This time, four of us made a trek to Crystal Lakes. Having arrived at the trailhead around 10:30 AM, we made our way up the switchbacks. The day started out rather pleasant, a bit warm in the mid 70's, when we caught glimpses of Rainier through the few clear areas for viewing, there were always clouds surrounding it's summit. Not far beyond the junction to Crystal Peak, the patches of snow started and once out of the thicker forest, there was more covering the ground than not, Lower Crystal Lake was thawed out, but Upper was almost still ice and snow covered. We were seated upon a fairly large rock, above the upper lake shore and watching clouds build to the north and east of us during our quite elaborate (by trail standards) feast. Before long the thunder was booming near by, but the rain did not reach our location. Wildlife showed little presence, outside a begging Gray Jay and chipmunks, one of whom started shreading an unattended trekking pole wrist strap. Over all, this nice hike for the day and not many other folks were here to enjoy this one with us.
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