Spectacle Lake — Sunday, Sep. 1, 2019

I took my husband, who has not been backpacking in 25 years, up to Spectacle for our anniversary. I tried but failed to dissuade him from bringing a 3 pound book, so made him carry it the easy portion to Pete Lake. By the time we got there to camp he was so tired he conked out for 13 hours, so I repacked everything and shlepped the damn book up over the pass the next day.  (The trail switchbacks on a very reasonable grade on the PCT). Spectacle Lake was gorgeous as always, though a bit crowded at the beginning of Labor Day weekend, and we hung the hammock and I massaged his sore legs, but he got sunscreen in his eyes which made them burn, so once again he didn't read his book. I swam, my dog swam, we ate wild blueberries and were thankful we live near so much beauty. The next day we decided to hike the 11 miles back out to the trailhead (with you know who carrying the book) as Husband was pining pretty hard for a beer.  He got the beer and a wine cooler and something called a Creamsicle at the Basecamp in Roslyn, and pronounced the anniversary trip a success. Good enough for me. 

Useful info:  Some bugs still whining at Pete Lake but not too bad.  At Spectacle hardly any bugs. My favorite campsite at Pete Lake is at the far end where the river comes in and it's not muddy. Lemah Creek crossing was fine-- just up to our knees in the deepest part. Past Lemah up to Spectacle there are still some small running creeks for dogs to get a drink. And finally, the toilet up at Spectacle (at the near side of the peninsula) is FULL.