A glorious backpacking trip into Spray Park: in on Tuesday, out on Friday (3 nights). Road is fine, but we were surprised at all the cars in the lot at 8:00 on a Tuesday. Trail is in great shape. Left the trail, at the 5900 ft. amsl spur trail that leads truly into a wonderland,and the most beautiful meadow in MRNP. Did some serious wanderings, elevating through the green and, higher up, snow patches; searching for that perfect basecamp. Camped at about 6100 ft. amsl, on a hardened (DIRT) site surrounded by purple heather, blue lupine, and electric-pink paintbrush; amazing. Perfect site with some tree cover, but not for the tent, a personal refrigerator for our real dinners, chocolate, and tequila, and an ice-cold tarn for water.
Next day was an incredible grunt up Mt. Pleasant. The trailhead is about 0.75 miles back down the main trail and starts at 5,800 ft. amsl. The short, one-mile trail can be seen from all areas south, and is straight up at a 75 degree pitch; steep and rocky. Worth the view, with provides an amazing perspective of how large the Spray is, and we could pick out our tent and our route up to Echo Rock for Thursday. We were amazed as the mist from Seattle slowly meandered up the valley, until we were whited out. It cleared in 2 hours; no rain.
Next day was an incredible scramble up the cliffs, to the southeast, and hit the main bootpath coming from The Pass. Climbed to the base of Echo Rock on the Fleet Glacier. Requires good navigation skills, ability to cross some snowfields (easy), and ability to cliff climb up some rock faces. No bozos. Had poles, did not use our microspikes. What an amazing climb. We would have climbed further up but had already about 20 hrs of hot, scorching sun, and it was radiating, even with sun clothes.
Yes, our nemisis was The Sun; in all, 26 hrs of sun exposure. The Bugs (no flies) were out in force, and especially gloried in attacking us during the dreaded water pumping. Bring Deet and headnet: was tolerable though. Yes, we were permitted and legally camped; however, it was obvious not all, camped in the basin, were permitted which is a bummer and quite disgusting. The System is in place to avoid trashing this green slice of mountain heaven; unfortunately the Rangers may have to start patroling this area which really sucks-- thanks to those subhumans who think the rules don't apply to them. Forgive my protestations, but this is truly a magical place, and dear to my heart, and needs to be protected before we have the Enchantments, Part Two. Go, enjoy, challenge yourself,seek that mountain high; leave no trace.
Comments