What a fun adventure. Took the mornings first gondola up Crystal Mountain, and enjoyed some people free time gazing across the valley to the big girl. From there, took the Silver Creek Trail down into the valley. Trail is in great shape, minus the small avalanche area below chair 6 - where a huge snow lake still lingers. Found my way to Elizabeth lake just as the rain started, looking for a shelter spot, found Crystal Mountains Cache #4 in an old stump. From there made my way to Henskin Lake Jr and tossed a fly. Plenty of scrappy little brookies and plenty of mosquitos in the meadow. Packed up the pole and made my way passed Lower Henskin Lake and up the Bear Gap connector trail. From here it is fairly short, but a steep, rocky climb to the gap. Wildflowers are really making a showing now. Headed south on the PCT because I wanted to check out Placer Lake, then ended up turning around at Sourdough gap cause I'd never been.
Few folks at Sourdough gap, empty trials most of the day. Never fails to amaze that I run into people on the trials that have no idea where they are or where they are going, especially on Crystal Mountain as there are side trials everywhere. Just a reminder to be aware as you look at this magnificent area.
Be safe people.
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