Sleeping in is something I rarely do when I go backpacking. I am usually up early and on the trail early. But after the monster day we had on the ridge section, both Chad and myself did not get up till after 8, and we took our time packing up as we were both a little worse for wear in the stiffness department from the previous days push. We did make it on the trail before 9 AM, and the sun was up and it was warm. We made the climb to the small pass above North Furlong which gave us views looking back at Wines Peak and North Furlong Lake. We were also treated to a more familiar side of the Ruby Mountains as the peaks in sight were just how I imagined them. The descent off this pass was some steep but short switchbacks that put you into the first real tree cover I have had on this trail since South Fork Smitth Creek night one. When you haven't had shade for two days it really stands out when you are walking in it. The trail bends a little to the North East as it connects with Farve Lake.
We arrived to Farve Lake and there were some dayhikers in fishing the west end. We took the Farve Lake Trail around the south side to the east end. I was a little concerned with the Tenkara rod as it was much more full than I previously remember. It was harder to get to deeper water. I eventually settled in a spot and it was Fish On! As fast action at this lake as I remember from last time I was here in the Ruby's! After a couple of hours of fish after fish, we moved up to Liberty Lake. On our way there is a heart shaped rock and a unbelievable view of Lake Peak and Farve Lake. We eventually made it up to Liberty Lake and found a camp and set up.
I took some time to hand wash my sun shirt, (My night shirt is a UPF 50 shirt as well, but is warmer and more insulating) and hat of all my sweat and salts and then laid them out to dry. I decided to go fishing while I waited and I had some good luck for some pan fryer Brookies at Liberty Lake. This lake was very busy being a Thursday and most of the camp spots were taken up. We managed to get one of the last spots but we for sure had neighbors. I didn't mind so much, but if you are looking for solitude I suggest Farve or Castle Lake where we were earlier fishing. Evening set in and the sun painted quite the picture of Lake Peak. We had a nice evening in camp, then I waited till dark to shoot the Milky Way. I also got a nice shot with the Big Dipper of my tent lit up by my Luci light. I turned in shortly after for the last night on the trip.
Morning came, and with it came the bugs! Worst bugs of the trip! We made haste packing up and got on the trail early. Once we got above the lake the bugs seemed to vanish. We took in the views, shot some photography, and moved on the trail. Coming over Liberty Pass we were greeted with a view of Lamoille Lake and Lamoille Canyon! I could see my Jeep down there! We made the descent from the pass and it was a really nice hike on this side! So green this year! We passed many hikers and backpackers who were heading into the Liberty area for the weekend. Most of them seemed shocked we had just done the whole Ruby Crest Trail. Eventually after a massive bloom of my favorite wildflower, Fireweed I was walking up to the lot! 5 days, 4 nights, 40 miles, 10,000 feet of vert, and an adventure of a lifetime! It was great to see my vehicle and I made the change for the long drive back to Salt Lake. What an amazing trail! Different than the Highline because there is not much tree cover between sections and the temps are a tad warmer. But almost as much elevation gain as in just over half the miles! Enjoy the pics and make sure you watch my Episode III video linked below! More adventures to come!
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