Quick, shake-down hike to Lake Janus. 2 cars in lot at 07:30. Trail is in great shape: 1.5 miles and 700 feet gain (4,000-4,700 AMSL) to Union Gap and the intersection with the PCT. Go right, north, at intersection. The map says 2.1 miles from here; it's actually 2.5 miles to the Lake (total 4.0 miles one-way). Trail undulates a bit, so some elevation gain. Campspots are only on the south end. Some nice spots; two waterfront. Lake perimeter is muddy; not the best for water pumping, but works. Few Bugs!
The most amazing thing was we were buzzed 3 times by Navy fighter jets. I have never seen this ever; mountains, or otherwise. At 11:00 we heard a jet coming; It appeared over our heads, coming from the south. As it screamed by it dropped to less than 200 feet above the lake. It reached the end of the lake in 0.5 seconds and banked 180 degrees, wings perpendicular to the Lake, through the gap to the West, and was gone. I believe these jets were F35A Lightnings!! It was something out of Star Wars. My heart was racing. We could see the fire and rust on the engine exhausts and it was LOUD. This happened 2 more times-about 2 hours apart--the last time there were two fighters- back to back: One went left, one went right! Totally bizarre and amazing. Did anyone else see these fighter jets?? Please comment.. It was an obvious practice strafing run, using Lake Janus as The Target---probably from Whidbey. My wife is witness!!
Final note. At car on way out, Lot full (10:30). The car next to ours had been broken into--glass everywhere--Sad. Don't miss the Alpine Drive-in Sultan. (Zekes is closed Tues and Wed). And the Bacon Burger (I hate to say it) rivaled old Zekes....
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