Please see blog post for detailed pictures! When I sat down to write this, and contemplate whether I should write a trip report or just the usual self-reflection post, I ultimately decided to combine them both to remain true to who I am as a writer. I am making an effort to capture some of the emotional side of this trip and its affect on me, while remaining able to sprinkle in some technical (and hopefully helpful) information about the trail. However, most of what you read will contain, at times, a crazy interpretation of my perspective several days after it occurred. Day 1: My Shoulders Hurt While the journey technically began in Tacoma, my adrenaline isn’t triggered until I reach the forest road. It may sound trivial, but it’s the truth. My excitement is moderate and well hidden at this point. After a short stint on Skate Creek Road, my trekking companion and I, Brenda, reached NF-84 to begin our journey to the trailhead. NF-84 intersects with NF-8410 a little over a mile in which led us to the trailhead. This point of the trail is actually a portion of the Osborne Mountain Trail, which I will conquer another day. Not much to note on the road up besides two washouts, one of which I do not recommend any low-clearance vehicles. My Tacoma made it over fine, but had my undies in a bunch as I do not have 4WD. Anyway, we made it through and safely reached the trailhead. Setting off on the trail, it does not take long to hit Pothole Lake, the first of four for the first day of trekking. And quite frankly, it only took about ten minutes to reach it. Though small in stature, it was a beautiful sight and only left me wanting more bodies of water to gawk at and daydream of the trip. The weather was sunny and warm and expected to be stellar the entire weekend. Unfortunately, I failed to pack my camera battery, but was able to utilize my GoPro and phone for some visual documentation of our journey. Pothole Lake © 2015 Dick Laser Pothole Lake © 2015 Dick Laser day 1 full Day 1 Around Pothole Lake the trail began to climb a bit, crossing an unidentified creek and waterfall that was subdued by rocks and surrounded by Devil’s Club, the ass-kicker of shrubs that one must not use for stabilizing themselves when scrambling, but if you must, wear some gloves unless you are fond of slivers and such. It’s all part of the journey though! We crossed the creek/fall and continued on to reach our first minor switchback in which I was quietly gasping for air and hoping I didn’t look like a complete fool having to rest at the top of every other turn. After all, Brenda and I had literally just met not 45 minutes prior to this adventure, even though we have spoken many times online. In any event, I was hyper-aware of my skill level upon encountering those switchbacks. I’m unsure where I shared my perspective on mindfulness and my current interest in pursuing it on an academic level, but this and every trip I go on is a perfect time to be present and practice this concept. Moreover, the time it took us to reach our goal directly reflects the fact that we mindfully trekked this route. We indeed paid some mind to mindfulness, so I will not be sharing the total travel time. Ha! On our way we caught a glimpse of Mount Rainier in all of her glory, peeking at us through the tall trees. Tahoma is nothing short of amazing every time I see her.Having made it through my first heavy-breathing fit and excessive sweating, we reached Bertha May Lake. These first three lakes are not very far apart, and for that I am grateful. This allowed me to be distracted from my panting and cool down a bit as we stopped at Bertha May and photographed a bit. Back on the trail, we were surprised to learn that Granite Lake was only a short distance from Bertha May and equally, if not more beautiful than the last. This caused to once again drop our packs and check it out. Brenda wandered off to photograph while I calmly scolded myself for forgetting my camera battery. {Granite Pic, Packs) I never have fully forgiven myself for the battery blunder, but at least I know it will never be forgotten again. Granite Lake provided blue/green views and a stunning glimpse of the Sawtooth peaks. Appearing to be sandy, the shore was welcoming and begged me to take a dip. I politely refused. The remainder of the hike from Granite to Cora Lake, our final destination for the day, was peppered with slight glimpses of Rainier, prompting us to comment how they should have built the trail lower, or higher, but what do we know? There were times along the way where the discussion led to mindfulness and it’s relationship or applicability to hiking. Not only because of my fitness level, but also because of my spiritual interests, I take great pride in being able to honestly and genuinely be present in situations. Even more so when I hit the trail. While our first leg of 4.85 miles was a sluggish and an embarrassingly long one (depending on perspective), it was fruitful in the sense that we had a goal and we achieved that goal. We were able to be fully present in a·short distance, not having to rush to the goal. Taking in the scenery with a different kind of appreciation and enjoying every minute of it. Genuinely. Patiently.Through the trees, dipping down and around, we reach Cora Lake. This lake sits nestled below High Rock lookout, and after viewing various maps, we ended up camping at the appropriately named High Rock Campground. Some kind folks left us a salty nitrate-filled canned ham treat who must have had their fair-share of sodium fits prior to our arrival. They also left a nice wholesome can of corn, to which we did not consume. Stupid corn (I actually like corn). We made camp, settled in, and discovered some healthy frogs sprawled out, bathing happily in the sun, floating without a care in the world. According to Brenda, the self-proclaimed Waterfall Chaser, camp must be made near it’s hypnotizing timbre. I fully agreed with this approach and gleefully followed her Iead. I was not disappointed in the least. The sound of the falls were terrific and I wouldn’t have it any other way, honestly. Upon further examination of the area map, the falls were fed by Cora lake thus forming Big Creek. We explored the falls and creek, I meditated on an earthy seat of rock as water flowed beneath me. It was one of the most Zen moments I have experienced in quite awhile. The opportunity to reflect on my week, my role In all of my relationships, and that very moment fully defined why I enter the wilderness with an open heart and peaceful mind. We returned to camp, snacked, chatted some more and eventually turned in early. As l prepared for my wild slumber, I had no idea how much I would learn about myself over the the next three days. Awesome. Day 2: Fancy Boots & Poker Sticks To begin day 2, I awoke from a light tapping on my head by Brenda outside my tent, politely coaxing me from my stone-like, ancient foam sleeping pad. I cleared the fog from my head and prepared for the day. Early in our trip, perhaps days before we set off, we spoke about visiting High Rock. So, day two consisted of backtracking on the trail to Cora Lake and taking its intersection leading to a short stint on NF-8440 and eventually to the High Rock trailhead. Although this was my third time up to High Rock, I never hesitate to plan trips at or around this beautiful lookout. I was pleased to wake up to Brenda seeking to hike from camp to High Rock as it is a destination not to be missed if you’re in the Gifford Pinchot. Upon setting off up the deceivingly short trail, I resumed intense huffing and puffing as I usually do on this trail. Not too many folks were on the trail, but by the time we descended the forest road lot was nearly full. A perfect destination for a perfect day. What ultimately made my day on our descent was the fella who looked slightly underprepared, stating to us as he looked us over, “I need to get me some of them fancy boots and some poker sticks.” Indeed, the boots and poles do help a bit if I do say so myself. What else to say about High Rock. Stunning views, steep and short walk up a rock face, and sheer drops. Moreover, you can see Cora Lake from the lookout. Too bad we couldn't have base-jumped back to camp. Someday. The descent from High Rock back to camp was glorious and as soon as we hit camp I collapsed and took a power nap. Still kicking myself for forgetting my battery and failing to bring a fishing pole, the frogs and jumping fish taunted me into an introspective dwelling on how I will never forget either of those key items again (at least the battery, anyway). Brenda had another Bear Grylls moment and left camp to further explore the area. Though I highly doubt she ate any grubs or pulled a fish from the lake to take a bite out of it. Tired, reflective, and experiencing a deep sense of purpose and confidence, I took the remainder of the day to summarize just how much I learned about myself and my travel companion, Brenda. Before setting out on this trip I had pretty much no experience backpacking. Though it was a small trip, I have really only car-camped and set out on day hikes in the past. Climbed St. Helens recently, but that’s about it for intensity. Brenda readily shared her knowledge, coined by me as Brenda-Knows-Best, and for that I am truly grateful. Going into this adventure I was unsure of myself beyond the typical day hike. Emerging from the trailhead back to the truck, and several days after, I carry a newfound sense of confidence, new gear knowledge, hiking-hacks, and the confidence that I can now venture out on my own and find a camp, drink from streams, survive. Day 3: Return Home Its difficult to sum it up, but what Brenda shared with me is invaluable and for that I am forever grateful. Our hike back to the forest road was different in its dynamic in the sense that we hiked further apart, relaxed, partly because of our reluctance to return to our adult lives, but we made good time and collectively shared the feeling that our weekend was amazing. Until next time, be safe on the trails and take time to enjoy the wilderness.

Two years ago on a sunny Sunday in mid-September, I made my first visit to Sawtooth Ridge area soutwest of Mt. Rainier park, going to High Rock. This time it was another sunny Sunday in mid-September, but this time I chose a different trail. Only this one had one-fifth as many cars or people -- we met just one other party of three people and dogs each. And while it didn't have the view you get from High Rock, it did provide three good-sized lakes in a 3- to 4- mile round-trip hike. The trail started by skirting a clearcut (but giving views of Mt. Rainier as compensation), rounded lower Bertha May lake (the smallest of the three), and met the Osborne Mountain trail (I think) at about 3/4 mile. Another 1/2 mile with some steep uphill led to the second and larger of the Bertha May lakes. Although this had the roomiest shoreline spot that we encountered, we continued another half-mile or so to check out the third and largest of the trio, Granite Lake, where we encountered the forementioned one other party of the day. Here also the High Rock lookout came into view far above. The shoreline of both upper lakes were swarming with tadpoles. If you are so inclined, you could continue another 3.5 miles on the trail to a fourth lake (Cora Lake). We weren't. The Forest Service report appears to say that we couldn't have made it anyway. One reason for the lack of people might be finding the trailhead. The turnoff to the High Rock turnoff from FR 52 does say ""Teeley Creek trail"" -- but that's as much direction as you get. Luckily I had a map showing we needed to turn on road #8410 after 1.5 miles, but even then I had to double back and look hard to spot the sign saying ""8410"".