Backpacking Gothic Basin
July 16 - 17, 2005
We set out late on July 16, hoping that the forecast was right--for sunbreaks in the afternoon, following a morning of showers. We got neither sunbreaks nor showers, but instead got a cool overcast day and occasional fog.
The trail up to Gothic Basin is short--only 5.5 miles to Foggy Lake--but murderous. Sections of the trail are so steep and rocky that at one point Eric said without irony, "I think we're hiking up the waterfall, not the trail." He was right, but it was an easy mistake to make.
We arrived in Gothic Basin unable to see the full glory of what was obviously a gorgeous area. Not until we awoke at 11:30 at night were we treated to a full view of Del Campo Peak, bathed in moonlight above our campsite on a crystal clear night. Dawn brought a clear day and revealed just how exceedingly lovely our site was nestled on a finger of rocky land between the north side of Foggy Lake and a small adjacent pool. We spent the morning happily rock-hopping and bounding around the basin shooting dozens of photos. Truly one of the most scenic locations we've encountered anywhere.
Another night in the basin would have been better, but responsibility called and we reluctantly shouldered our packs and headed back down the "trail." Everyone in Seattle must have been desperate for summer's late arrival because the trail was packed with day hikers coming up (though only one or two other parties shared the basin with us the night before). Most of the hikers looked even hotter and more miserable than we had the day before. Back down at the Sauk River, Eric jumped in for an icy swim and we were back at the car soon thereafter.
A mist shrouded waterfall on the way up.
Jill makes her way up the steep rocky trail, enjoying the blazing hot Northwest summer.
At camp Jill relaxes with a mug of wine and mimics Edna from The Incredibles, while showing off a new backpacking feature--the Thermarest chair (courtesy of Elliot). Eric was green with envy.
It's the dawn of a stunning day at our campsite.
Eric went for a solo ramble around the basin in the early morning.
Can you find our tent in this picture? Is this not the most beautiful campsite on earth? We thought so.
Eric enjoys his morning tea, still marvelling at the campsite we selected. Behind him is the Gothic Peak cluster, which we renamed the "George Spires," in honor of our cat. The George Spires, from left to right, are: Gothic Fox, Bobrat Pinnacle, Le Rouge Chimney, and Fink Ledge.
Looking northeast out of Gothic Basin toward the Monte Christo range. The morning sun casts the mountains into sharp relief.
One of a million breathtaking vistas in the basin.
And another.
Looking east out of Foggy Lake.
Eric revels in the scenery at Foggy Lake and Del Campo Peak -- why, why, why must we leave?
Jill pauses at the doorway to the basin, swearing to return very soon. (Later, after navigating the precipitous trail, she would renege on that promise.)
On the way down, Jill pauses to bask in one of the waterfalls.
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