Bugs. If I needed to sum up the trip in one word, it would be bugs. I have never, in my many years of backpacking, encountered mosquitoes like this. They were absolutely unbearable. If you stood still for more than one second, you'd have five on you. At the end of the trip I had over 40 countable bites from them, and I was wearing long sleeve gear. If you sat in the tent, they'd swarm the mesh and wait for you to leave.
Other than the bugs, the hike was nice. There was no snow on the trail, and the meandering through the valley is a good lead up to the climb. At times the trail is quite steep on the way up and requires hands to pull yourself a bit. Honestly, other than the bugs this is a fantastic hike, and I can't help but think we went at a horrible time for them. Really nice views looking out over the ridges, and the lake, though small, is nestled into a glacial bowl that has a cozy feel to it. Some people were swimming in it, though I didn't dare take my shirt off for fear of being eaten alive.
If I try this hike again I'll be sure to bring a flamethrower.
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