaning up gear. Four 10yo boys can find lots of sticks, pinecones, and rocks to fill an afternoon. Cold, running water (at the NW end) provided opportunities to build islands, float logs, and skip stones. Dinner was a hit after all that exercise and fresh air, as was fire-building to keep the bugs away.

Sunday consisted of playing tag around camp, dismantling the camp, and exploring the east side of the lake (including the boulder field that probably housed goblins at some time in the past). We made good time hiking out (just a smidge over two hours), probably because ice cream beckoned from Roslyn.

All in all, a fabulous trip and a good backpacking destination for kids.

TRAIL REPORT: The trail to Pete Lake is in good shape with no blow downs. There is mud on the trail, primarily due to horses and the wet Spring, but nothing too bad. There are a few larger creeks to cross but logs and rocks are available. Bring trekking poles if you are a bit unsteady with a heavy pack. The trail to Waptus Pass had stream crossings that were more adventuresome, some blowdowns, and some brush encroaching the trail. A Northwest Youth Corps team is getting ready to work in the area so the trail may be cleaned up in the next few weeks. Thank you, NYC!

CAMP REPORT: Met a lot of great people on the trail, including several families with kids. Everyone was friendly and did a good job on the bear bag and LNT front. The camps on the east end and west end are in the fir trees. The camps along the northern side tended to be a bit more dusty. The pit toilet at the east end of the lake by the large campsite is intact, but the one at the other end of the lake is ‘out of order’ according to the sign.

ROAD REPORT: The road to Owhi Campground is well maintained with only a couple of larger potholes. Any vehicle could make it.

ANIMAL REPORT: We saw a gecko, frog, snake, and even a deer. One boy glimpsed what we think was a pika. There is a large flock of black and yellow “camp robber” birds that picked through our camp every morning as the sun was rising, but they left disappointed. I was surprised to see so many dogs on the trail and camping. Of course, we also passed about 3 to 4 horse groups.

BUG REPORT: I left this topic for last because, unfortunately, it was a constant conversation topic. We should have paid closer attention when two women were exiting on Friday night at the trailhead in full rain suits and hoods pulled low. Out of the eight of us, we ranged between hardly any bites to over 50. We tried to use “natural repellents” but Deet was the only sure remedy. The bugs were at their worst during the shoulder hours of 7:30-9:00 am and 5:30-8:00 pm when it wasn’t too hot and wasn’t too cool. Unfortunately and surprisingly, there was no breeze during those hours. A smoky fire also kept them at bay a bit. Just be mentally and chemically prepared. <grin>