Smithbrook, Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak — Friday, Jun. 25, 2004

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Beautiful hike with a sad ending. We had a great hike with intentions to spend one night at Lake Janus. We were there 2 weeks ago and came back for that overnight. It's amazing how much snow has gone away in that time. and now the bugs are quite active. All went well until the folks in the next campsite got out of control. We're convinced they were quite stoned (evidenced by continual screaming to hear the lake echo and lots of profanities) We didn't want to put up with this noise, but decided to wait in hopes they would settle down. After a few hours and no end to the constant racket, they started shooting firearms into the lake. (Don't ever do that as bullets ricochet off water.) Discretion being the better part of valor, we broke camp and made it back to the car before dark. Great hike, spectacular visuals, great weather, bad neighbors.