I got the opportunity to do a point to point hike of the Notch Trail this month. It is something I have wanted to do for quite sometime. Thanks to my friend Michael, who I did the Highline Trail with for the shuttle to Bald Mountain Pass. I headed in for a short first day to Dean Lake. There were a few deadfalls on the trail, but not as many as the previous trip. The meadows were so green and the flowers were just beginning to get going! I did not start till 3 pm, so I made Day 1 my short day and only had to do about 3 miles to my first camp. I passed Clegg Lake and then it was down to Dean for the night.
After getting things set for the night I went out to the lake to do some fishing. I had a couple of bites, but alas nothing landed. The sunset was very nice but the bugs really kicked up. I got my fire going. It was a beautiful clear night with the stars and the Milky Way bright overhead!. I eventually turned in for a good night sleep.
Morning of Day 2 came and so did the bugs! I made a pretty hasty pack of camp and got on the trail. I passed Notch Lake, then Bench Lake, then I moved onto the section of trail on this route that I have never hiked before. There were some really nice views, and some areas that looked like they had not seen another human in a number of seasons. I also saw a USGS survey marker which is unusual for a trail like this. It descended pretty steep then I had to gain all of that elevation back to climb up to Ibantik Lake. I wanted to fish here, but the wind was so strong I just had my lunch and topped off the water. I moved up past Lovenia Lake then up on the Notch. It was so windy up here, but that means no bugs! I spent a good hour up there just to enjoy breathing without them bothering me!
After enjoying the Notch, I made my way down to Twin Lakes for a break and some fishing. After about three casts I had one on. I hooked into a couple of more, but alas they got off. I then put the pack back on and made the short climb up to John Lake to set camp for the night. The wind was blowing hard so the skeeters were not around! After getting camp set I went out for some fishing. I hooked into something huge, but it got off on the way in! Bummer! Had a couple of more hits but no luck on any of them. Evening came in and I retired to my tent for a episode of Alone while I waited for the skeeters to go away after dark. Once the coast was clear, I got out, set up my camera, and let it run a Milky Way Timelapse while I ate my dinner. Then it was off to bed. I did not even want a fire. I just wanted to sleep.
Day 3 came and I was up and packed quickly because the skeeters were that bad! I had prepacked most of my gear so it was just get dressed and stuff it all in the pack. There was a chance of rain in the forecast so I made haste to move along and finish this hike off. 7 AM on this section was quiet and peaceful. The lower I got, the less the mosquitoes caused a problem. I eventually made it to the overfloow lot for the Crystal Lake TH and my journey was complete! 13 miles, 3 days, 2 nights, and about 1,800 feet of vert on this point to point trail. Enjoy the pics and check out my YouTube video from this adventure! More adventures to come!
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