Glacier Basin, Emmons Moraine — Tuesday, Sep. 21, 2010

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

So one of my goals this year was to complete 10 backpack trips, this was #10 and I was stoked! Here's my list: Ipsut, Ancient Lakes, Graves Creek to Oneil, Carbon Glacier, Crystal Lakes, Shriner Peak, Upper Palisades Lake, Berkeley Park, Summerland, & Glacier Basin. I pretty much completed the Sunrise circuit, at least the ones I really wanted to do, next year I will hit the Paradise side. I got my permit and headed up the trail the ranger told me to check out the Emmon Moraine trail on the way, I did and it was SO worth the little side trip. Trail is rough in one spot seems to have some slide issues already or maybe it's just not completed. One of my favorite things was the green tarn that I got super close to, I always see this from Shadow Lake area and want to get closer, this is how. I was so excited I dropped my fricking camera taking it out of the case, I hope it lasts me another year. Back to Glacier Basin trail it was well done and everyone on this project needs a huge thanks! I actually saw a small crew and thanked them for their hard work. They would be the only 3 people I would see all day and night. I arrived at camp and had my choice of all the spots, after much deliberation I choose spot #1. I explored up the wedge I think that's what it's called, saw 1 solo marmot a few frogs around the pond that's about it for wildlife, I was bummed no bears for me this year, up close anyway. Today wasn't spectacular sunrise by any means but what I did get was some great reflection shots in the pond. I'm on hike 80 I believe, if my counts are accurate and 10 overnights completed September isn't over yet. P.S. The mice are still in the area, they didn't get a meal from me this time but did leave some poo in my car again, but no comfy fleece for them to curl up in or any food, so it was a very small mess this time. I also talked to a guy that slept in his car and said he heard them all night. White River area is infected be aware. Lots of pics on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/25538843@N02/sets/72157625014115244/